If you have an inexpensive encapsulated coin, such as a proof clad dime or circulated war nickel, that is labeled "SAMPLE", think twice before giving it away or breaking it out of its holder. Originally distributed free to collectors and dealers, these "sample slabs" have an active secondary market, with many desirable varieties commanding $100, $200, or more. Still the leading book on this young numismatic subject, SAMPLE SLABS covers sample, promotional, club, show, luncheon, novelty, and young numismatist coin holders. In 2025, the known number of types is over 1,500, with more new ones and old ones being discovered almost daily. This shows the massive increase in the creation of sample slabs, but some of the growth is in newly discovered types released as much as 15 years ago, hiding in plain sight all this time. Volume 1 covers NCS, NGC, and PCGS and includes almost 1,000 types. Volume 2 will cover the other forty grading companies that we know have issued samples. Each type is organized, discussed, and, most importantly, has an accurate value based on a decade-long detailed market study. The pricing information, found nowhere else, gives the reader an advantage in the sample marketplace and is by itself worth the price of the book. If you have any interest in samples or grading services, or want to learn to cherrypick samples hiding in plain sight, you will find this catalog an essential reference to add to your numismatic library.