landslide,
I'm also a brand new collector. Learn as much as you can as quickly as possible. This website is a great place for that. Also, visit local coin shops and figure out which dealer(s) you trust. Of those, find which one doesn't mind spending time talking to you about coins. Generally it's nice if you buy something in return.
OK, on subject: There are only three Third Party Graders that are worth a darn, PCGS, NGC, and ANACS (many say in that order). Some may argue a forth, but those three are widely accepted by almost everyone. There are probably 200-300 other TPG's, the vast majority are not worth their weight in plastic.
I personally shy away from sellers that tout a "certified" coin that is not one of the three. Even if the coin itself looks nice in the photos, I trust the seller less.
I'm also a brand new collector. Learn as much as you can as quickly as possible. This website is a great place for that. Also, visit local coin shops and figure out which dealer(s) you trust. Of those, find which one doesn't mind spending time talking to you about coins. Generally it's nice if you buy something in return.
OK, on subject: There are only three Third Party Graders that are worth a darn, PCGS, NGC, and ANACS (many say in that order). Some may argue a forth, but those three are widely accepted by almost everyone. There are probably 200-300 other TPG's, the vast majority are not worth their weight in plastic.
I personally shy away from sellers that tout a "certified" coin that is not one of the three. Even if the coin itself looks nice in the photos, I trust the seller less.



















