Why would anyone use ICG grading?

**vtvick777** · 09-19-2012 03:54 PM

I was browsing eBay looking for graded mercury dimes and came across this under completed listings.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-Mercury...p2047675.l2557

According to numismedia, a 1939 Mercury Dime in MS68 is worth $325. This one sold for $44. I have had some experience with ICG coins before, and it seems like they usually sell for around what PCGS and NGC graded coins are selling for 1 grade lower. My question is why would anyone use ICG to grade their coins? If the person having their coins graded knows that they sell for 1 grade lower, why not just send them to PCGS or NGC. It seems like the only thing that could happen is that they would miss out on PCGS or NGC possibly grading the coin the same as ICG, in which case you would have missed out on ~$275 on this coin. Plus, it is much easier to sell PCGS or NGC graded coins. Why do you guys think people choose ICG to grade their coins?

**Treashunt** · 09-19-2012 03:56 PM

Cheaper.

**BUncirculated** · 09-19-2012 04:16 PM

Wow! Someone got a really great deal.

PCGS price guide lists the price of a 39 Merc MS68 at $300, and NGC/Numismedia lists the price at $325.

**Tom B** · 09-19-2012 04:32 PM

At one time, truly only during their first year or two of operations, ICG was quite well respected and graded on par with PCGS. This coin may have been graded in that time period.

**fretboard** · 09-19-2012 04:32 PM

ICG used to be more popular at one time years ago, could be it was graded years ago. It's worth looking at the ICG listings on ebay in hopes of getting a great deal. Click here to enlarge

Problem is, a lot of other collectors are aware of this as well. Click here to enlarge

**Owle** · 09-19-2012 06:37 PM

Faster and cheaper than PCGS and NGC and as good a holder in my opinion. Less reliability on grade. My experience was they graded coins conservatively. Randy Campbell is a great guy, I think he was one of their main graders.

**willhurst01** · 09-19-2012 06:47 PM

how much is it per coin to submit to them actualy?

**BUncirculated** · 09-19-2012 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by willhurst01

how much is it per coin to submit to them actualy?

NGC - http://www.ngccoin.com/services/services.aspx

PCGS - http://www.pcgs.com/gradinglist.html

**willhurst01** · 09-19-2012 06:53 PM

i meant icg atualy it says on the site 1-4 coins $20 is that twenty dollars each coin or 1-4 coins is twenty all together?

**BUncirculated** · 09-19-2012 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by willhurst01

i meant icg atualy it says on the site 1-4 coins $20 is that twenty dollars each coin or 1-4 coins is twenty all together?

That's $20 each.

**willhurst01** · 09-19-2012 07:01 PM

thats to much i rather do pcgs or ngc Click here to enlarge

**BUncirculated** · 09-19-2012 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by willhurst01

thats to much i rather do pcgs or ngc Click here to enlarge

However, PCGS and NGC require you to join to submit coins yourself.

There are dealers that will submit your coins, for a fee of course.

**willhurst01** · 09-19-2012 07:06 PM

i wish there was a dealer i could give some to submit to but i will in a small town in tennessee Click here to enlarge

**robbudo** · 09-19-2012 10:14 PM

I trust ICG's grading of Large Cents, but not much else.

**CamaroDMD** · 09-19-2012 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Tom B

At one time, truly only during their first year or two of operations, ICG was quite well respected and graded on par with PCGS. This coin may have been graded in that time period.

I wouldn't say they were on par with PCGS...but there was a time when PCGS and NGC were considered to be the elite graders and ANACS and ICG were closely behind and highly respected. But, those days are long gone and I don't know if there is a way to tell when a particular ICG coin was graded.