I am really just getting started collecting...I've always loved coins, and have a decent number of coins, but not really a "collection" as much as just "a bunch of coins". I live about 1.5 to 2 hours to any town that would have a coin shop, so I am looking for pointers on what I should look for, look out for, or any other helpful suggestions when searching for a store to give my business to. Just on the outside chance, if someone has a specific suggestion in west Phoenix or northwest Phoenix area, please share if you feel comfortable doing so.
What collecting groups should I join? I have a gold membership to ANA and a free NGC membership, but plan to upgrade this.
On submitting coins, I have a fair number I'd like to submit and a few that were graded/slabbed by some less desirable grading companies. Which is better, to submit the coin in the slab it is in, or remove from the slab before submitting? I would worry that if submitted in a slab claiming MS66 (for example), and a claim which is pretty unrealistic...would NGC or PCGS likely hammer it for the effrontery and give it a lower score than deserved, or would they understand and respect that you are submitting to them as you recognize they provide an honest judgment. Anyway, any pointers on the above or other aspects would be appreciated...or just a nudge in a particular direction or to a particular resource.