ICG Grading

I know that NCG and PCGS are well known, however, how is ICG as far as true value upon resale? I've seen ICG coins much cheaper to buy in comparison to the NCG and PCGS of the same grade.


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Anywhere from maybe 75% to something like 1% or less depending on grade (higher grade giving lower %) and the ICG slab.

 

There is usually very good reason for this. The first question you need ask yourself is are the coins actually "of the same grade"? Sure, they may have the same number on the label, but this is no way means that the coin IGC grades as X would receive the same at PCGS or even NGC. This is not to say there are not nice coins in IGC plastic, but depending on the series they can be few and far between.

It depends, but generally speaking, you will be hard pressed to get the same price for an IGC coin graded X as a PCGS graded coin at the same number. Part is IGC and part is simple perception; many in this hobby, regardless of if they will admit it or not, are plastic buyers, and most view IGC as sub par. This can present opportunities if you know what you're doing, but if you are considering buying IGC because of what may appear to be a discount, and sometime down the road selling for PCGS prices, chances are great that you will be in for a big disappointment.

 

I tend to think IGC coin prices have more in common with raw coins then with PCGS or NGC coins. Sometimes coins in IGC holders sell for good money but it's not because of the holder.

 

As an example;
1956-D Lincoln MS67 PCGS = $2000+; NGC = ~$400; I bought an ICG for $9.50

From Heritage 2008 - 2011
1922 Lincoln weak d vg8 PCGS = $40; ANACS = $56; NGC = $60; ICG = $80

 

When ICG and ANACS played musical chairs a few years ago it hurt both companies product value in todays market.

 

Excellent information from you guys!

Many thanks!!!


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In my opine ICG is far better at grading than NGC and PCGS.

 

I will tell you what. I will gladly trade you my ICG for the same coin/grade from NGC - any time any way. I would probably even do it for ANACS. BTW, no, I do not have an ICG weak "D".

 

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My experience in this industry is that ICG is widely regarded as equivalent to a raw coin.

 

Their known as third in the industry

 

ToughCOINS, it's nothing I would even attempt regardless, but...

For a newb question, if something is in an ICG slab and severely undergraded couldn't it just be bought for a "steal" and sent to PCGS to be grade again and hopefully at the level you expected? Or would the cost of that exceed what discount buyers would expect buying something in an ICG slab so be pointless?

Well, other than the coin value itself obviously makes a difference. If only a few dollars then paying PCGS would make no sense, but your example that you missed out on sounds extreme enough.

 

I'll be happy when I can just have an idea on a grade It all seems so subjective to me so my borderline OCD doesn't allow it!!! (Not really, but friends and family say I am, so never know)

I'll get there. I need to get to the once a year coin show in the area and start meeting some locals after I get moved

Thanks for the answers, every bit helps even if just online so far.

 

Treat ICG coins as if they were raw coins. They are one step above the "basement graders," and tend to be wildly inconsistent. This doesn't mean that there are not very nice coins in ICG holders--there are. It means that the grading of those nice coins has minimal validity in the coin marketplace. If they are available for a reasonable price, no reason not to buy the coin. I am generally not a proponent of the old overused adage "buy the coin, and not the holder." IMHO, buying BOTH the coin and an appropriate grade in a slab, and being exactly what you want and expect seems to make good sense to me--buy an appropriately graded coin, that looks really appealing to you, in a PCGS or NGC slab for a good price, and voila!! You would have something of value and beauty.

 

I don't disagree with it--it is just way overused. Buy a great looking coin in a "top two" TPG slab, and you have automatic value in today's coin marketplace.