So I own certified coins from both NGC and PCGS. I am a collector of Nickels (Shield-Jefferson) but I mostly collect Full Step Jeffersons. I want to start getting my collection in 2x2's certified but being I am a novice, I was hoping someone could either direct me to a good thread or help me information on the subtle differences between the companies. They are both very reputable but maybe one is better for nickels. Maybe, which is better for errors? Or are they pretty much the same? Any sage advice would be most helpful. Thank you for your time! :smile
Personally, I prefer NGC over PCGS. They're more like family, and their customer service is the best. Chris
Thank you for the advice. Personally I have always the look of the coin better with some white around it so I guess I am a bit preferential to them as well. Being that I am in sales, customer service is a huge plus and that is great to know! Thanks again!
First, I would like to welcome a fellow Jefferson Nickel enthusiast to the forum. Your question is very important and surprisingly difficult to answer. As you probably know, NGC & PCGS employ very different standards in their respective grading of the Jefferson Nickel series. PCGS is almost a full grade more conservative than NGC but NGC is much more stringent in their application of the full step designation. As a result, grading and pricing high end Jefferson Nickels is very tricky. Here is my advice on how to have your raw Jefferson Nickels graded. Break the coins down into three groups: Possible Full Steps, Definite Full Steps, Not Full Steps. Possible Full Steps: This category is for coins that you think might be full steps but are not positive. Submit all coins in this category to PCGS. It is paramount to get as many coins as possible with the full step designation regardless of numerical grade. Full Step coins are much more marketable and much more likely to appreciate in value over time. Since NGC is extremely strict with the full step designation, you don't want to send them coins with questionable steps. Definite Full Steps: For all of your 100% no doubt full step coins, you will need to grade each coin using both PCGS and NGC standards. Because of the variation in standards, very few coins will be the same grade. Most of your PCGS coins will be one grade lower than your NGC grades. Once you have guessed the grades, you need to compare the auction archive prices for both PCGS and NGC for each coin and determine which TPG gives you the best value. Remember that there is no price guide for NGC graded full step coins so you must use auction archive prices for this exercise. For coins that are approximately equal in value, use PCGS. Not Full Steps: Send all of your non full step coins to NGC unless you are certain that the coin will grade MS67 by PCGS. The only exception here would be if you have a fantastically toned coin. Even if it would grade MS67 by PCGS, you should send it to NGC and get the star designation. I would also like to stress the prudence in evaluating the credentials of those giving you advice. I am an avid collector of Jefferson Nickels and currently hold the 2nd ranked NGC Registry Jefferson War Nickel Set and the 5th ranked NGC Registry Jefferson Nickel Set (1938-1964). Welcome to the forum and don't hesitate to talk about Jefferson Nickels, it is one of my favorite activities. Paul
I collect both NGC and PCGS coins as well. That said, I am a member of PCGS only. As a PCGS member I can submit coins, get access to the pop reports, get the free quarterly grading specials and am invited to their members only shows in Las Vegas. I'm not a member of NGC because I am already a member of the ANA which allows me to submit coins to NGC w/o being a member of NGC. I'm pretty sure that the only thing I'm missing by not being a member of NGC is the NGC population reports, which I can get the info from Heritage free if I really want to do so.
Wow Lehigh, I look forward to talking to you quite a bit on here. Your information is invaluable and I cannot thank you enough! I will definitely sort them into 3 categories. If I have a coin that I see as say a 5-5-4-5 should I just put that into the not fullsteps or is it worth sending to PCGS? I guess my question is what makes PCGS a little weaker per say when it comes to there Full Step standards. Is it in bridging of steps or maybe nicks from the mint they might overlook. I tend to be really strict on my own coins and what I would consider Full Steps. Maybe I will send one in that seems close to each and see how it goes otherwise I can clearly distinguish the 3 piles. My sure Full Steppers are already separated, I just need to separate the "maybes" from the for sure "nots". May I ask how long you have collected Jefferson Nickels for Lehigh96? Thank you again!
Thanks for the info illini420! I did not realize I could submit to NGC by being an ANA member. I think I am leaning to joining PCGS and ANA then. I have heard about those Las Vegas shows. Wasn't there one recently or is it coming up? Are they as fun and amazing as I hear they are?
I would send the 5-5-4-5 to PCGS unless the weakness under the third pillar is obvious. You will find many coins with that exact same step count using the quarter step method. You might want to post a photo so I can look at it. I find that PCGS is takes a holistic approach. They will allow one minor bridge or nick if the rest of the steps are strong. NGC takes a disqualifying approach. If they find any reason at all why the coin should not have full steps, the coin doesn't get the designation. I started collecting war nickels in early 2007 and after about a year, my collection grew into a full series collection.
