Which grading company have you used?

I have never sent a coin to a grading company and I'd like some opinions on these four grading companies PCGS, NGC, ANACS and ICG.

 

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ANACS for my Dan Carr items.

 

Do you think (or do other people think) that ANACS or ICG are less accurate or consistent than PCGS or NGC?

 

None of the above.

Z

 

The first question is what do you have? PCGS CAC is without question king for US coins.

Anacs is a solid option for cheaper coins. Once you get out of PCGS/NGC/ANACS you will start getting treated differently by auction houses.

 

ICG is probably the least desirable plastic.

Z

 

I don't have a coin just gathering information for later.

 

What do you mean?

 

You could basically write a thesis on this topic. It really just depends on the country. They both have an edge over the other in various countries.

There’s also the fact too that sometimes it could just be that they were the first to grade something given all the countries. There are several countries though with enough graded to have an idea of the preference if any and theres variation where there’s not a uniform answer

 

Well without a coin there’s nothing to be said than, the answer varies depending on the coin and there’s a new service starting next year for US coins that will likely be just behind PCGS and NGC possible overtake NGC for US coins.

 

I personally do not buy coins based on the grader, just the rarity and grade. I have crossed over a few to have a variety graded by each of the big four and to get a signature.

This will get some negative unsolicited comments: go cheap for your personal collection and for simple verification of authenticity. You can always cross over or re-grade a high dollar coin before selling it. You may even get an upgrade.

My experience with trying to get a better grade with a crossover is dismal. Zero for seven (if my memory is correct). ANACS downgraded a PCGS AU58 to an AU55. Also, very disappointing downgrade of a NGC 67 PLUS to a PCGS 67 which was again tested by crossover attempt to ANACS where it also graded as a 67.

I have given up on crossover attempts to upgrade, obviously my grading skills are lacking.

Most will argue very loudly that PCGS and NGC are the only top graders but I personally like ANACS and ICG customer service and the fact you do not need memberships. Also, ICG allows Fedex and UPS to a physical address which I trust more than a PO Box. Try calling all four and see which one will answer a call within a reasonable time frame, which ones will really call you back, and which ones will answer a specific question. Try emailing all four for the same.

All being said, for high dollar-highest respect, PCGS seems to win in popularity. Less expensive, ICG and ANACS. Of note, you may get a lot of comments by people that work for the companies. Just saying.

Good luck.

 

I used NGC a few years ago. Being an ANA member I was charged
only the grading fees. Quick turnaround, before COVID19. The NGC
team was very helpful. I used ANACS Fall of 2019. 40+ sub. All VAM
varieties. Got each one right. I subbed them at the S.C. Greenville
show. The ANACS rep as well was very helpful. I've got 3 PCGS slabbed
coins.

 

PCGS is what I buy the most, followed by NGC, then ANACS. I don’t submit coins to be graded, I buy them graded.

 

The words are really "have used." The last two items I had graded, which were a couple of pieces of Confederate paper, cost me over $300 for items that were worth less than $4,000, and it took almost three months. Paying for gradings is a good thing for dealers because, from experience, I know it helps your bottom line, but for collectors, not so much.

I have used the old ANACS, PCGS and NGC, but not for the last decade.

 

That's what I don't do. I never buy anything any more with the idea of having it graded.

 

I recently submitted some coins to NGC but they haven't come back yet. Personally I like the aesthetic of the NGC holder, but both PCGS and NGC get the highest value, with PCGS being a bit higher. Think of it as Acura vs Ferrari, they could make the same exact car but in the end, Ferrari's reputation would allow it to sell for a higher price.

As the others said, it also depends on what coin you want to send in. For example, ANACS is good with varieties and VAMs or other specific things like that, and ICG is all around very cheap.

Talking about cost, NGC ran me $155 for my five-coin submission, so it's only worth doing for high value coins.

 

I find that the PCGS slabs are much easier to crack open than the NGC slabs.

 

Better coins, NGC.
Lower value coins, if you just want them in a slab, authenticity assurance, or the dopamine rush of opening a freshly slabbed batch of coins, ANACS or ICG. Been there done that.

If I was looking to certify a really nice coin with the goal of maximizing resale, PCGS. Just never have.