Grading services question

ryanmp

Hello again. I'm back with todays question that is designed to help me learn the ropes. I get the feeling from numerous past threads, that ACG is not the service preferred by most. I have been around just long enough to understand that PCGS, ANACS, and NGC are pretty much the cream of the crop. I have an opportunity to purchase some coins that are ICG graded, but know nothing about ICG or thier reliablility. Any comments?
Thanks again!
Ryanmp

FC57Coins

They're about as reliable as SEGS - which isn't saying much.

nwcs

From what I have heard, ICG is good on a few series and way off on others. But I wonder how much it has to do with their position on toning. Since JP Martin is their lead guy, they're influenced by his opinion. And on the ANA Grading video, he says that attractive toning can add 1-3 points. I think that's much more than PCGS or NGC.

ryanmp

The graded coins in question are American Silver Eagles.
Thanks for the info.
Ryanmp

coppercoins

All I know for sure about ICG is that they are very wishy-washy with Lincolns. One will be graded rather accurately, then five more will be way overgraded. I've never seen an undergraded ICG Lincoln or Indian. As for silver eagles - they're bullion metal. I've never bothered with grading rounds, so I wouldn't know that subject.

MrEureka

I think that you will find that ICG is competent and reasonably consistent in their grading, even if they tend to grade a bit "looser" than PCGS and NGC. The same cannot be said of many other second and third tier grading services.

Russ

Here's an example of ICG's grading "skills":



They graded that coin PR69 Deep Cameo. There are plenty more examples out there just like that.

Russ, NCNE