I do still prefer the NGC slab, but I'm not a huge fan of the newer "more height for more text" label that they've gone to recently. There is such a concept as "too much of a good thing". I just can't get into the look of that PCGS slab.
I have a friend that gets calls from PCGS whenever they're really behind, and he grades for them for a short time, then back to being a coin dealer. He got the call recently so that tells me they're backlogged more than usual. Personally I prefer NGC because they're nearby, they're nice on the phone and their turnaround time is much quicker than PCGS....much quicker. But there's coins that do better in PCGS holders so I guess for the right coin it may be worth the wait.
NGC definitely does have more favorable turn around times, though like some other posters I definitely prefer how PCGS grades for US coins. World economy submissions I prefer NGC just because of the quicker turn around time
Makes you wonder which way a tired and irritable grader will go with a grade that's on the fence? Best of luck! (Yikes.) lol
They are busy grading Franklin Steins http://m.ebay.com/itm/391553099619?...e11002.m3745.l1120%26rvr_id%3D0&ul_noapp=true
If that's an MS64, I'm Q. David Bowers. I'm having lots and lots of trouble getting it to 62. That is, of course, unless "MS" now means "Mangled Severely". Who graded that? Did they have Major League Baseball home plate umpires in that day as "guest graders"?
If that's true, then I need to get a drool cup over the grades my raw set in Eagle 2x2 holders should "net". The "sarcoma excision surgery scar" on Ben's cheek alone should take it under 63. Then add in the mangled "9" and the "E" in "WE", WOW! Only the somewhat cleaner reverse would let me sleep at night giving it a 62. And yes, I know it's still early and lots happens in the last 15 seconds sometimes, but right now, the high bid is about 1/3 of "book retail" for a 60. So it's still a "bargain" for now, but ...
Just letting off a little steam, PCGS received my regular submission of eight American coins on September eighth. Just got off the phone with them and was told it will be next week before I get the grades. During this time their estimated turn around dropped from 24 to 22 days. I'm going to be about 34/35 business days before I get the grades. I wouldn't be on my little rant if their estimated turnaround times were a little more accurate.
If you are "any good" and want to be a TPG I suggest you go down there a fill out an application and leave your qualifications. Tell them you'll work full or part-time for gas money (if you are young and live at home) and are willing to clean the toilets, wrap packages, answer phones, etc. Order flowers for the front office that took the application and send a thank you note. You will not hear from them. Show up about one or two times a week as the graders are walking in and tell all of them you hope to work there some day. Find out who is in charge of the grading room...I have no clue anymore. Google to see what he looks like. Say hi to him in the morning and that you have an application on file to do anything at PCGS an are willing to work long hours. Hand him your resume. Write a letter to David Hall and tell him your goals in life, your accomplishments in numismatics - including working for him one day. Be a SUCK-UP for now. When they are at a local show, stop by the table and say hello. Bring some cold bottles of water and soda for them and the guards. Ask the staff if you can do any errands for them. They will think/say, "here comes that pest again" but you are now noticed and sooner or later you'll break them down. Congratulations, you are hired.
When you want something cheap and fast ANACS & ICG are the ticket - especially for varieties and errors and correct attribution. The five top professionals at each of these "second rate" services have more experience than any of the full-time authenticators/graders at NGC or PCGS except for about four to six who come close or tie for "time-in-experience."
What is ICG especially good for? I use them for exonumia I want in slabs. I know ANACS is pretty much the VAM "mac daddy".
Apparently, "Good for Nothing." Nevertheless, IMO, they try harder and have the best customer service. I just received a twenty coin order of counterfeits in their "Yellow Label" educational slab. I plan to use one for a contest winner! One of their graders has told me they continue to steal customers from the big two. While ICG slabs bring less money sight unseen, they slab everything the other services do (except ancients but plus counterfeits) that fit into their holder. They have the quickest $12 ($10 Internet special) turnaround time of any service. Many attributions are free when the submitter did know he had a "special" coin. ANACS has John Roberts and ICG has Randy Campbell for VAMS. Big deal, anyone can look up and attribute 98% of worthwhile AMS with reference books and the Internet. I do it myself; however when it comes to dates like 81-S's I don't give a Rat's tail. That being said, when every aspect of each TPGS is considered, I agree with @V. Kurt Bellman - NGC IS THE CLEAR BEST.
