I've accumulated several coins that I'd really like to get slabbed for resale -- mostly to be authenticated and given details grades. I was leaning toward ANACS because of their numeric details grades and, of course, their lower prices. I recognize that ANACS gets less respect today than PCGS or NGC, but for a details coin or simple authentication, I'm not sure how much difference it makes. I just realized that ANACS will be accepting on-site submissions at a local show later this month. I think it's a sign. The flyer mentions special show pricing, although I'm not sure what that means -- I was excited when I saw the "Summer Special" ad on anacs.com, until I saw that it expired June 30. What can I expect from on-site submission? I'm assuming that the paperwork is the same as for online/mail submission, and that I wouldn't have to pay outbound shipping, but I'd still have to pay return shipping/insurance. I assume that the do NOT do on-site grading, and even if they did, I don't have anything that would be likely to justify the premium. My big question: how do you value a coin (for selecting a tier) if it's impaired, or if you aren't sure whether it will grade? Here are a couple of examples: 1) A proof Trade dollar, holed, engraved, and beaten up from use as jewelry. I assumed it wasn't genuine, but I've shown it to several dealers, and each said it's probably the real deal. Undamaged, it would be worth thousands. In its current state, it might or might not break $500. (Edit: never mind -- I just saw in the ANACS fine print that they don't certify holed coins. What the heck? PCGS and NGC do...) 2) A 1901-S Barber half with high VF detail, but some pitting/dings on the cheek. I've gotten conflicting opinions on whether it'll grade. If it does, it's probably well over $500; if not, well, it still might break $500 with the right buyer, but the odds are slim. (In fact, if it graded cleanly at ANACS, I might consider trying to cross it to NGC or PCGS before selling it.) How do you assign coins to a value tier, for ANACS or any other service, if you think (but aren't sure) that the coin may have issues?
Value the coins as you would value others. This is slightly off-topic, but in my opinion you will save a few dollars on the expense of using ANACS while you will lose out on just as many dollars, or perhaps more, on your sales with the coins in ANACS holders. Others on this board may and will disagree, but my experience as a dealer with my clients and my niche is that coins in new ANACS holders are treated as if they are less desired than raw coins.
Due to my work schedule, I mainly buy my coins over the internet. So because of that, my online purchases tend to be graded coins. As a buyer, I'm willing to pay a very small premium for a new ANACS holder (or ICG, for that matter) vs. a raw coin. I'm willing to do that, as the OP mentioned, strictly for authentication. It limits some stress that I have when buying a coin, especially if a seller doesn't take great photos.
I think ANACS has extended the $13 special through July. So it has not expired yet. A representative will be at the Auburn, MA show July 14th.
