Could someone please list the different grading services from best to worst and their website?

GoldCoinLover

There's a wide variety of grading services available and I want to know them from the best, to the worse. Then could you please give me their website so I can compare them? It's always fun to look at the really bad grading services

Thanks

Russ

Are you a plant from ACG?

Russ, NCNE

paigowjohnny

Best to worst....

1. Me...no web site
2. Everybody else...plethora of web sites

ccr

Give me $8 per coin you want graded and I`ll tell you what I think. I guarentee that I maybe right or wrong.

prooflike

In my opinion,


BEST --> PCGS (http://www.pcgs.com)

Chrysta

You know what? That's a real tempting offer, but I think I'll leave that kind of ranking to someone else, thanks.

koynekwest

PCGS is doublessly the best, but some of the "second tier" services do OK too, especially with error/variety stuff-a field that PCGS does not excell in.

RGL

1. PCGS
2. NGC
3. ANACS

Others not worth listing or even considering ... I don't think you would get too many quibbles about these rankings around here.

kamehameha00

Heres how I rate them, Top Ten.

1.PCGS
2.NGC
3.ANACS
4.ICGS
5.ICG
6.SEGS
7.ACG
8.TRUGRADE
9.SGS
10.NTC

JMHO,
kamehameha00

jamesfsm

Most of them have their own individual good and bad points. Hope that helps.

jpumper

1---The only advice I can give you is buy the COIN, not the slab.
2---Buy only what you want, not what others say
3---Enjoy your hobby
4---If splitting hairs, and they all make mistakes, some step up to the plate and FIX their problems but not always.
5---As close to the "real world" you live in, and in my opinion, PCGS, NGC, ANACS, and an upcommer and consistent grader is ICG would be my top tiered slabbers today. Actually they all are professionals, even some I didn't mention. I'm a professional too, I know what I think I know, but to others, I know nothing. Put it this way, listen, learn, know what you're buying, be cautious, don't buy everything often---buy what YOU feel and know is right. Don't be afraid to ask ANY question at anytime.
But don't ask me, I violated all of the above---lol

Catch22

Most seasoned collectors put more value in the opinions of PCGS, NGC and ANACS than they do the other services. Still, learn to rely on your own opinion as quickly as possible. In short, look at a lot of slabs and their assigned grades. If you don't have the desire or ability to be a competent grader, keep your money in your pocket or spend it on books. A few hundred dollars spent on books would have saved a lot of people thousands of dollars relying on other people's opinions.

Mikey

www.stfw.com

ddink

I'm going to start my own grading company--every coin you submit will be graded MS70 or PR70.


...wait, there are several companies that already do that. Beat me to it =(

Craton

<< <i>You know what? That's a real tempting offer, but I think I'll leave that kind of ranking to someone else, thanks. >>



Aw come on Chrysta. You don't feel like taking the bait?

ER

<< <i>Are you a plant from ACG?

Russ, NCNE >>


ACG mole.

dorkkarl

why are you so worried about this? can't you enjoy coins based on YOUR criteria?

K S

UncleJoe

Paranoia abounds.

Part of the problem is defining "best". That may have different meanings and/or criteria to different people.

Joe.

BillJones

PCGS is on average more conservative in its grading than NGC, BUT the operative word is is AVERAGE.

I have seen the same issues of NGC and PCGS coins with that same grade where the NGC coin was better than the PCGS piece. AND I've seen ANACS coins that were better than most of the pieces that you see in the same grades in NGC and PCGS holders. AND I bought and sold a CC Morgan dollar in an ICG holder that was a very nice piece for an MS-63 graded coin a few weeks ago.

The bottom line is that you must know how to grade to protect yourself, or you need to buy from an honest dealer who makes an effort to sell properly graded materal. Brand loyalty is no substitute knowledge. And ranking the merrits of grading services won't help you to avoid traps.

coinguy1

Bill, thanks for an excellent post.

Barry

<< <i>

<< <i>You know what? That's a real tempting offer, but I think I'll leave that kind of ranking to someone else, thanks. >>



Aw come on Chrysta. You don't feel like taking the bait? >>



Welcome aboard gang. Good thinking, Chrysta. I'm sure the bad guys read here, too!