I'm not going to do it, but it could put to rest the PCGS vs NGC argument once and for all.

Namvette68's recent experience trying to crossover to PCGS got me thinking about how one could actually attempt to quantify standards at the two grading powerhouses with as much objectivity as possible. Crossovers, I don't believe, are an objective experiment, as the grading company knows it's a crossover, and that knowledge may affect the outcome of the grading process. Not saying that it does absolutely, but one cannot help but question whether or not it comes into play.

So, I thought up an experiment...

The experiment requires taking some previously graded coins from both NGC and PCGS, and then very carefully busting them out of their holders.

Send the coins to their respective competitors.

If PCGS gives lesser grades to the coins busted out of NGC holders, and NGC gives superior grades to the coins busted out of PCGS holders, then the great riddle would appear to be solved. If not, then the debate goes on....

Personally, I do think there is a difference between the two, but I believe it to be only in specific instances, and not a general difference. PCGS seems to be tougher on some coins than NGC and vice versa.

On a whole, I consider them both to be pretty much equal. Plus, I much prefer NGC holders to PCGS ones, especially the newer version. A PCGS holder, for some reason, reminds me of a Baseball Card.