An interesting letter was published in a recent issue of Numismatic News written by James Taylor, ICG Vice-President of customer satisfaction. It's rather lengthly, so bear with me. I have only posted the portion of Mr. Taylor's letter up to his released statement in quotes. The rest of the letter was a self-serving attempt at promoting his product (while downgrading his competitor's product) without paying for advertising space (in my opinion). For those wishing to read the complete text of Mr. Taylor's letter, I direct you to the January 2nd issue of Numismatic News Letters To The Editor.

ICG DETECTS TAMPERING

"This letter explains the conditions regarding the annonymous sabotage of Independent Coin Grading Company's new Intercept Shield holders.

These coins and coin holders were tampered with and sent to the American Numismatic Association in an attempt to sabotage the credibility of ICG's new Intercept Shield holders. The following summary of the independent test proves this tampering.

Independent test confirmed ICG's original findings tha the ICG Intercept holders had been tampered. Tests on the tampered Lincoln Cents reveal
* Green area of hydrolyzed crystal (consistent with being left in liquid for a long period of time)
*An evident dip line on the coin
*Mat etched portion Acetic dip in air
*Fingerprint on the reverse of one coin
*Etched area revealed exposed grain boundaries, an indication of severe acid etching
*Etched area also revealed crystal consistent with exposure to liquid water for a long time

ICG is releasing the following statement: "It is almost ridiculous to have to respond to those who have illegally atttempted to sabotage our firm. This act reveals that there is someone out there so focused on stopping the most revolutionary product to enter the numismatic markets in decades that they would maliciously sabotage ICG and collectors who want superior protection for their coins."

"The world of third-party grading has been permanently changed with the introduction of this product developed by Lucent Technologies Bell Labs. We encourage all collectors to protect their coins with either the new ICG Intercept Shieled holders or the new Intercept Shield albums being sold by coin dealers nationwide."

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