slabbed coins

MichDevilDog

I've been out of the coin market for a few years. Just a simple question about slabbed coins. I know PCGS is supposedly the leader, followed by NGC and probably ANACS. I don't know about the others such as NTC, PCI, SEGS, ICG, Accugrade. I just wondered how accurate some of these others are, if they have a good reputation for being accurate grades, and if they are reliable for not slabbing fakes and cleaned coins. I know ANACS and PCI will slabbed cleaned coins, but at least they are indicated on the labels. I don't know if the other companies label cleaned coins. Any opinions on any of these companies would be appreciated.

BillJones

For the most part, the companies that you mentioned have lower grading standards than the leading services. As a result knowledgeable buyers will only pay lower prices for the coins that are in those holders.

People who know how to grade coins can pick out coins in the “off brand” holders, crack them out, and get grades that are equal to higher the original grades. This takes a lot of skill and some luck. I’d advise serious collectors to avoid the off-brand holders. OR if they do choose to buy them, purchase the coins at discount prices. Don’t fall into the “all holders are the same” trap.

DNADave

I consider ANACS, PCGS, and NGC to be the most reliable (and in that order IMO)

TheRaven

I only purchase PCGS slabs, I don't like the looks of the NGC slabs so don't buy those and I can usually pick and choose between both holders when purchasing as I am not buying anything real rare.

Millertime

I bought an 1909 Indian Quarter Eagle in an NTC slab that was graded MS63. It was submitted to PCGS and came back an MS61. I thought I was doing good because I paid MS62 money for it.

Millertime

Prethen

I realize I harp up on this whenever it comes up, but don't turn your nose up at ICG. That service (forget about high-grade moderns, please) is proving itself to be an exceptional grader. Take a look at some of the recent threads about ICG crack-outs and crossovers to PCGS and the like. they have to make some serious headway to break into the top-tier ranks reputation-wise. BUY THE D*MN COIN...NOT THE SLAB! You will see the quality of the coin (or not) in any slab. ICG won't slab crap, except for maybe high-grade modern crap.



<< <i>For the most part, the companies that you mentioned have lower grading standards than the leading services. As a result knowledgeable buyers will only pay lower prices for the coins that are in those holders.

People who know how to grade coins can pick out coins in the “off brand” holders, crack them out, and get grades that are equal to higher the original grades. This takes a lot of skill and some luck. I’d advise serious collectors to avoid the off-brand holders. OR if they do choose to buy them, purchase the coins at discount prices. Don’t fall into the “all holders are the same” trap. >>

BillJones

You can harp all you like, but ICG went though a period when they overgraded a large number of coins. They started off well, but then they let their standards go, and they quickly became a second tier grading service.

Do I see nice, properly graded ICG coins? Yes, I have bought and sold a few of them. BUT the situation is such that these coins can only be traded at discounts because of all the "mistakes" that are out there. I'd love to see competition for for PGCS and NGC. It would keep them on their toes, but so far ICG has not provided it.

nwcs

In my opinion PCGS and NGC have the most marketability and reputation in the hobby with ANACS right on the heels. The others vary widely. And a couple you mentioned, in my opinion, have no credibility in the hobby.

mgoodm3

WELcome.

GoYankees

What do you collect?

ibzman350

Any grading company that can't spell, I stay away from.







Herb

pharmer

Some of the grading companies are much more accurate than others.

Myqqy

The more I buy slabs, the more I appreciate really old pci green holders, and the extra old photo certified holders. I also am really starting to appreciate anacs for morgans, proof franklins and proof jeffersons- I find their grading to be accurate or conservative, and I can find nice coins without having to pay pcgs money....

Shamika

For the most part you can't go wrong with PCGS, NGC, and ANACS. However, you should tread litely if you dare buy any other slab. Until you can spot a cleaned or recolored coin (as well as being able to grade accurately), you should stick with top tier companies.

Cratylus

<< <i>Until you can spot a cleaned or recolored coin (as well as being able to grade accurately), you should stick with top tier companies >>



Actually, you shouldn't even trust the top tier companies. PCGS, touted by many as the best of the "Big Three", evidently can't tell a dipped and harshly cleaned coin when they see one. Here's a scan of a 1912 Barber Half that resides in a PCGS VF35 holder. The coin is stark silvery white, possesses little-to-no contrast between the fields and the devices, is loaded with hairlines, and possesses no toning, coloration, or "dirt" that should be found on any coin that grades VF35. The newest of coin collectors could look at this coin and tell immediately that it has dipped and scrubbed. Apparently, PCGS was using a blind grader on the day this coin made its way through their grading room. This dog should have been bodybagged in one second flat. It goes to show that not even the so-called "Best of the Best" can be trusted to get the easy ones right. Here's the photo:

midwestcoin13

Even the greats sometimes strike out.