I had a little time yesterday, so I called Mr. Katz of Katz Coins, Palmdale, California to discuss his plans for slabbing silver strikes. He confirmed that this was indeed about to happen and that the dies (his words) had been made to allow the slabbing of strikes and that the process would probably be in full swing within the next six weeks. The slabbing will only be available for $10-sized strikes because of the high cost of the dies. He intends to use a coin-grading company or companies because strikes are akin to coins and would easily translate to the same grading system (ie 1-70). I explained that strikes aren't proofs, and we spoke about that for a while. I informed him that there were no special pressings and at best, strikes might be called proof-like, but that didn't change the grading system.

Mr. Katz was looking for a numerical system he could employ to identify the strikes but I told him that Marv Weaver and Archie Black had posted denials of permission to use their numbers. He then asked if Janice O'Neal was still preparing her silver strike list. (She is.) But I suggested that he probably wouldn't have much luck there either. He indicated that he didn't plan to approach Art Becker. Then he wanted to know about my plans for a book about Nevada strikes. (None.)

So, for right now, he has no numbering system.

That doesn't mean no slabbing, because he said he had a substantial investment. His projected cost for grading and slabbing will be about $20. Mr. Katz believes that the slabbing will only attract the rare and expensive strikes, like the Flamingo Rockettes and that once the grading and slabbing process begins, many new investors will be eager to purchase strikes. The grading system will allow people to tell the difference between an MS-70 and an MS-69 and so forth for the first time.

I informed Mr. Katz that there was a rather significant number of collectors who were pledged to combat slabs (me included) and he indicated that he was aware of that movement but that he intended to proceed and was thinking of setting up at the convention next year.He does not intend to sell strikes, only the slabbing service.

Of course, I am not able to either recall or relate the entire conversation but I have tried to be as fair and accurate as possible.