I probably already know the answer to this, but being relatively new to numismatics, would like some informed opinions. Found a 1963-P Roosevelt Dime graded at MS-68 by...wait for it...SGS. It is being offered for $6.95, but a quick look at Numismedia says that in that condition it is likely worth closer to $1,300. Which brings me to my real point. What is the deal with SGS? Sound extremely shady to me, and I need to know if they are to be avoided in the future.
SGS is not an actual grading company, but a person or group of people who take coins and put them in their own holders, with ridiculously high grades (MS70 99.9% of the time). Legitimate grading companies put coins in sealed holders which do not open up without breaking the holder. SGS holders are not sealed, and therefore can be opened easily. Whenever buying a graded coin, coins graded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), ANACS (American Numismatic Associaton Certification Services), and ICG (Independent Coin Graders) are fine, any others should be considered a raw (ungraded) coin.
I'll echo what the others have stated already, SGS, basement grader, no standards, majority of moderns get an automatic 70 on the label. This dime must have a ding somewhere to have not rated the auto 70 label from them.
The problem with the Red Book is that their price guide quotes no values above PF65 or MS65. There are many instances where the values for higher grades increase exponentially from one level to the next. If you have access to them, you might want to browse through the Numismedia price guides at NGC or the PCGS price guides to see how the values increase for the higher grades. If that isn't possible, you can get a copy of the CDN Greysheet. Chris
As I suspected, thanks for the input. What about Accugrade (ACG). I'm seeing another "too good to be true" Walking Liberty Half.
Accugrade is the first slabbing coin and the owner is Mr. Alan Hager his company start 1984 followed by PCGS 1986 after owner David Hall paid 100,000.00 US Dollars to Mr. Hager for his expertise and his PATENT. Then NGC become the Third slabbing coin when they start on 1987. Here is also one example of Accugrade Holder in eBAY on January 15 ended this year with the Highest offer received of Seven Million US Dollars. [video=youtube;DjUjvVJ2sbQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjUjvVJ2sbQ[/video]
Redwin - sending an Ebay message isn't the same as making an offer. You should also explain that the coin never sold. Anyone can send a message without making a commitment to buy - unfortunately, it means nothing.
The OP is asking this >What about Accugrade (ACG). I'm seeing another "too good to be true" Walking Liberty Half And my reply is to post the evidences of the proof and it is up for him to decides about reputation..All defendants settled cases in favor of Accurade. With regards of Accugrade holder is also posted my eBay auction as part of the proof that there's people to sent me a message begging if I would accept the offer of Seven Million Dollars. My answer is DECLINED offered. So there's no Commitment to Buy it. Thank you.
>How much time does it take to set up two ebay accounts? Just pulling your leg... Did you ever look the ID of that member since 2003 and his positive FEEDBACK just only 166. I did not know eBay yet during that year. I just stated ebay just year 2009. Besides sbay knows better about my REPUTATION that I am not a LIAR or Irresponsible eBayer. One thing more He/She is not the ONLY eBayer Interested in this coin, So many been automatically declined on the BEST OFFER Below 8.5 You will be automatically declined. That's All.