I want to grade a couple coins, but I don't have a PCGS membership nor do I want to pay for one (for just a couple coins). Therefore my only other alternative to get coins graded is to have them submitted through a dealer that has a PCGS membership. My question is: how much do dealers typically charge to go through them? What is a fair price? I also have another question... Can I mail the coin to and receive the coin back directly from the grading company? Or does it have to be mailed by them and returned to them? Any advice is appreciated.
I've got a VERY good relationship with a dealer. He allows me to submit to PCGS through his account (I've only done it once or twice). I paid the fee and put my address on the submission form.
Depending on what the coin is and what tier you submit under the grading fees will vary. But it is not unusual for it to cost $30-$40 to get 1 coin graded. Then you'll have to add whatever the dealer wants for doing his part. It is not unusual for that to be anywhere from free to $25 or more. It depends on your relationship with the dealer. And yes, you have to go through the dealer, both ways.
My dealer charges me whatever PCGS charges plus a $5 fee to help cover shipping, but he will only send it in when he has a full shipment. If I want it sent off on its own, I have to cover all the costs. Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
Mine charges $25 for good customers. The coins are mailed back to them, then he mails me my pieces. I've only done it a few times for some coins I needed graded as part of a graded type set.
I have a very good relationship with my local, he only charges me a flat $25 per coin. They ride along with his other stuff. The only downfall is I have to wait until he has a large enough batch to go out. I've had to wait 6+ months once.
Thanks to everyone for the comments and advice. I'm going to visit a coin shop across town and see how much they charge. I now know the typical charge is about $25 thanks to you all, so at least I know now if they are overpriced or not. If they charge $25 (or more) I think I might just get the membership when I'm ready to have the coins graded. I'll just wait until I have more coins that I want graded to make it more beneficial, economically speaking.
Take a photograph of each coin's markers so you will be satisfied the same coin came back, even if labeled a counterfeit, AT, altered surfaces, etc. Often we have those who claim their coin handler or TPG switched coins on them, but they have no proof other than what they remember. I know, it shouldn't ever come up, but it does.
