They have a visual Population Report. Link is below http://www.dominiongrading.com/popr...33fcdd2be-49136866-F1FF-8DD7-CDA4527C3692FB4D
They aren't overly new. They merged with PCI (I think) and they have many very experienced graders on the team. I ahve the worst memory so all I can remember is Rick Snow, but I remember being impressed when I heard the names.
Is that verdigris I see around the rim and the date? Would this get a grade from the major TPGs? http://www.dominiongrading.com/authentiview_lookup.cfm?digiserial=012200014
Not merged, PCI went out of business, and David Lawrence bought out their equipment and supplies about two years ago and created Dominion.
Based on what I've seen on their website with Lincolns, they do an excellent job of grading. I would recommend them to anyone.
They could do the world's best, but I would not recommend them for anyone planning on selling their coins in the short term. I would not even recommend NGC for that. This is not bashing either of them. It is just the hype that goes with PCGS and the prices that follow. Maybe that will change in the future, but I see no sign of it now.
I think opinions from the heavyweights are pending. DGS just doesn't have enough of a track record yet for the "experts" to form general impressions of their grading skills. Plus NGC and PCGS has SO much market strength that it will take DGS a long time, if ever, to break through even if they deserve to. Keep an eye on the greysheet. If they get mentioned there more often, or even better, show up in the little TPG chart, at that point they would have become a force to be reckoned with. 'Til then, "Buy the coin, not the slab." Gee, I think I've heard that somewhere before.
I just visited David Lawrence's website via Whitman's Facebook feed. Not sure I'm all that impressed, especially considering that essentially the slabbing and the selling are being conducted by one and the same.
The industry standard seems to be NGC and PCGS. If it isn't one of those two I don't trust the grade at all. Most buyers don't either, so if you're planning on selling a coin certified by someone else then most potential buyers will be wary.
I have never heard of them either, but David Lawrence and Rick Snow are quality dealers, I dealt with them years back. I am not sure they can overcome the NGC/PCGS force, but I wish them luck. Until they are as reputable, anyone who wishes a slab would be wise to use the 2 industry leaders.
I've looked at them many times and with a staff of renown professionals I wouldn't have a problem submitting a few coins to 'em. I think they are an up and coming grading service, soon to be accepted in the very competitive grading community. There is plenty of room for good emerging grading services given some of the discontent associated with the other "big two"........
The problem is that the only place I really see them is on DLRC and their pictures are just horrible. The technical grades look okay, but I can't get over some of the pictures. Still as mentioned - buy the coin not the slab.
So far to date,I have seen their coins with what looks like really consistent grading.notating problems accurately,and very strict grading.along with their buy at any time program.The look to have a pretty serious potential in the future just MI
All good comments, indeed. Perhaps I should clarify my statement a bit ... Indeed. I purchased a specimen from David Lawrence some time ago too. He does have a good reputation. & I concur. More competition with equal 'quality' is needed. IMO humble opinion, PCGS has become too commoditized. I was thinking the same too.