I'd like to get some of my coins graded and slabbed and I'd like to know the services you here on CT use because there's so many and I'd like to know about how long it takes and how much it costs Thanks in advance, Kayne
Russ, ANACS has really gone downhill recently. I'd stick to PCGS or NGC (particularly if resale value is a concern). Kayne, The price varies -- see the PCGS or NGC website for details (and don't forget to include shipping, generally registered mail). That said, for most coins I budget $30/coin for the slowest/cheapest service including shipping. If you have a very expensive coin (or need a rush job), it could run (significantly) higher. Have fun.
Mine took about 8 weeks at PCGS, IIRC. However their response time really varies. You might check the PCGS forums for more up-to-date turnaround, or the PCGS customer assistance line (who should be able to give you the most up to date estimate).
p.s. here's the most recent thread I could find on the PCGS forums: http://forums.collectors.com/messag...6081&highlight_key=y&keyword1=turnaround time remember, the times in "days" are business days.
I'm not sure -- going from memory now almost two years old. My recollection is I sent off three gold coins for grading. Two of three graded. Cleaned: 62 65 I don't recall precisely how much it cost me, as it was part of a larger transaction and now some time ago, but I seem to recall it was about $100 for three coins once it was all said and done.
It depends on what type and value of coins you want to submit. Below is the fee schedule for NGC. Chris http://www.ngccoin.com/services/services.asp
Apparently you've never submitted coins to a third party grading service. Sometimes coins are deemed to be "problem coins'. They may have been improperly cleaned, damaged, altered, artificially toned, etc. It is not just one person at the service who makes this decision because the grader's opinion is reviewed in quality control. If there should be a difference of opinion, then the coin would go back for review. Until a couple of years ago, coins that were rejected were returned to the customer in a flip that was affectionately referred to as a "bodybag" and the reason for the rejection was printed on an insert. Now, both NGC and PCGS will encapsulate the coin. The insert of the PCGS slab only states that the coin is "Genuine" and the reason for the problem is coded into the serial number. At NGC, the coin is slabbed and the insert indicates the general condition, i.e., MS Details, AU Details, etc. and the reason for the problem is written on the insert, i.e., "Improperly Cleaned", "Artificially Toned", "Altered Surfaces", etc. Chris
You can get empty slabs from various places , but then the grade you put on them really doesn't carry any weight because you are unkown . There are many companies out there like SGS that basically slab their own coins , these companies are usually frauds and looked down on by serious collectors . Use PCGS , NGC , OR ANACS the last if you want a coin verified as genuine . ANACs grades coins too but their Quality control has slipped lately in my opinion . rzage
Like rzage said, you can get generic slabs at pretty much any coin store. For my best coins I use the "slabs" that are 2x2 sized and I think they look really nice. Air tites are another good looking and affordable option.