Cheapest grading fee
Halfpence
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I'm looking to have a $1 gold liberty graded soon. I'm not a member of any coin grading organization. Is ANACS my cheapest option at $46 ($20 for grading and $26 for return shipping)?
Thx!
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ICG might be a couple of dollars cheaper but it's negligible, your best bet would probably be to piggyback on a local dealer's submission. It might cost less if they use economy and you don't have to pay the full shipping, and in addition it would likely be a more reputable service (PCGS, NGC).
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Or you could join PCGS and get some vouchers for some submissions
I've piggybacked on my dealers submission, but its still not inexpensive for 1 coin. If you can get a few together the shipping works in your favor.
My current registry sets:
20th Century Type Set
Virtual DANSCO 7070
Slabbed IHC set - Missing the Anacs Slabbed coins
Without being a paid member of any grading service, I'd say yes. It's a reputable company, shorter turnaround time plus excellent costumer service!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
The local dealer charges $50 a coin for NGC and he usually sends them in economy, so there usually isn't an advantage getting dealers to do it. Anacs has a special, but they have a minimum. ICG is $15 a coin and they'll let you provide the shipping label or send it usps priority if you want. NGC and PCGS with gold coins will be at least $35 or so plus an invoice fee plus shipping.
Something to keep in mind other than initial "cheapest" is subsequent market liquidity and value. I don't know what grade range you have for your coin or if the coin is a better date or not, but some grading services yield additional liquidity and or final value, depending upon issue and grade, when a coin is finally sold.
So, one company might be the "cheapest" for upfront certification, but later on you may realize less (or much less, depending upon the coin). Keep that in mind.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Cheapest is not always best.
Can we get some good pics of your gold dollar? If you will be attending a larger coin show in the future, you may be able to drop it off for grading and save some money on shipping costs.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I'd agree it depends entirely on the coin. A common coin where establishing authenticity is vital and getting a grade on it so at least you have a better idea of value would be the objective; if you post some pictures advice could be on point. Any rare or near gem gold coin should be sent to the top two companies. An example of a common gold coin I recently sent in: a $2 1/2 Indian that graded as a marginal Unc. at ICG. Whether AU58, MS60 or so very little in the way of spread but there are too many fakes out there to take a chance. An MS63 and above and collectors generally want PCGS or NGC though a local higher volume dealer I know uses Anacs.
I do all my coin submissions at Baltimore shows. PCGS and NGC are always there, and usually others. I usually have a dozen or more coins to submit, three times a year. I like not having to pay shipping both ways. So, unless you can't wait for a nearby show to come along (plus the month or two it can take to get your coins back), it's the way to go.
Collector of Liberty Seated Half Dimes, including die pairs and die states
ICG sent me this holiday voucher for one coin.
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )