PCGS vs NGC

tracker

Yes, I realize we are in the PCGS forums (but don't let that affect your answer). My Questions: #1. Between PCGS and NGC, is one just a shade easier to deal with? #2. Does one or the other seem to undeservably "bodybag" more often? #3. As far as the perks, I see NGC offers $150 in free submissions... What is PCGS's leader to get you to join?



I know that for many it simply a matter of personal preference and for others... because PCGS generally brings a few dollars more in resale. Then again for some, maybe they have only submitted to one service and are comfortable staying there.

For those of you that have submitted to both services, which one overall seems just a bit better?

If you are not comfortable stating a preference, then maybe clue me in on a few of the downsides of one or both services?

wallstreetman

Here we go again!

hookedoncoins

Is it me, or has this issue been posted over and over time and again? As for me, I have never submitted to either service, but in my eyes both services are about the same... they both have the same guarantee... the both have roughly the same standards... they both have the registry... I just like the way PCGS holders look, personally.

-Jarrett Roberts

tracker

I don't mean to open a can of worms... I have personally never submitted to a grading service and would like the barebone facts. If one or the other unreasonably shoots down submissions, etc... more so than the other, I'd really like to know. Just the facts........

crito

I haven't had any customer support probs out of PCGS, really don't know what the NGC dust sniffers are ranting about (as opposed to us kool-aid drinkers, hehe.) Also haven't gotten any bodybags yet (but I don't submit monster toned Morgans either.) And the submission fee discounts for gold/plat club members is an OK perk, I guess. Doesn't really save me much on modern US coins, to be honest, but the world economy service at $15 is a good deal... PCI, ICG and NTC charge same or more for darkside stuff (ANACS is the only decent alternative.) But really, I just like PCGS plastic better (gasp.) Don't get shadows off the insert that make my cameo proofs look like they have frost breaks, for one thing. Plus the whole design, inner capsule, semi-transparent slab and label without gaudy fonts and fancy frills (like the marble on ICG's) just looks "clean" to me (for lack of a better word.)

fcloud

I don't think there is a right answer here. Both are top notch companies. For some odd reason PCGS graded coins seem to bring higher dollars, but not always. Some prefer one over the other and some by the coin and don't worry about who's holder its in.

RegistryCoin

#1. Between PCGS and NGC, is one just a shade easier to deal with? #2. Does one or the other seem to undeservably "bodybag" more often? #3. As far as the perks, I see NGC offers $150 in free submissions...

#1. I have found pcgs to be easier to deal with.
#2. I've never received a body bag from either service.
#3. Only joined one, that being ngc, used the submissions for errors, was an ana member again for another one year period, end of story.

wallstreetman

I buy the coin and use PCGS to back me up, sometimes you need help, so you dont end up in a bodybag!
By the way, I have never used NGC!

DHeath

Tracker,

I'm going to blaspheme and tell you that your question indicates a self-imposed thought prison. It isn't which is better or which should I use. You should be familiar with both, and with ANACS. All three have strengths in certain areas, and each is a quality company with good staff and good reputations, and despite collector grumblings, all three offer reasonable service. Limiting yourself to one service severely limits your options. I am a PCGS member and a member of NGCs collectors club, and submit to all three services. I try to choose the service that will do the best job with my coin.

PCGS - Great with moderns, and good with most others. Many early copper guys don't care for their grading, but PCGS offers a copper guarantee, NGC does not. Turn-around time is decent, and recently, communication regarding submissions has improved dramatically with email notification. They have a very busy forum, and lots of good posts. Percieved by many to have a slightly tougher grading standard, and a corresponding slightly higher market price for coins in their slabs.

NGC - Very competent with all but the Moderns, which although in my opinion have been improving lately, were sloppy for some time. They are innovative, with NCS, their sister service offering conservation, and more recently ungraded slabbing and authentication services. Their coin library is excellent, and their boards are moderated. They are quick to answer coin/grading/service questions right on the forum, and although their forums are quieter, they seem to be growing. NGC also offers an airtite slab, a plus if that is one of your phobias.

ANACS - My favorite size slab, and very friendly, helpful, knowledgable graders. They are the only respected service that grades problem coins with a net grade. (example - Details MS63 cleaned, Net AU55)
They are not known as a modern service, but are well respected in other circles, and although average coins in their slabs won't command the same prices as average coins in PCGS/NGC holders, I've seen some ANACS coins with eye-appeal and toning go extremely high.

All of the above is only my opinion, and that is worth what you paid for it, but I believe the time has passed for limiting yourself to one service. Competetion is a healthy thing. Each innovates, and each is important. Try them all.

EVillageProwler

Yes, I realize we are in the PCGS forums (but don't let that affect your answer). My Questions: #1. Between PCGS and NGC, is one just a shade easier to deal with? #2. Does one or the other seem to undeservably "bodybag" more often? #3. As far as the perks, I see NGC offers $150 in free submissions... What is PCGS's leader to get you to join?

#1. I like PCGS' online status checking and online coin (serial #) checking facility. This service is available to anyone who knows the numbers to enter in. NGC's online status checking facility is only available to paid members, and they don't have an online coin checking facility. As for generic problems and issues, I've had more of them with PCGS than with NGC, but that's because I've been a customer of PCGS for much longer. Unless you know who to go to, I think NGC is easier because you can just post on their web site and someone will get back to you. As for email communications, I've received satisfaction from both and fairly easily.

#2. I've only had ONE coin get BB'ed that I felt was unfair. That was from PCGS and a long time ago. Otherwise, my BB's were of marginal quality that I really couldn't fault either service...

#3. I just joined the paid membership w/ NGC. I've joined, and renewed, the paid membership w/ PCGS for quite a while. Personally, I think both are a wash. I think you pay to join, and they give you some amount in free submissions equal to the membership fee. (At least that's it w/ PCGS; I'm not too familiar w/ NGC's paid membership yet.)

So, for the three questions you asked, I'd rate PCGS a little bit higher.

There are other ways where these two services are similar as well as different in terms of QoS.

Hope this helps...

EVP

MAULUMALL

I feel I have to bring DHeath to task.....If you are going to make posts that are that well stated and continue to answer a posted question with that much Positive info people are going to start to expect it all the time.
Well stated.

tracker

Thank you for your honest opinions. DHeath; I do agree with your rational and very well stated response. I completely agree one should not limit him/herself to any one particular grading sevice as they all have their merits and faults. Time and experience with submissions tell.

Hey, I could have pertained the same questions to ACG vs NTC, but I was unsure of how flame retardant Underdog is.

Russ

What's this? A rational discussion of the pros and cons of the two grading services? I guess we must have somehow slipped in to an alternate universe.

Russ, NCNE

nwcs

So far I have only dealt with PCGS. So I have no basis for a comparison. So will have to wait and see.