Mint Error News is online @ http://minterrornews.com the issues are on the site as PDF files. ICG is one of the oldest (the oldest?) TPG's out there. From what little I know they're considered 3rd or 4th in line at this point, but I don't know how much of that is better marketing by PCGS & NGC and how much it has to do with the quality of their grading.
Thanks AnemicOak. I recently received graded coins from them and am not sure I really like them. Plus I got a 4 free coin gradings certificate. Thanks again.
Okay Now, For anyone who noticed my thread asking about the third lens. I think I figured it out. The obverse is one face -- the reverse makes two faces -- and the edge of the coin is the third face. Therefore, the mint has to send the presidential proofs in a container that allows for the viewing of the third face (third lens). If this is wrong give me a holler.
About ICG--they are really one of the "new" guys on the block--only starting in 1998. ANACS is the oldest. Speedy
I've had good luck with ICG. I find them to be conservative in there grading. So from a standpoint of the collector, this makes them one of the best. There turn around time is fast, but I don't see where accuracy is sacrificed. Another good feature of their's is that if they don't grade, all of the submission fee is not lost.
They are at least equal with PCGS and NGC in pre-1964 coinage, but their modern proof grades are a bit on the high side. ICG is usually rated either 3rd or 4th, either behind or ahead of ANACS.
The third lens is merely another way of saying a third plastic case. The cent, nickel, dime, half and Sacky will be in one lens. The 4 SQ's for the year will be in the second lens, the 4 Pres. dollars for the year will be in the third lens.
