Sorry for the ignorant post, but I saw a thread where someone said that when you get a slabbed coin, check the numbers. I should be getting 5 slabbed coins in the next couple of days. How can I check them, or do you have to be a member somewhere?
Well it depends on the service. PCGS/NGC. Google PCGS certification verification and it should pop up.
Here are a few others, for future use: http://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/index.aspx http://www.caccoin.com/look-up-your-coins/
I got (or am getting) PCGS MS70 Gold Pandas. 10th ounce, 5 of them. I have another thread in Bullion for that.
Checking the cert numbers is good to do, but is not always a 100% guarantee that the coins are authentic. Unfortunately, the Chinese have been counterfeiting slabs with the proper cert numbers, with the slabbed coins being fakes.
If the dealer is reputable, with a good return policy, good idea, and I do that. Otherwise still the possibility of a fake slab & coin, with a copied cert number.