Comparison of the Top 3
JrGMan2004
Posts: 7,557 ✭
Tell me if I'm off on any points here, but this is my analysis of Pros and Cons of the Top 3 Grading Companies... comments, suggestions welcome... interested to see how far, if at all, I am off with my analysis... and this isn't from my personal experiences, but what I've gathered from many different people on these boards...
PCGS
Pros
Most repected grading company for their tight and consistent grading standards
I think most prefer their slab
Best Saleability, gets more $$ at auction than other plastic companies
Cons
Slow as a Mo-Fo, their Economy is 3 months or so... even their "30 days guarenteed" isn't really a guarentee...
Bad with varieties and errors
Bad Customer Service
NGC
Pros
Accepted as #2 company
Consistent and tight standards, matches PCGS in many fields, though a point looser in some series, also looser with PL and DMPL designations on Morgans
Faster Economy
Good Customer Service
Cons
I don't know...
Not as much money as PCGS plastic
Many don't like the slab
ANACS
Pros
Awesome at varieties and error attribution, will even research VAM numbers and the such for coins for a small fee
Cheap
Free Verbal grading and opinion at shows
Cons
White slab like NGCs, also various sizes through out ANACS' life
Slow Economy, just about as bad as PCGS...
PCGS
Pros
Most repected grading company for their tight and consistent grading standards
I think most prefer their slab
Best Saleability, gets more $$ at auction than other plastic companies
Cons
Slow as a Mo-Fo, their Economy is 3 months or so... even their "30 days guarenteed" isn't really a guarentee...
Bad with varieties and errors
Bad Customer Service
NGC
Pros
Accepted as #2 company
Consistent and tight standards, matches PCGS in many fields, though a point looser in some series, also looser with PL and DMPL designations on Morgans
Faster Economy
Good Customer Service
Cons
I don't know...
Not as much money as PCGS plastic
Many don't like the slab
ANACS
Pros
Awesome at varieties and error attribution, will even research VAM numbers and the such for coins for a small fee
Cheap
Free Verbal grading and opinion at shows
Cons
White slab like NGCs, also various sizes through out ANACS' life
Slow Economy, just about as bad as PCGS...
-George
42/92
42/92
0
Comments
Pros:
Good Looking!
Collects Winged Libertys!
Is very young and smart!
Sings some Harmony!
Cons:
None.
"Senorita HepKitty"
"I want a real cool Kitty from Hepcat City, to stay in step with me" - Bill Carter
42/92
I like PCGS and can't argue that their slabs are more "saleable", but have to say that I think that it is because they undergrade. We are using them as the grading standard when we compare them with NGC or ANACS. I don't think we should. I think we should just say that PCGS undergrades. You get more money for the PCGS slabs because they are all undergraded.
If you disagree, ask yourself why there are so few 70 PCGS coins, particularly in moderns (which I don't happen to collect). Is it that there really aren't any 70s or that PCGS wants to hold out an elusive carrot for us to chase?
I too have had good customer service with PCGS, and have found the PCGS customer service folks a bit more helpful than NGC. Overall I have been pleased with the customer service at both PCGS and NGC. Now as far as comparing the turnaround for economy, I too am disappointed in the length, but I would be extremely disappointed if speeding things up resulting in more variation in grades. How NGC does it quicker, I don't know, I suspect they either have hired more of the available, qualified graders, or they grade fewer coins to grade.
PCGS service to me is OK - not thrilled but I'm actually satisfied. You are correct on all PRO's.
Marc
Of course I am on a roll tonight and will disagree with everything...
course it doesn't matter to me, i don't own a single coin in a slab.
K S