PCGS or NGC?

MSD61

I know this is a PCGS supported forum but I'd like to ask which service you a prefer for grading? I feel I am going to break down and want to slab my most
top end coins in my collection. I am also curious as to how some of these will grade too...LOL!

Thanks!

TwoKopeiki

I like PCGS. They might be more strict when it comes to grading and not take production characteristics into account, but at least there's consistency for the grade that I am seeing (for Spanish Colonial portraits, at least). Also, PCGS brings higher prices when it's time to sell, but on the other hand, the average turn-around times for World regular can be pretty bad (currently average 35 business days).

Just my 2c.

~Roman

Meiji

Wow 35 days business days... Ouch. For me, I've noticed that more foreign coins tend to be in NGC slabs and more American coins are in PCGS slabs. This is just the trend I've noticed. But Roman is right, PCGS does carry a slight premium over NGC.

Preussen

While I can't say I agree with every grade I've received from PCGS, I find them to be far more accurate and consistent than NGC. I have much more respect for PCGS grading than any other service.

Whether right or wrong, when looking to buy on-line (without the benefit of first holding the coin in hand) I am much more confident in buying PCGS graded coins. Now, I do have many wonderful coins in NGC slabs, but as I mentioned I personally find them to be inconsistent, especially so for coins in the "current generation" slab with the grade in bold print. For High-End coins, PCGS is definitely worth the wait...JMO. -Preussen

7Jaguars

As has been said, PCGS is good but not without its own pitfalls - as an example I had a pattern half sovereign in silver with a completely different reverse that came back as a "proof" sixpence! This coin was clearly labelled as to what it was and was submitted with documentation, so it was no simple mistake. Still, generally they are a good service if slow and expensive.

You have to consider what the potential market for your coins might be, or if that is even a question for you. Many Europeans, and especially the English HATE slabbing however.

MSD61

I am one of those stubborn ones that simply loves un-slabbed coins and very little of my collection even has slabbed coins. I waver sometimes from slabbing them to just leaving them be. I guess I was looking more to the protection the coins get being slabbed. Please don't mind me I do this from time to time this "waffling" LOL! No I am not running for office..hehehe. Thanks for the info folks

coinkat

I think it partially depends on the coins and your collecting objectives.

SYRACUSIAN

Kat is right, but with the recent severe tightness of NGC , I really find no reason to submit to them anymore. The one advantage they had, looser grades for better resale potential is gone, so I no longer have any reason to put up with their bulky holder and their unfaireness to grades and the colour designations. 70% RB coins get a BN and without even the grade bump they used to get.

I'll pass.

But there are certainly some bargains in recent NGC holders out there as a result of this policy. This is where it comes handy if you know how to grade.



edited for spelling/gr.