I have read the other threads on slabbing, but still have a few questions. If you had to pick ONE company to build type sets with, which grading service would you choose and why? Or would you mix them? Is there one company better to study at shows/net in order to get my grading skills up to snuff? (Books are nice, but I can see looking at actual coins is the way to go).
Seeker007: You have asked what is probably the most debated question, anywhere, short of "Was there a single gunman in Dealy Plaza?" Opinions vary, but, IMHO, I think that PCGS is the most reasonable (meaning accurate on a consistant basis) and NGC the strictest graders. Everyone else falls somewhere below, but, lately ANACS is slipping and (from the opinions voiced on this website) PCI is gaining, with SEGS and the others as a third tier. If I were just starting out I would study NGC for strict grading, but ignore them on toned coins. PCGS for circulated pieces for accuracy (NGC is too strict on Barber coins). Then, compare them with the other grading serivces. Remember, grading is an art and I guess that only Art can grade. Also, remember we are all opinionated since we have all had some negative experiences with each service. Good luck Frank
I only use PCGS now, and not NGC. When it comes to sending in coins to grade, both seem fair, and consistent to me. However, NGC has gotten too lax with modern issues. They are flooding MS 70 and PF 70 grades when they should be 69s. NGCs reputation has gone down in my opinion. Any newly slabbed coin from NGC I automatically grade one point lower because of this, and pay accordingly. I got a good deal on a PF70 Colorado silver quarter, but PCGS would grade it 69. Delawarejones
I still prefer NGC over all others. I do not really have much to do with moderns. ANACS has been treating me well, all of the grades I have gotten from them have been on the spot IMO. Once again, I don't deal in modern. I feel that PCGS is over-rated, they did give me a 64 on my $20 saint but they took almost 5 months to do so.
For a type set, I'd probably use a mix of any and all of the four top grading companies and concentrate more on getting coins with the elusive and subjective 'eye appeal.'
