ICG And HSN'S Mike Mezack Part Ways? "There are 3 Major Grading Services"

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I asked because I enjoy reading your comments and what you add to conversations. Thanks.

 

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Sure you do

In all seriousness though, I agree with you about ICG being second tier. This was actually the opinion of an official study of many dealers I think

 

It really depends on the amount of coins that the grader has actually seen. If ICG was to do it right I think that they start using ANA grading standards. And be strict,
This is in an ICG slab what's the grade?

 

I do have a question for you. Somewhat rhetorical as I believe I probably know the answer.

My work is high volume service industry related work. When my "in box" is stacked 18" deep with requests, I would readily admit that while each request will be dealt with, it will likely not be dealt with as thoroughly as my pride would allow me to admit.

So, the TPG grader has a basket staked a mile high with submissions. This TPG grader is as proud of his work as anyone else. But he can't miss his sons ballgame this afternoon. However the guy submitting the piece demands it's return expeditiously, so say his Morgan is looked at maybe a little faster than the grader would like. Maybe a 64-65, but gets a grade of 66 in the rush of the day.

A year later that coin is out on the market. Those with some experience view the coin and the bashing begins... The Morgan is over graded. The bashing grows into a monster due to guys like us (and yes I include myself in "us")... And before you know it one or two hurriedly graded pieces turn into, "That TPG is a sham" sorts of statements...... Am I painting a real world scenario here?

 

Oh my... That is a bonafied pedigree right there!

 

Ever noticed that Mike's harangues are just the same few statements over and over again? I get it, Mike, I should be eager and happy to give you $150 for a slabbed ASE... NOT.

 

Who exactly considers ICG "better" that PCGS?

 

While I may not agree that TPGs are just a scam, I am a believer in John Keats's posit that, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." I have several beautiful, un-slabbed coins that might be cream of the crop in the view of even the most pedantic of CT collectors. I'll save those fees I would need to pay to put towards some other raw gem.

 

I think ICG graded coins are over graded I purchased three Canadian cents in the 1940's all MS-65 Red, they are Red coins that's the only thing right on the slabs as far as I'm concerned if they made a grade of MS-63 they would be lucky.
I'd never even look at another coin graded by ICG. This is what I think the letters mean (I can't grade).

 

This is sad!

 

Steve: Contrary to what most people tend to believe, your statement (in my opinion and from experience) is right on the money. Those with the most money, influence, etc., etc., seem to grease the squeaking wheel.

 

There are no ANA standards. Kurt the biggest ANA advocate on this site has addressed this several times, their grading book was just reporting market standards

Where did I ever say anyone is better than PCGS?

 

I have a 1868 3-cent nockel in an ICG AU58 holder. The coin is at LEAST MS 62. I wish I could have bought it as an AU, but the seller knew it was better, and I bought the coin, not the holder. There are over AND under graded coins in all TPG holders.

 

Steve: I agree with you it is a scam. However, most people don't see it that way. Its the big TPG against the smaller TPG. It boils down to who has the most money to promote their company or the most money to grease the squeaking wheel. I know this from experience and have proof. I believe Congress needs to intervene and make the playing field level for all TGP to stop the disparity between them, whereby one can't grade a coin 70 and when you take the coin to another TGP they grade it lower. Something (in my opinion) is not right and I think the TGP know what is going on. Its like squeeze the little guy out mentality that is why we are having this issue. Solution: someone needs to invent a computer option to grading. That is take out all the human judgment calls, money influences and a whole bunch of other related items away from the graders/TGP. But as everyone knows what makes sense and is logical is illogical.

 

Ebay recognizes only 4 TPG's: PCGS, NGC, ANACS, and ICG.
With Ebays reputation I'm not sure of the "endorsement" !!!