Two quick NGC-slab related stories from the MNS show

[James_OldeTowne]

First story: I asked a dealer if he had FBL Franklins for sale, and he said "sure, what grades?". I stated "high-grade FBLs", so he whipped out a slab box full of . . . . PCGS coins. I said "oh, sorry, I only want NGC, strictly NGC", and he looked at me as if I'd just landed from another planet. "Why?" he asked, as if only an insufficiently_thoughtful_person would buy NGC-certified Franklins, and I told him that I didn't trust PCGS' FBL designation. He basically told me to take a hike.

 

It's kind of like those people who will only buy a Ford, no matter what, as if no other brand of car exists. Sheesh! (By the way, I own a Ford, a Chevy and a Jeep).

 

I never did manage to buy an Frankies, because of all the power outages disrupting my available time.

 

Second story: At the auction, there were three 1924-S Peace dollars graded MS-63 (PCGS, NGC and PCI), and I desparately need one for a client in that exact grade, blast-white like all three coins were. The PCI coin was cr&p and not even in consideration, which left me with the P and N. I thought the PCGS coin was a perfectly graded MS-63.0, and the NGC coin was only the slightest hint better, perhaps MS-63.2, but the PCGS coin was being sold first. Lo and behold, it went for $10 above bid, so I didn't go after it (I'm certain I would have gotten it at the next increment, or $35 above bid). I felt certain that plastic-brand bias would kick in, and the NGC coin would go for less. Man, I was licking my chops, ready to grab onto this coin. Guess what? Within about five seconds, it had zoomed TWO-HUNDRED DOLLARS above bid!!

 

AAAAggghhh! Where are the nuts that think PCGS coins always sell for more? and why weren't they at this auction?

 

Moral of the story is: I still don't have a 1924-S - and neither does my client.

 

James

[WinstonWare]

James, thanks for sharing those enjoyable stories. The first story seems to happen more frequently than I initially would have guessed. I have had similar experiences and been surprised when they occurred.

[HaydenTubbs]

Second story: At the auction, there were three 1924-S Peace dollars graded MS-63 (PCGS, NGC and PCI), and I desparately need one for a client in that exact grade, blast-white like all three coins were. The PCI coin was cr&p and not even in consideration, which left me with the P and N. I thought the PCGS coin was a perfectly graded MS-63.0, and the NGC coin was only the slightest hint better, perhaps MS-63.2, but the PCGS coin was being sold first. Lo and behold, it went for $10 above bid, so I didn't go after it (I'm certain I would have gotten it at the next increment, or $35 above bid). I felt certain that plastic-brand bias would kick in, and the NGC coin would go for less. Man, I was licking my chops, ready to grab onto this coin. Guess what? Within about five seconds, it had zoomed TWO-HUNDRED DOLLARS above bid!!

 

AAAAggghhh! Where are the nuts that think PCGS coins always sell for more? and why weren't they at this auction?

 

 

 

Geez,that sure stinks James, it's times like these that make you go " What the...?"

[braddick]

"I don't trust PCGS and the Full Bell Line designation."

 

But you trust your own eyes, true? Why not at least look at the PCGS coins and make your own determination?

That dealer's bias toward NGC coins is only equalled by your bias against PCGS coins.

 

James, I'm a bit surprised at you unless I'm simply reading this thread wrong.

[WaxonWaxov]

Seems to me that in the coin grading world PCGS is the Mac and NGC is the PC.

 

Some people are adamant about one or the other.

 

off topic: Mac people have always said Macs are better for graphics. Well, yes that was true when that commercial was made in 1992. Many photo editing people are Mac heads... many PhotShop people are Mac heads... you know those new Intel-based Macs? PhotoShop won't run on them.... hahahahahahahaha

[Bruceswar]

"I don't trust PCGS and the Full Bell Line designation."

 

But you trust your own eyes, true? Why not at least look at the PCGS coins and make your own determination?

That dealer's bias toward NGC coins is only equalled by your bias against PCGS coins.

 

James, I'm a bit surprised at you unless I'm simply reading this thread wrong.

 

I am a bit surprised as well, but on the other hand I am just guessing the PCGS coins were strongly priced. Now I could be totally wrong.

[James_OldeTowne]

((( "I don't trust PCGS and the Full Bell Line designation."

 

But you trust your own eyes, true? Why not at least look at the PCGS coins and make your own determination?

That dealer's bias toward NGC coins is only equalled by your bias against PCGS coins.

 

James, I'm a bit surprised at you unless I'm simply reading this thread wrong. )))

 

Braddick, I should have mentioned that I was buying the Franklins for a customer who only wants NGC, and was really using his terms. If buying for myself, I will indeed look at PCGS coins, as well as ACG for that matter . However, I have NO interest in playing the "crossover" game if buying for a customer. I'd rather just buy coins already certified by NGC.

 

James

[braddick]

James, thanks. I knew there had to be more to the story.