Should Professional Graders Be Licensed ?

I think if people have a problem with a certain TPC, you should go to another one. There are a ton out there. Then if you hate all that, then just go with the 2x2's. What's the difference between a dealer who's been doing it for 30 years of PCGS? The difference is your opinion of there grades.

In the end, just b/c you agree or disagree with the grade of a certain coin, when you go to sell it to me (or another person) I still have to agree with your grade of the coin (or that on the slab).

My favorite part about TPG's? That the coin is genuine. I don't have enough experience with coins yet to tell the difference between real or genuine. About the only thing I can tell (that's difficult) is the LMC small/large date for the 60 and 70. But if I'm at a show and I happen to catch a good deal on a coin that I know my father needs for his collection, I'd feel better buying one slabbed than in a 2x2. Now I know there are people that can pick out the real from the fake and this benefit might be worthless to them.

Just my 2c.

conder 101

the connection to the goldline and the ftc was posted by bherring

"Most ominously, Weiner (New York Congressman), a member of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, apparently induced the Federal Trade Commission to issue consumer alerts cautions Americans about investing in gold.....Regarding coin grading, one alert stated flatly: "Subjectivity in grading means there is real inherent risk in coin investing."

The FTC further advised that coin buyers should "expect to hold your investment for at least 10 years before realizing a profit".

Perhaps the FTC would rather have you spend your money on real estate or stocks - no risks there at all!"

Which I answered with the court case you mentioned from the past just a precedent set by the FTC on over grading that was my point...