ICG coin grading accuracy?

Anyone have any experience with ICG coins being sent to PCGS for grading? Do they typically get the same grade?


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Not even close. ICG is a minimal grading company, and grades consistently lower than PCGS or NGC. There are some very nice coins in ICG holders (I've bought them, and cracked them out), but the company as a whole has never been an accurate TPG.

 

So they tend to get better grades if you send them to PCGS? Like a MS 64 would possibly MS 65 or 66 at PCGS?


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That's actually not true. There was a time when ICG was considered reputable...they were held in the second tier with ANACS (back when ANACS was considered reputable). They were always considered below PCGS and NGC...but back then not that far below.

That said, their ownership has changed hands (I think a couples times) since then so they have greatly declined in quality (much like ANACS). Older slabbed ICG coins could be pretty decent...more recent ones, probably not.

With companies like this, you really have to grade the coin for yourself. Because of their "fall in quality" they sometimes get overlooked and you can find some nice coins in their slabs.

 

The opposite. ICG overgrazes their coins fairly consistently, especially high grade modern coins. An ICG MS 65 might be a PCGS 63 typically.

 

No, his point is...a MS66 in an ICG slab might be a MS64 in a PCGS.

 

Oh ok


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I would agree that they were never a "basement slabbing company for sure." However, I would say second tier was the best that they ever achieved. I have gotten many nicer coins in ANACS plastic than ICG.

 

As far as ANACS, they have greatly improved in the last few years.

At least of those pieces that I have seen.

 

I do remember a time when ANACS and ICG were considered to be basically equivalent. It has been quite some time, but it did occur.

 

Considering ANACS/ICG coins often sell for less, I base my decision solely on what I think is the best coin, not the 'best' slab. I am not reselling so I don't care if people would pay more for top tier slabbed coins.

 

That is correct. During their first couple years they were very free handing out 70's for moderns and they were considered a joke. Then they tighten up stopped handing out super high grades and eventually gained back reputation

 

No point in arguing this one. We're on opposite sides of the TPG issue, as per always.

 

I have a PR69 ICG that I think could make a PR68CAM. It is why I bought it. It is the only one I own.

 

now its pcgs that doles out the 70's.. ironic..

 

I put this in the wrong forum, it was late.

Here is my only ICG PR69, might be a 68 but it is a cam and I paid $20 for it when Silver was $30. I got it cheap because it was in an ICG holder. I am happy.

 

We have this topic and I would say the coin in it actually matters, when it comes to accuracy. ICG was at AU55 and PCGS came in at AU58.

http://www.cointalk.com/threads/guess-the-grade-icg-pcgs.244729/

I'm not sure how seriously we should approach proof coin grades or common pocket change grades from BU rolls. Does it really matter if the TPG provides an MS65, MS66, PR68 or PF69 on any of those?

My main concern is that they do not grade coins that appear to be cleaned or wiped. I've seen NGC let those slip by without a details grade and was very surprised.