VKurtB

ICG and ANACS coins simply cannot stand up to NGC's standards on a regular basis. It's no more complicated than that. On several series, the market even has PCGS ranked lower for the same grade from NGC. I speak specifically here of some modern U.S. coins in lofty registry grades. In too many cases, PCGS is now handing out 70's like candy, and NGC just isn't. Look at market prices of, for one example, 70-graded SBA dollars. NGC is bringing higher prices than PCGS is. ICG and ANACS are absolutely a "lesser" product generally.

Yikes! Really??? Wow, I gotta disagree. 

Good. Those who approach coins looking to make money VERY seldom succeed. Those who do it for the history, the quality, the love of learning usually do okay. 

Whoa, what a concept.

Yikes! Really??? Wow, I gotta disagree. 

If that’s true, I quit the hobby.

Good. Those who approach coins looking to make money VERY seldom succeed. Those who do it for the history, the quality, the love of learning usually do okay. 

If that’s true, I quit the hobby.

Well, lemme tell ya, I would love to find a treasure, just like the next person, but that is not why I am doing this. Because I LOVE it! That is why. I am gonna give you a succinct version of my testimony so asnot to keep you all day. 
My husband was killed in a wreck last April. (I don't Ned sympathy because I am at peace. My faith has not let me down yet.) My little boy went with his uncle to get a gun I had bought his daddy many years ago. Well, when they got there, it was gone. (That is another story so I'll leave it there) Inside the safe they found a bag of coins that my husband had apparently been saving. Evan, my son, has ALWAYS loved coins so I am sure that is who they were for. One day I decided to get the coins and try to do something with them. Put in a book or something. So, I have pampered and cared for so many coins lately that I feel like they are my children. Lol. Anyway, it would be great to find a treasure so Evan could have it later, but the story behind this bag of coins has no money value. So, now, besides the fact that I like to learn and understand, I try to learn more so I can teach him as he grows. (He has finally stopped burying the I the yard) 

All you need to know about me is my disdain for the “treasure hunter” mentality. 

Then you’re reading me 5 by 5. 

Always keep one thing in mind - I am a quality snob, in both coins and photography. 

I think 4 days is the perfect show length. FUN is perfect. Spring ANA seems too short (3 days) and Summer ANA at 5 days seems like it will never end. Keep in mind, I am a National Volunteer, exhibitor and exhibit judge, so I am obligated for the full run. 

So then not only do milk spots lower the grade, but Oreo spots as well. Those are the breaks, cookie.

I once had a girlfriend who liked toe rings. She was a “freak” in many ways.

I’m in favor of a frozen Texas windmill being de-iced. Yeahhhh, global warrrrrrming.

I’m in favor of a frozen Texas windmill being de-iced. Yeahhhh, global warrrrrrming.

So then not only do milk spots lower the grade, but Oreo spots as well. Those are the breaks, cookie.

So then not only do milk spots lower the grade, but Oreo spots as well. Those are the breaks, cookie.

So then not only do milk spots lower the grade, but Oreo spots as well. Those are the breaks, cookie.

So then not only do milk spots lower the grade, but Oreo spots as well. Those are the breaks, cookie.

What collectors call luster is the visual result of metal movement on the surface of a die. A new die had little or no luster, but this develops quickly during use. 1921 Peace dollars were made in two batches. Many coins from the first batch of about 100,000 pieces have limited or no luster - the dies broke too frequently for it to develop. The remaining 900,000 were made at lower pressure to better preserve dies, and many of these have excellent luster.
1921 Peace dollar with the best detail likely were made the first day and will have little or no luster.

Actually they are from the final years of the Empire period.

Many parades NEED some rain. Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade needs a storm of flaming meteors. 

Over time, both. Recent slabs are not stickers.