Its always said, "Buy the coin, not the holder" but for sake of this thread, what is your favorite slab holder overall? Do you have any specific reason why? I dont own many slabbed coins but I do own a few already slabbed with every major grader & I happen to like the look/feel of NGC & ANACS slabs the most. Least favorite are PCGS.
I'm an NGC guy I prefer the NGC holders - especially the edge view ones. I think the white makes the coin more visible - where in the PCGS with the clear - it seems to not stand out. Also, I always put my slabs in slab protector sleeves to they don't get scratched - my boys like looking at them all the time. The slab sleeves fit nicely on NGC but it takes two strong men to get them on the PCGS sleeves and sometimes they even split on sides as I am pulling them over.
All of my graded coins, except one, are in NGC slabs. Where can I buy some extra sleeves for my NGC graded coins?
I have always preferred the white slab of NGC over the clear plastic or PCGS. The white insert provides a much better contrast for a toned coin.
Well, strictly plastic speaking, I like the design of the blue labelled ANACS slab. Clear, thin, easy to see the rims, with the label on a bevelled edge at top so it is easy to find if it is stored in a box with others. Looks like a lot of thought went in to its design. I really dislike the NGC prongs.
I have no slabs at all. I've purchased many but break them all open. Now as to which ones I like for ease in breaking out. That's easy. PCGS is one of the easiest for me. NGC is a little to thick and takes more cautions as to flying pieces. ANACS too is sort of easy to open. A few other not so popular TPGS's also have some really easy to open slabs too but also a little scarry buying them. I collect coins, not plastic.
I agree with the blue. And have yet to own a NGC pronged slab. Just something about it that looks wrong. Also you know those older small white ANACS slabs are a collector's item?
I've only seen it done by NGC for strong reverse toned coins. I'm not sure if NGC does it automatically, or if it can be requested by the submitter. The Battle Creek collection has a lot of examples: Search results for: battle creek
http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/slab-protectors.html Wizard has them - they are great. $1.19 for 100.
The new scratch resistant NGC edgeview holders are pretty amazing and crystal clear like a pair of eyeglasses. The best holder on the market and the new world standard in my opinion. They let in so much light that it's the next best thing to raw. Wanna bet PCGS comes out with their version of the edgeview soon? That might even be their "big" announcement...