PCGS expands services to Asia

In a major expansion of its international services and activities, the Professional Coin Grading Service division of Collectors Universe, Inc. has established a Hong Kong-based authentication and grading operation. The new Asia venture will be known as Collectors Universe (Hong Kong) Ltd.

Author:
NMN
Publish date:
Jan 6, 2012

PCGS’s ability to authenticate and grade coins in Hong Kong will eliminate the time-consuming customs issues inherent in sending coins to the U.S. to be authenticated and graded.

PCGS officials say there’s increasing acceptance and need in Asia for impartial, independent certification of rare coins to provide reliable protection against counterfeiting and provide confidence and security for collectors and dealers when they buy or sell.

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“World coin grading has become an important part of PCGS’ business,” said Donald E. Williams, PCGS president. “As collectors around the world understand the benefits of third-party grading, more and more of them are seeking it out and insisting on it before they purchase a rare coin.”

During the past several years, Muriel Eymery, PCGS vice president and director of international business development, has met with numerous leaders in the Asian coin market.

“We have been working with many dealers and collectors from China as well as Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and surrounding countries,” said Eymery. “We have been planning this expansion in Asia for months and decided Hong Kong is the right place to begin.

“The first public appearance of Collectors Universe (Hong Kong) Ltd. will be at the Hong Kong Coin Convention and Antique Watch Fair, April 6-8, 2012. PCGS will provide on-site authentication and grading at the show as well as during pre-show activities and auctions.”

PCGS announced its expansion into Hong Kong during a presentation at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando Jan. 6.

In May 2010, it successfully opened an office in Paris, France, as part of the company’s increasing international services.

Specific information about submitting coins to the Hong Kong office and in conjunction with the Hong Kong coin convention in the spring will be announced later this month. Information also will be available online at www.pcgsglobal.com and by email at info@pcgsglobal.com.