- Popular Post
-
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ron Hardin
-
Posts
1 -
Joined
-
Last visited
ICG and ANACS vs PCGS and NGC
in Newbie Coin Collecting Questions
Posted
I think that you will find as many opinions as there are collectors. So here is my opinion...I am a member of all services and have been trading for many years. Generally, I have been disappointed with the grades received on coins sent to PCGS. I purchase coins after close scrutiny and comparison with both their photograde page and grading standards. I find inconsistencies on the photograde site that are not easily understood. And I think their grading standards are just suggestions; not closely followed. In general, I have learned to buy coins using their price guide minus two grade points.
NCG seems to command a market price close to PCGS. Many video clips from people that have cracked the case and sent the same coins to all graders find little difference in NCG and PCGS grades. But sellers perfer the prices paid for PCGS coins. I guess there is perceived market value in paying higher prices for grading. NCG is less expensive than PCGS so it may command a lower price for the same grade based on this the perceived value principle. I like the fact that NCG provides a restoration service.
I think ICG is probably the best quality and awarded grade of the coin. It cost less, and you will generally get a lower dollar value for the coin, but I think the grade given reflects more the standards claimed by PCGS then PCGS. I like the fact the ICG states that their employees are not permitted to collect coins. That will, of course, eliminate any occasion for impropriety. Not that it exists, of course.
ANACS is the go to for coin errors. And that is I what I use their service for. I don't trust the market to reflect a good price for ANACS graded coins. Maybe it is the holder? Who knows.
In general, if I am going to flip a coin, I use the PCGS price guide, compared to the grading standards minus two points. You don't make much money on this but who does outside of searching. If I am grading errors, I use ANACS. If looking for high quality keepers, NCG or ICG.
This is only an opinion and does not reflect the actual quality of service provided.
At this point I don't use any other services.