For a starter, I would recommend ANACS then build your way to NGC or PCGS. NGC and PCGS are premium grading companies. ANACS are reasonable price and better time manner than other two TGPs.
You're in the right place, post the pictures right here. FWIW, when I need one "certified," I go through my dealer. I buy 'em, he submits 'em.
#1 Can you post a series of photos depicting the coin here? I think everyone at CT would like to offer grade opinions based upon photos. #2 Depending upon the coin you describe here, you might want to give it to a dealer for submission to a TPG. I suggest this because you mention having one (1) coin for grading.
I give them to my dealer, who bundles them up with others and he sends them to NGC. Thats the cheapest way I know
Hello Coingeek12, I suspect that the pattern on your cent is post-mint ink. Look closely at the pattern & how it is affected by the struck devices & wear points of the coin. You might discuss how to check if it is ink with some of the experts at CT. There may be a chemical that you could apply that would not affect the copper but would affect the ink. I don't know how Acetone or Alcohol would affect ink & I can't recommend another chemical to you in this case.
If I were you, I would just enjoy my coins as they are, and continue to learn. Most of my coins are in albums, I enjoy them like that. Save your money
The 1950-D cannot be a proof coin. No proof manufacturing was performed in Denver. The two nickels appear to be nice high grade coins. However, unless you know some additional information (full steps, error, etc) then they do not need to be slabbed IMO. It costs $25 - $50 to slab a coin and I suspect that the market value of these first few coins posted will not suport the slabbing fees. The coins are nice but not really valuable. Please handle them only by the edges & keep them in some coin holders so they do not get damaged from improper handling. P.S. I just saw the thread describing the tiger stripe cent. I agree with RLM that the stripes are post mint damage.
Do not send any of those coins in. Their value will be dwarfed by what it would cost to certify the coins and you will be quite sorry you wasted the funds.