Hello, I am pretty new to coin collecting and am already hooked. I used to collect sports cards but switched to coins. I am debating to take the certification course offered by NCGS. It is a two-year course and certifies you to grade coins. Is there anyone that has been through this that could give me some advice?
Depends on two things, 1) Are you wanting to do this professionally 2) do you REALLY want to get into it this deeply...actually 3) do you want to pay the money?
I've never heard of this course, NGCS, or even that such a course is necessary to be "certified" to grade coins. NGC and PCGS graders are experienced numismatists with years of experience in the field grading coins. AFAIK, there is no required course to become a grader.
Sorry, I meant PCGS. I thought it would gain me more trust as a grader in a side or permanent business.
I can find/never heard of this course. Now if you a writing about a PCGS coin seminar, that is a different thing. You should take as many grading/authentication classes as your wallet allows. I would recommend the ANA Sumer Seminar as PCGS graders are there and you will have more fun/learn more.
There is a coin grading service called National Coin Grading Service. I think it qualifies as a "basement slabber" i would stay far away. The American Numismatic Association offers classes to its members.
http://www.pcgs.com/store/p-40-pcgs-collector-education-course-coin-grading-101.aspx Maybe? Perhaps the OP doesn't know it's a live course, taught at a show. I've no real idea what he's thinking. The ANA's Diploma Program might be a better idea, if he really wants to pay someone.
