Which TPG is 'stricter'?

As many have pointed out, a lot depends on what series you're considering submitting.

Each one is better on certain series than the other one.

Example: If you're thinking of submitting a Franklin half and want an FBL consideration, I would recommend NGC as they evaluate both sets of the bell lines, wherein PCGS only looks at the bottom set of lines.

 

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I agree with this on the FBL designation. With Franklins though I have found that PCGS is actually stricter with grading of the coin itself. TC

 

It seems that, with today's technology, a coin grading methodology could be developed to remove human subjectivity (and error) from the process. Laser scanners and software are available that can render quantifiable, high resolution, 3 dimensional representations of a coin's surface. A database could be developed with 3 dimensional representations of perfectly struck mint state coin designs, and then numerical grade assignments could be assigned based on each coins quantified deviation from perfection.

Automated methods are also available for remotely measuring the reflectivity, refractivity, composition, and color distribution of the surfaces. All of this data could be measured, fed into a predefined algorithm, and a non-biased, completely repeatable grade assignment would be calculated. This type of method would also provide additional information that would make coin evaluation more interesting for collectors, for instance the slab could say Field: AU58, Devices: AU55, Color Consistency: 75%, Reflectivity: 80%, Net Grade AU55.

The nice thing about this process is that it would provide the same results every time. You put the coin into a hypothetical machine that can measure all of these things, and the grade results pop out of the other side. I personally think that this is more reliable than some guy sitting there with a hand lens, asking his buddy next to him what he thinks, and applying grades based on his personal preferences and how he feels that day. Do you guys think that this type of grading approach would be an improvement, or would there be some important aspect of grade assignment that would be lost in the process?

 

One thing I have noticed...and maybe this is just me, but NGC seems more consistent than PCGS. Perhaps they are slightly less strict (and I mean SLIGHTLY)...but they seem more consistent.

 

Personally I use NGC to grade my stuff because I have submission privileges as an ANA member and because I despise Don Willis and refuse to give PCGS so much as a cent as long as he is connected with them.
IMO both are equally competent as graders but NGC has a nicer holder and their customer service is excellent.
You pays your money and you takes your choice.

 

Camaro, that is only a couple of instances of coins being submitted, and we have no way of verifying if that is, indeed, a truthful list. I'd say that both are quite consistent, and the lower tier TPGs are simply not that accurate. It depends on factors that are often beyond the submitter's control, but generally, a collector is pretty safe submitting to either PCGS or NGC.

 

PCGS is stricter on Jeffersons, Franklins, Roosevelts, Kennedys,. I think NGC and PCGS are equal in Commems, Buffalos, SLQ, WLH, and Mercs. As for discounted ANACS...... I wouldnt be so fast to do that. I know somebody that got a huge deal on a Monster Green Morgan because it was in a yellow ANACS holder. It was Graded MS64 by ANACS and PCGS graded it MS65. This happend about two months ago. Best advice is to learn how to grade your self.

 

Pcgs + extra hard on toned coins Ngc seams to be the fairest of the Top 2 TPG's

 

I didn't want to wade into this, but NGC seems better (makes fewer obvious mistakes) on foreign coins. This is probably because NGC has been doing foreign coins longer:


[This should be 1/2D or a half penny; not D]

I can't speak about US coins since I don't care:



guy