Do I have to be a dealer to get a coin (coins) slabbed? How much does it cost? Which group (slabbing outfit do you recommend)? I'd sure like an answer on these three questions.
usually coins are submitted through dealers to be graded, but some companies will accept submissions from the general public. Cost depends on the company, but it usually ranges around $25/coin for top-tier grading. Personally, if you must slab a coin, I would recommend NGC. PCGS is also widely well-accepted, but IMHO, their reputation is good, but since they changed hands last year are riding on the coattails of the previous owner's reputation. Only time will tell how the market will receive this. The third top-tier company is ANACS, they are quite reputable, but not as well accepted as NGC or PCGS.
You do not need to be a dealer. I suggest NGC, but any way you go, there will be a minimum amount of coins. Fees depend on the coin. The shipping will usually bring you up to about $20 per coin (or less depending how much you send at a time).
Shipping will run you about $30 (both ways registered) + a bit per coin. If you send 10 coins, that would be about $3.50 per coin. If you send 1, it still will cost $30.
I agree with the previous replies and would like to add - NGC has several pricing tiers depending on the type of coin as well as the turn-around time you are looking for. Some high dollar and Gold coins have higher rates because of the companies' insurance and handling requirements. You can find most of the information needed online. My most recent coins were submitted to NGC but I have used PCGS in the past - both are very reputable.
Here are links to the two favorite third party grading (TPG's) companies. There is a lot of info to comb through to help you decide what approach will work for you. http://www.ngccoin.com/index.asp http://www.pcgs.com/
