My response to Beth Deisher on the ICTA/PNG grading service survey, I welcome your input.
wingedliberty
Posts: 4,805 ✭✭✭
Dear Beth:
With respect to your recent editorial in Coin World regarding the "unscientific" survey that was done
by ICTA /PNG on the grading services that dominate our hobby today, you pointed out that the results
would have had more impact on the collector and average coin consumer if they have been done in a
more scientific way and if the participants of the survey did not have such strong affiliations with PCGS/
NGC/ Collectors Universe/ and close subsidiaries. I believe that this statement contradicts your previous editorials and those of your staff writers. In recent issues, senior ANACS graders Michael
Fahey and Randy Cambell warned readers of "quasi" grading services that did not carry guarantees
of authenticity and did not have the same reputation and consistency that ANACS,PCGS , and NGC carry.
Trends editor Stuart Sagan also warned of this. These conclusions are the result of their participation
and experience in the industry and are the general concensus of the true collector. The free market
dictates how collectors, dealers, and consumers feel about the grading services based on marketing,
their personal experience as well as the most IMPORTANT FACTOR!!!.WHICH IS QUALITY!
These feeling and experiences are translated into prices realized and bid in the blue sheet and other relevant pricing sources. It boils down to this, no matter how scientic the survey is, If ACG, PCI, ICG, and SEGS put out a superior product, than no matter how strong the marketing was by ANACS, PCGS, and NGC, eventually the free market would translate into the lesser services becoming more dominant, as numismatists would vote with their pocketbook. Instead of bickering and complaining, ACG, PCI, ICG, and SEGS should learn how to grade and improve their service, until that happens, ANACS,NGC, and PCGS will always dominate regardless of surveys and marketing.
Best regards,
Brian Ostro
With respect to your recent editorial in Coin World regarding the "unscientific" survey that was done
by ICTA /PNG on the grading services that dominate our hobby today, you pointed out that the results
would have had more impact on the collector and average coin consumer if they have been done in a
more scientific way and if the participants of the survey did not have such strong affiliations with PCGS/
NGC/ Collectors Universe/ and close subsidiaries. I believe that this statement contradicts your previous editorials and those of your staff writers. In recent issues, senior ANACS graders Michael
Fahey and Randy Cambell warned readers of "quasi" grading services that did not carry guarantees
of authenticity and did not have the same reputation and consistency that ANACS,PCGS , and NGC carry.
Trends editor Stuart Sagan also warned of this. These conclusions are the result of their participation
and experience in the industry and are the general concensus of the true collector. The free market
dictates how collectors, dealers, and consumers feel about the grading services based on marketing,
their personal experience as well as the most IMPORTANT FACTOR!!!.WHICH IS QUALITY!
These feeling and experiences are translated into prices realized and bid in the blue sheet and other relevant pricing sources. It boils down to this, no matter how scientic the survey is, If ACG, PCI, ICG, and SEGS put out a superior product, than no matter how strong the marketing was by ANACS, PCGS, and NGC, eventually the free market would translate into the lesser services becoming more dominant, as numismatists would vote with their pocketbook. Instead of bickering and complaining, ACG, PCI, ICG, and SEGS should learn how to grade and improve their service, until that happens, ANACS,NGC, and PCGS will always dominate regardless of surveys and marketing.
Best regards,
Brian Ostro
0
Comments
I don't think I could have said it better.
Registry 1909-1958 Proof Lincolns
not had any complaints. What planet is she living on?
Brian.
For the Morgan collectors - The Morgan and Peace encyclopedia by Van Allen and Mallis
What would your slabbed coins be worth if the grading services went out of business? What would your coins be worth if the Internet was taken offline for good?
wrong.
Brian.
For the Morgan collectors - The Morgan and Peace encyclopedia by Van Allen and Mallis
What would your slabbed coins be worth if the grading services went out of business? What would your coins be worth if the Internet was taken offline for good?