And I totally agree, but until they pry my collection of moderns from my cold dead hands, they shall remain raw.......
I called BS on the grading game a while ago and moved away from US because of it. This one was the final straw for me.
Are you being overcharged when you buy a half-pint of milk for 79 cents, instead of buying a gallon (16 times as much) for $2.99?
There are different service levels. This link is to what PCGS charges. http://www.pcgs.com/servicesandfees
Do a Google search on "Kodak Stain Remover SR-1", and then dilute it a little more. About two parts SR-1 as described, 1 part more water.
You can (almost) always expect a better price when you're buying in larger quantities, or doing a lot of business. I don't think there's anything nefarious about giving a better price to a mega-dealer that sends you ten thousand coins a year, as opposed to a random hobbyist who sends you ten.
Maybe I'm wrong but I think that was directed at me. So posts and examples that support your premise aren't appreciated? Ok.
How do we know that TPG graders are accurate 80% of the time? Or, was that simply a hypothetical number for purposes of discussion? TIA, Mark
Even three is incorrect. Add the people who receives and processes the order, holders the graded coin, packages the order, ships the order, payroll, billing, etc, and lastly the money required to stand behind the guarantee.
Hummmm, because "there's little in-hand visual difference" in appearance between grades, that must explain why a 1901 Morgan dollar lists for: MS-60 $2650 May have heavy marks in all areas, poor eye appeal, may be hairlined with impaired luster. MS-63 $14,700 May have detracting marks in PFA, may have a patch of hairlines and slightly impaired luster; but still attractive. MS-65 $$425,000 May have light scattered marks, fully original luster and very pleasing eye appeal. MS-66 ???? May have several small marks with above average original luster and exceptional eye appeal.