ICG vs PCGS, NGC

i don't see any changes in opinion over 10 years... crazy

 

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I basically agree with this. However, a "70" is not always a "70".

Additionally, IMO, NGC, PCGS, ANACS, and ICG are consistent in their grading of vintage coins and for the most part, their standards are the same or very close. That said, I can find multiple examples of over graded coins in each service's holders. There are probably more "errors" in NGC and PCGS slabs because they grade more coins in a week than the other two do in a month or two!

As for modern coins (1990 to present), especially silver eagles, all I can say is BUYER BEWARE. I'll bet that at least 40% are over graded - especially the 70's.

 

Sure it is. The coin doesn't change simply because there is a different label on the slab. If it's a 30; then it's a 30. If it's a 68, then it's a 68. The coin doesn't magically change if it is inserted into a different company's plastic.

I do recognize that the name on certain slabs is worth more than other slabs, but the coin itself is worth exactly the same amount regardless of which slab it is in.

 

That's not entirely accurate. Although the coin itself doesn't change...each TPG has their own grading standards they grade by. So, a coin may have one grade with one TPG and a different grade with a different TPG. It's important to know which TPG is which for each series. For example, a Franklin Half with FBL in a PCGS holder is held to a very different standard than it is in a NGC holder.

 

Most likely given that those two combined do the overwhelming majority of the grading volume in coins. However I would say the number isn't what matters, rather the percentage if what should be focused on. If one company makes an error in 2 out of 10 and another in 1 out of 10 but does 10 times the volume they will have more errors then the first company even though they really are doing a better job overall

 

And none of those standards matter--the only standard that matters is yours! If TO YOU--and it's your checkbook that counts--a Franklin half has FBLs then it has FBLs REGARDLESS of the name on the label.

Once again, marketing has made certain labels more valuable than others, but it is still the same coin. Even within the same TPG, if a coin is resubmitted and upgrades then only the number/designation on the label has changed--not the coin.

 

Guess I was not clear with my English. Sorry.

Perhaps what I should have written is this: It does not matter which grading service, which holder, or what the label says. In my experience of looking at thousands of slabs a year, a very large number of high grade slabbed (especially 70's) modern coins are not. They are over graded.

What you say is true. A 69 in a 70 holder is still a 69! Unfortunately it will sell as a 70 in a PCGS or NGC slab. An ICG or ANACS 69 in a 70 slab will not. Agree?

As I wrote before, the standards of the top four TPGS's are very close. Sticking a "qualifier" (FBL) in the equation is just confusing the issue. Everybody on CT should know that PCGS has loose standards for bell lines.

That's my point. In a million coins there will be more over graded examples than in 100K. I think in this case, the percentage of errors is small for ALL four services. Therefore, the volume of coins going through is the major factor to consider.

 

I just used that example because it is well known. But each TPG have slightly different standards for coins they grade. My point was...the same coin might be a 63 at PCGS and a 62 at NGC (or vise versa) and still adhere to their respective standards. The important thing is to know how the different TPGs tend to behave and be able to grade for yourself to make sure you are paying a proper price.

Overall, PCGS and NGC are very similar...you are correct. But there are certain series that each is known to he harder/looser on and it's important to understand that.

 

It absolutely matters. You are correct that each coin you buy you should evaluate and make sure you believe the grade and it fits your stands...I 100% agree. However, the grade on the slab and the TPG who grades it makes a difference. The difference is how liquid the coin is. Coins graded by PCGS and NGC are far easier to sell. That liquidity is an asset even if you don't care for the slab.

 

I agree completely with this post. One has to be happy with the purchase that they make. If one thinks they can do better with a second or third tier TPG, that is fine, as long as they are aware of the fact that often, the coins are worth much less, and the grade may not be as others see it. On the other hand, I have gotten some very nice coins in ICG and ANACS slabs, and paid correspondingly less. The reason I bought them was that I liked the coin, and treated the coin as if it were in a lesser holder. There is no comparison to the other TPGs and PCGS and NGC. They are worlds apart, but that doesn't mean that really desirable coins may exist in less than desirable holders.

 

It doesn't make too much sense to buy the holder. With your example, you bought nice examples from lesser holders.
If you find a good coin in a bad holder, and you really want a slab, then just submit it for grading to whichever one you want! Holders aren't permanent

 

Mike Meezak sells a lot of ANACS 70s.

 

I don't care if it's in a 2x2 or a slab with a pretty pink bow on it. I collect coins.

 

As do I. But when it comes time to sell or upgrade...or reinvest into something else, having the coin in a reputable TPGs slab makes it a whole lot easier. I collect coins too but when I invest significant money into one I do so in the safest means possible. I like the liquidity of slabbed coins

I also do the bulk of my buying online where I can't see the coin in hand. Photos can be deceiving and buying a slabbed coin offers some protection.

 

Ditto, much easier to sell a graded coin, and better for whomever you may decide to inherit your collection, if, and when...

 

So ye say It's how I found CT this exact thread.

While a 70 should be a 70 it still seems to be all about perception of the grader;good or bad.

Hence my question about ICGA and I picked these up at auction when nobody wanted to bid.So in my scouring of the net I still see no ICGA?I read that a mangement change happened at ICG in 04/05 and thought the name changed?

 

That appears to be a so-called basement slabber. Could be one guy who prints his own labels. Can't tell much about your coins but I would not trust the grade without close examination.

 

Common sense.

 

IMO, PR/MS 69/70 coins is a bunch of BULL!...

 

Again. I collect coins. I don't do that for liquidation purposes. I'm a coin collector, not a coin liquidator. When I want to be a coin liquidator, I choose my plastic. Until then, I give a rat's behind what my coins liquidate at in a plastic market. When I pass them in my trust and my beneficiaries want to liquidate instead of collect, they choose their plastic, it's hardly rocket science. There are exceptions, such as for raw keys, and the need for attribution, therefore, but that's about it. Having said that, to each their own, and good for you and what you like.