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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 1849769, member: 112&quot;]NGC, ICG, and ANACS have never published a written set of grading standards. Of course PCGS has published their grading standards, but they don&#039;t follow them, so I don&#039;t know that it matters that the others have not.</p><p><br /></p><p>Even so, the coins themselves, as always, are the best evidence we could ever have as to exactly what grading standards each company does follow. All you have to do is look at the coins graded by each and compare them. But in order to make an accurate assessment using that method you have to first look at enough coins and know how to grade yourself. If you do not it is all too easy to come to the wrong conclusions.</p><p><br /></p><p>Based on that method the numismatic community consensus as a whole is that ICG and ANACS both use grading standards that are far more liberal/lenient, than either NGC or PCGS. And all of the best known and most respected names in the community agree with that consensus.</p><p><br /></p><p>Yes, there are individuals that disagree with that consensus, mostly fans, and they compose only a tiny percentage of the community.</p><p><br /></p><p>That said, should coins in ICG and ANACS slabs simply be ignored and avoided because of the slabs they are in ? Well, if you know coins, no they should not. If you don&#039;t know coins, then yes they probably should be. The important part is being honest enough with yourself to determine which of those categories you fall into.</p><p><br /></p><p>But if you do know them it is wise to follow the same rule that you should be following anyway and ignore the slab and what it says and focus on the coin inside. That&#039;s because there are exceptions to virtually everything, including coins in ICG and ANACS slabs. And if you pay close enough attention you may be able to find a coin in one of those slabs that NGC and/or PCGS will not only grade the same but may even upgrade. No, it doesn&#039;t happen often, but it is often enough to make it worthwhile looking.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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