I have been talking about this subject on another web page as they say. Not sure how to do a poll there yet so thought I would post one here. I will also try to post a pic of the types i am talking about. james
I agree there is a benefit to having a TPG authenticate, certify and protect a coin, but it needs to meet some qualifications: 1. Meet the value vs. cost criteria. You probably wouldn’t send a $30 coin to be slabbed, the additional service fees, insurance and shipping may never be recouped. 2. Is a family heirloom that carries an overriding emotional value that makes it worth slabbing come hell or high water and everyone elses’ opinion be damned. 3. Be willing to have all your research be usurped or nullified for the opinion advanced by the TPG grader. It’s a coin flip that you and the grader agree completely on grade and label content. Personally, I prefer to do my own research because it satisfies the initial need to know exactly what you have found and I enjoy the whole process. A TPG’s expertise may carry more weight but they are not the only ones who can identify accurately and they make mistakes too.
It depends on the TPG. PCGS and NGC only attribute certain varieties. Even if a variety is well-documented and obvious on the coin, they may not attribute it. In that case, it seems like someone like VSS could be your only option for a label. I'm only vaguely familiar with VSS so I don't know if they limit attribution to certain series. ANACS covers a lot more of them. For example, they say they will attribute every VAM, whereas PCGS and NGC only do the Top 100 or whatever. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Personally I wouldn't use option 3. If you're selling, you're relying on cherrypickers recognizing it. If it's unlabeled in your estate, your heirs won't have a clue what it is.
