Purpose

TPGAudit documents observable grading, attribution, labeling, and holder-integrity inconsistencies in third-party numismatic encapsulation. Each case represents an independently identifiable discrepancy between what a holder label states and what the encapsulated coin or holder condition indicates.

Inclusion Criteria

A case is included in TPGAudit when all of the following conditions are met:

• The discrepancy is supported by visible evidence, such as coin images, holder labels, or slab data
• The inconsistency is objectively identifiable by reference to published numismatic standards, catalog records, or physical characteristics
• The observation is specific and reproducible — another informed reviewer examining the same evidence would reach the same conclusion

Exclusions

The following are explicitly excluded from documentation:

• Grading opinion disputes — reasonable disagreements about numeric grade assignment are not documented as errors
• Unverifiable claims — reports lacking sufficient visual or reference evidence are not included
• Hearsay or secondhand reports — all entries must be traceable to observable evidence

Classification System

Each case is classified along three dimensions:

Category

Defines the nature of the documented inconsistency:

• Attribution Error — incorrect identification of country, denomination, date, ruler, or type
• Format Error — non-standard or malformed label data (e.g. grade display anomalies)
• Material Misclassification — incorrect composition or color designation
• QC Failure — holder integrity issues, label-coin mismatches, or physical defects in encapsulation

Severity

Reflects the degree of impact on identification accuracy and market reliability:

• Critical — fundamental misidentification; the labeled coin and encapsulated coin appear to be entirely different items
• High — significant attribution error affecting type, denomination, or date accuracy
• Medium — notable inconsistency in labeling or classification that may affect interpretation
• Low — minor formatting or presentation issue with limited practical impact

Pattern Group

When multiple cases share a common error type or structural similarity, they are assigned to a pattern group. Pattern groups are used to identify recurring inconsistencies across different coins, dates, or certification events. The presence of a pattern group does not imply a single root cause — it indicates observable structural similarity.

Evidence Tiers

Each case is assigned an evidence tier indicating the level of supporting documentation:

• Tier 1: Direct visual evidence — the case includes photographic evidence of the label, coin, or holder that directly demonstrates the documented inconsistency
• Tier 2: Reported, pending full verification — the case is based on credible reporting or partial evidence and is awaiting additional visual confirmation

Language Standards

Case descriptions use qualified language to reflect what is observable rather than what is assumed. Standard phrasing includes "appears to," "is inconsistent with," and "appears consistent with" to distinguish documented observation from definitive determination. TPGAudit does not make absolute claims about intent or causation.

Neutrality Statement

This site documents observable inconsistencies. It does not determine intent or assign fault. All cases are presented as factual observations supported by evidence. TPGAudit is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or adversarial toward any third-party grading service.