Recently sent a raw coin for grading. Today received pictures along with a note stating coin had not yet been graded. This is the first time this has happened. Previously, pics were taken after grading. A smart move by them. Photo dept is probably not as backed-up as the grading dept, and no plastic between coin and image sensor. Should get coin back sooner and with better quality pics. Mike
Don't they always photograph a coin before slabbing it? That would only make sense to me - why shoot through the plastic if you don't have to.
How would you compare NGC's picture quality with that of PCGS? About the same? More or less consistent?
This was the first time I went for PhotoVision Plus with NGC ($8). Pics are comparable to the pics that are part of Gold Shield service from PCGS. I am pleased. Hard to be definitive with just one coin’s worth of experience though. I’ve always used "Internet Imaging" with NGC ($5) in the past. Those pics were not as good as PCGS photos. Mike
There are several advantages in shooting through plastic. 1. Don’t have to worry about the photo crew mishandling the coin. 2. The photo process can be automated or semi-automated. Most of the coins will be in standard holders which allows standardization of positioning and lighting. 3. Bar code on holder makes it easier and less error-prone in matching pics in the computer to the proper coin. Mike
I guess in a standardized assembly line system like they probably have, it makes sense. I think about it from my perspective, where the plastic may have slight scratches and really limits what you can do with lighting. But I'm not trying to churn out hundreds (or whatever it is) coins per day!
It depends on what service you pay for. They offer 2 tiers (really, 3 if you think about it). 1. They photograph every coin in the slab. This is what you get with the free certification verification. It is usually a pretty low quality image, standardized lights and position, click shoot and upload. Everyone gets this for free. 2. Internet Imaging - a bit high resolution jpeg that you get, better quality than the standard slab image 3. Photo Vision - this image is taken raw, without plastic. You will always get a better picture without plastic. The coin is then sent to grading and encapsulation afterwards. You can read about them here: https://www.ngccoin.com/specialty-services/imaging/ I personally like the NGC images better (usually) because (often) the PCGS coins are red-shifted (red-tones appear more prominent than in hand).
Superior, now. If you use their $8 Photovision option. Their $5 "Internet Imaged" option sucks and is a waste of money, based on my past experience. But Photovision is currently better than PCGS TrueView, in my experience.
I agree with the others. The photovision is worth the $8 if it is something you are planning on keeping and want a good archive photo. I have never submitted to PCGS but from what I have seen, it appears that they "doctor" their photos more than NGC does.
Used PhotoVision service one time, I liked the results. I have many PCGS TrueView images from when Phil Arnold was around (before he moved to GreatCollections), and I have a few after he left. I dont care for PCGS TrueViews post PA, and don't plan on using them again soon. However, if you always hated the "glamour shots" look of PCGS Trueviews, you might actually like them better now that PA has moved on. Meaning, if you are still thinking PCGS TrueViews are the same now as they were 2 or 5 years ago, they are NOT. What makes me dislike the new TV, is the same reason that probably others would love the 2025+ TrueViews, they are no longer "juiced" (might not be a fair word to use) / red-push / glamour shots, whatever you want to call it. They look sort of "regular" now. They also seem "soft" / out-of-focus too, so that I cannot abide. Here is my one and only PhotoVision:
