This has surely come up in the past and I'm sure this is common knowledge for many here. But another thread has prompted me to post this to help get the word out for those who don't know. Maybe this could go in the FAQ section? Anyway, NGC's website at www.ngccoin.com, has a lot of good, free information available in the form of their online photo registry. Everyone can use it to look at any NGC graded coin. When they come up, you can click the picture and then click the box with arrows at the bottom right hand corner to blow the picture up full screen to inspect the coin in the slab. This service is found in the 4th tab over on their homepage called "NGC Research". When the drop down box appears, the fourth tab down will have a link called "Verify NGC Certification". The pictures aren't the greatest when they're blown up, but they're enough in most cases. Most coins have their own minute, imperfections and characteristics, be it bag marks, scuffs, scratches, luster breaks, spots or toning. There's always something to look for that can be compared. In a day and age where we are concerned about fake slabs and slabs being popped open and replaced with fakes or lesser value coins, this should help you weed out any funny business you think you may have encountered or suspect. It should be noted that I have not had success finding older NGC slabs in the registry. I have found all newer ones I have ever searched for. They also have an up to date price guide above the same certification link, provided for free. You can pay and upgrade to see the population reports but keep in mind population info can also easly be found at Heritage if needed. Not as convenient but it's there. I hope this helps at least a few people here. I just discovered this a couple weeks ago myself. Here's a direct link to the verification # look up: http://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/index.aspx
Ok, that's good to know. I didn't realize that. All I know is I've looked up a lot and have almost always found pictures. Are you sure they started that late? I guess it's another incentive to get people to want to submit everything back to them again to get reholdered. :goof: I do think the new holders are way better though and have added UV protection.
