Does it really matter which to use when looking for pre 1933 gold coins? It seems like the same grade coin for PCGS goes for more than a NGC? Pro or cons with either? which has the better presentation in the case? Thank you
Both PCGS and NGC grade well, but not perfectly, and no one will ever grade perfectly. Both companies have undergraded some coins, and overgraded others. Unless you depend on CAC for validation, you must look at the coin, and decide for yourself if it is properly graded. My observation is that CAC has been wrong on at least a few coins I have considered. As concerns presentation, I cannot address your personal preference.
PCGS grades US gold coins more conservatively than NGC does, and market prices, CAC sticker rates, and my personal experience back this up.
I drink the Pcgs koolaid so Pcgs At the WFoM I shopped around a Ngc CAC stickered coin and I heard alot of I can't sell Ngc coins they just don't move. Some wouldn't even look at it. I was trying to use it as trade bait. I finally found someone to take it but the offer was less than I hoped for. Here is what I was shopping around http://www.pinnacle-rarities.com/index.php/inventory/nickel/liberty/1884-liberty-5c-ngc-pr66cam.html
I collect mostly NGC because I like the holders better and I get good grades from them. I also have a lot of PCGS, but thats the only 2 I buy.
IMO, the two companies grade generic mint state gold pretty much the same up to MS 64. MS 65 and higher, PCGS is a little tighter. The market seems to favor PCGS right now though. Use this to your advantage - find an eye appealing, high end for the grade NGC coin for a bit of a discount.
