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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,941 |
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Valued Member
United States
210 Posts |
I've got a handful (9) classic commemorative half dollars in BU condition and need to get them graded. My LCS quoted me a price of $35 each for PCGS grading. Would I be better off sending them in myself? I've heard that there is a perception that a LCS would get a higher grade then I could as an individual. Urban legend? I also noted that PCGS charges more to grade coins with a value over $500. Some of mine could exceed that figure, but I won't know until they are graded.  What's a collector to do? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
While I like (prefer) the appearance of the NGC and PCGS slabs, ANACS (no club to join) has the better deal (on occassion) on their services. I sent in 13 last Oct for $10 each (plus registered mail) on the special for a minimum of 10 coins with a $500 limit on value.
Edited by oih82w8
03/20/2012 11:41 pm
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
You have to buy into pcgs or use an authorized dealer.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1302 Posts |
send them through your store. I sent in (1) 1893 Isabella- and because of its age it was $30 + $8 handling + $16.95 shipping... so that's $54.95 for one coin.
Typically I only send moderns for grading- as these are the types of coins I hunt out in the raw. Your dealer is not ripping you off.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6384 Posts |
Join the PCGS collector club at the Platinum level for $199. That gets you vouchers for 8 "free" submissions good for all USA coins up to $3000 value if I recall. You will need to pay regular rate for the ninth coin, about $30. You also have to pay shipping both ways but you will still save over what your local shop wants to charge.
The membership is good for 1 year and gets you access to the PCGS population report plus eligibility for their periodic grading specials. It's a good deal for someone with 8 or more coins they want to get into PCGS plastic.
Please post images of your candidates before you send them in! It would be good to get good photos ahead of time since it's harder to photograph the coins once they're in the slabs. Good luck!
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Valued Member
 United States
210 Posts |
Thanks for everyone's input! The Platinum program at PCGS looks to be the path I will take (thanks Jaobler). Before shipment (cringe), I will take photos and share with the good folks here. Perhaps it would be fun to hold the photos until I get the grade so we can see how talented you guys really are (realizing that a coin in the hand has a clear advantage), or is that game frowned upon?  Bill |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
If you are an ANA member you can submit directly to NGC. Just call them and they will tell you how. "Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
Quote:
Perhaps it would be fun to hold the photos until I get the grade so we can see how talented you guys really are (realizing that a coin in the hand has a clear advantage), or is that game frowned upon? Not at all. Post before pix and everyone including you can guess, then see what the result is. |
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Valued Member
United States
210 Posts |
Thanks, biggfredd. I have paid my dues and the PCGS packet is on its way. Took new photos yesterday without any plastic between the lens and the coin for the first time.
Some of you may recall that I posted pictures of these same coins (but in their plastic case) in the Commemorative Forum some time ago. My old screen name closely resembled that of another member here, so I changed it to its current form. Just want to be above board with everyone.
Now for the pictures. There are nine coins in all. Shall I continue using this thread for pics or start a new one for each coin?
Bill
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Valued Member
United States
140 Posts |
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Urban legend? Urban legend. The only time you should worry is when dealing with an extremely valuable coin. They try to keep high grade/high value coins as scarce as possible. I've heard stories (which I believe has happened before) is certain people will earn some extra cash on the side if a coin makes a certain grade. But the coin has to be, obviously, questionably that grade, if that makes sense. In other words, it can't be an AU55 and receive a MS62 grade. It would have to be a 66, on the border of 67 where it can be debated either way. So, I guess went on and answered about something you didn't even ask haha, but whether you go the DIY route (which I recommend) or the LCS route, you'll get a fair grade on your coins. Good luck! |
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Valued Member
United States
210 Posts |
Thanks cjtm92! I don't know that any of the coins I have are extremely valuable, but a few sure could become more so with a great grade. (Maybe I'll slip in an extra $50 cash with the shipment ;-). I'll post pictures just as soon as I figure out the preferred format (single thread for all 9 coins or keep 'em separated).
This forum is almost as fun as hanging out at my LCS!
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
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I'll post pictures just as soon as I figure out the preferred format (single thread for all 9 coins or keep 'em separated). Keeping them separated avoids clutter. |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,941 |
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Posted 03/20/2012 11:16 pm
