ok so I got some coins that I think should possibly be sent in. Some MS morgans, bit of 1800s gold, 3-7 coins in total. But I have a question. Whats a good and reasonably priced way to do it? Is there a way to get a good discount on PCGS or NGC? I would be a first timer. Also should I send the coins inside 2x2 holders or in flips?
Both services like them in the flips. You should look at both of their sites for submission rates and see which would be the best way money wise. You're still going to pay roundtrip shipping, and insurance anyway, but bulk might be a little less than each individual coin.
You could join PCGS at the platinum level for $199 which includes 8 grading vouchers, you would still have to pay shipping and insurance both ways. If you're an ANA member you can submit to NGC without joining their club - just have to pay grading fees and shipping. I submit through a local shop that has accounts wiith PCGS and NGC. That way I don't have to pay membership fees, the dealer takes care of the packaging, and if they have coins of their own to submit they will ride in the same box - saving a bit on postage. Also, he prescreens my submission potentially saving me an expensive disappointment if I overlooked a light cleaning, scratch, altered surfaces ect.
If you become a NGC member, you'll get some 5 free submissions (i dont know which of your coins qualify for those 5), but you have to get the NGC premium package. It pays off, and i think NGC has better service, a better holder, and more to offer. That's all my opinion. PCGS has a lot of nice features too. With NGC, or PCGS you will want to submit coins in flips. With NGC if you submit them in a 2 x 2 you can run the risk of a removal fee ($1.00 per coin), and there is no guarantee they are safe when they are extracted, (meaning if the NGC worker scratches your coin while removing it from the 2 x 2 cause of the stapel, your sh-- out of luck). The only semi-safe way for this is to fill out a consent to remove form, which is traditionally only used for removal of other slabs (PCGS, ANACS, ICG, etc.). Also, you would have to do a consent to remove form for each coin, and EVEN THEN they are not responsible for your coins if damage during removal. So in a shorter version, sending your coins in a flip is just easyer for both parties.
If there is a major coin show near you, you can save on shipping by dropping the coins off to your TPG of choice. I don't know of any discounted rates. I do know some dealers get discounted rates, but don't know if they would pass that savings on to anyone else.
Also, if you go with the PCGS route of membership with 8 submissions, all 8 have to be done at one time, they all have to be the same submission ie modern/economy/regular.
