Hello all! Recently I acquired an ANACS slabbed AU53 1934-S Peace dollar. A little bit of uneven toning on the reverse, but overall an excellent original no-problem and uncleaned coin. Question: When I review recent sales of this date on Heritage Coins and other benchmarks, it appears that 1) this coin fetches a considerable premium in the same grade if graded by PCGS or NGC, and 2) this Peace dollar really ramps up in value in AU over just a couple points. Do you think it would be worthwhile to try to send this ANACS coin out to NGC or PCGS and try for an "no lower than AU53" cross-grade? Do you think that the current perception about PCGS and NCG versus ANACS is just euphoria on the part of the coin collecting community, or a long-term phenomenon? Frankly, I believe that ANACS does a pretty good job of grading. The coin's a beauty and I believe ANACS did a fair job for the grade. Then at the same time, my understanding is that while NGC and PCGS will cross-grade, they tend to be extra tough on it. Kind Regards Houston_Ray
Yes, there is definetly a large premium between 55 and 53. For, what, $15 I would send it for cross, but only if you realistically think it has a shot at a higher grade. Personally, I feel ANACS is pretty honest and it seems that, if anything, NGC slabs sell lower than ANACS or PCGS.
There are a couple of reasons that collectors have coins re-slabbed by another TPG - they either don't like the slab it's in, they want all their slabbed coins to be in the same slab, or they plan to some day sell the coin and think it will bring a higher price in the other slab. If your reason is one of the first two - go ahead and have it done. But if it is the last - there's something else to consider. When a coin is crossed, any question about what might happen if the coin were crossed is removed. But, if the coin, in the original slab, were placed up for auction potential buyers will look at the coin in one of two ways. First of all they will know what the going rate is for the coin in the given grade and given slab. Next they will consider if the coin has a chance of being upgraded or being crossed at the same grade. If in their opinion the coin will cross at an equal or higher grade and thus bring a higher price if in a different slab - they will bid appropriately. In other words they will bid a higher price. Perhaps even a higher price than they should bid. You see people like to gamble. And it is human nature to take a chance on the unknown in hopes of reaping rewards. Given the choice between taking a sure thing and taking a chance on a maybe - most folks will take the maybe every time. Don't believe me ? Then why are you considering having it crossed to begin with ? I think you see my point
I have 2 coins that I'm hoping to cross over to NGC....just because they are in PCI holders and I think they are PQ for the grades...one question...since they are key dates I should leave them in the slabs right?...or should I crack them out and send them in raw? Speedy
Send them in raw. I always felt that the likes of PCGS or NGC were a bit prejudice as they looked at coins, say graded in a PCI holder. "That's not a MS65!!, what do those idiots know at ____ grading service know about grading coins?", would go through the mind of a grader at PCGS or NGC. At least I always suspected this... I have sent in coins to "cross" at the same grade (if not higher) than the grade already printed on slab "A". What happened? I had all 10 coins come back as "did not cross" and was whacked for 10 submission fees. Now, these coins were hand picked and I really thought they "should" cross. NOT ONE CROSSED. Now, if the coin is still in the holder, the grader is at a disadvantage because it is hard to see the coin (through scratches) and also the rim. So if there is any doubt, they will NEVER give the coin the benefit of the doubt. Not deterred, I broke out all 10 of those coins and sent them in raw. Guess what? 7 of the coins were "awarded" grades that were what was initially printed on slab "A", 2 were awarded a point lower and one was awarded 3 points lower (ouch). So there are NO promises if you send them in raw that they will grade as YOU see them, but you will have better luck than keeping them in a lower tiered plastic slab. IMO...
I've always heard that they cover over the grade on the holder that way they aren't grading lower just because its in another holder. True...I have no doubt that these coins are the grades PCI gave or better....but I do want them crossed over...and before someone says it...buy the coin not the holder...yes I total agree....but these are coins that I not only need in NGC holders to get better prices when I have to sell...but more than that I feel alittle better with NGC than PCI. Speedy
