The State of the Coin Grading Market - ANACS, CACG, NGC, PCGS - Summer 2024

[@christopherbrown5682]

I started out buying graded coins. I realized I don’t care about the plastic “grade.” And then if it had a bean sticker. For me, over priced and I did not see a consistent grade from any of them. I love coin collecting and now I just buy raw coins. I love my Dansco albums. If I ever sell, the next person can decide to grade them.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

4 identical pennies sent to PCGS from 4 different places just to see. I got 3 different grades

[@Samscoinsandheavymetal]

@@ronaldsmith2343 how are 4 different Pennie's from 4 different t places identical ?

[@ronaldsmith2343]

@@Samscoinsandheavymetal An OBW BU roll and picked 4 with help from co-conspirators for just such an experiment. It was simple to get what should have been the same grade easy enough... You can try it yourself with a microscope even. Let me know. Another 2 times we tried and got 2 different grades.

[@Samscoinsandheavymetal]

@@ronaldsmith2343 I understand. I send 10+ bulk submissions a year to PCGS (I have over $3000 face in pre 1964 OBW Rolls, I've made many videos showing some of the rarer early 50s late 40s unopened original rolls, and a similar number of tubed BU rolls. Grading is always subjective and a very fine line between grades is often the case. Luster is usually the difference while most think it's mainly contact marks. Also on copper one or two minute carbon spots may be the difference between a 64 and a 5. If the values are very close between grades (unlike some where there's a huge jump), they're more inclined to give the push on the grade . If a 64 red is $40 and a 65 red is $55 for example Anyway best of luck to you

[@Samscoinsandheavymetal]

I should have mentioned I have/had two rolls of all type B reverse quarters. The first was a 1959 tubed roll which I acquired back in 2021. The other was a bank wrapped roll of 1957 quarters with two end of roll type B toned coins which I had for years and wouldn't open. After a couple years, I caved in and actually made a video of the unwrapping because I do not open any of my OBW rolls. Turned out 31 of 40 were Type B, but all 40 were very similar in terms of their skin, luster strike etc . The best 5 including the 2 end of rolll toned examples are at PCGS currently Over the course of three submissions I have sent 15 of the 1959 roll quarters into PCGS They're all very similar in terms of patina luster contact marks and tone. Most graded MS 65 graded MS 64 one made MS66 (top pop is 66+). They're all very similar (not identical though) All my submissions are shared This is the one with the MS66 www.pcgs.com/shared-orders/order-details/22784446

[@roberthess3939]

Ben, thank you! Spot on as far as I can see. I have used ANACS in the past to conserve and grade/authenticate some Morgans and other silver coins. Was extremely pleased at the results. When I sent in some copper coins for the same services, I was less happy. What ticks me off though is when I try to sell coins that are ANACS holdered and the interested party says, "Oh no! I don't want ANACS. I only buy PCGS. PCGS is the best." Implying that PCGS is more accurate than ANACS. I have had friends in the hobby (collectors for much longer than myself) who have recently had very poor experiences from PCGS in terms of poor grading and even errors in attribution! Your telling of the corporate buy-out (sell-out?) and the loss of the experienced graders at NGC and PCGS makes a whole lot of sense. Lately, this is the curse in America as the experienced workers are getting let go because they are more "costly" and those who are hired to take their place do not have the proper training and obviously lack experience. True in the coin world. True in education. True in the health care industry. Thanks for reading all this! 😁Best,

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Kenlydford]

Excellent video. I could honestly listen to Ben speak on this subject for a couple hours. I also like the Q&A lives.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for being there...eventually I'll do another livestream....

[@LarryPoirier]

Happy with the ANACS service and Reasonable pricing. I won’t pay for the others, but I will buy those coins when I come across them. The grading does at times seem erratic with ALL the companies. As demand has surged, it feels like a yellow school bus drops off new graders at NGC and PCGS.

[@Jan-m5c2r]

Yes, YELLOW 🙂 I like ANACS because their holders are so wonderfully transparent allowing you to see the coin in its entirety, edges and all. No prongs! And their customer service is great. Some folks I know claim that NGC have the best graders employed. So if an NGC grader moves over to ANACS his/her competences for grading a coin are suddenly diminished or lost? Of course not! It's nonsense!

[@SilverCpa]

Ben is the GOAT. He's here for the love of jt, and brings you the facts. Just a stand up guy. We don't deserve him. No clickbait, ever. He'd have 100k subs if he played that game.

[@zachschindel3181]

“There’s not 100k cool people on the internet “

[@joepapp01]

Truly the best. Pleasure to do business with, too.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks again....we'll just keeping doing what we do.... Cheers

[@zachschindel3181]

100%. Just not that many cool people on the internet”. Otherwise this would definitely be the highest subscriber count. It’s crazy to think original thoughts and opinions with common sense approach is the rarity.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

Whenever Corporations take over niche, or any, companies the whole genre suffers (and prices eventually go up and quality and services go down) I don't want coins graded by the standards set by the stuffed suits in the boardroom. Thx John for the CAC standard - it is long overdue. Just let NGC and PCGS become whatever they become. ANACS should follow your lead. Render corporate business grading standards to the wastebin

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks!

[@Dennis21-u1l]

Terrific video; thanks very much for your very informed and experienced insight. I have submitted coins to PCGS for 30 years, almost never to NGC, and regularly to ANACS the last 5 years as I have gotten deep into doing a 1921-D Morgan VAM study with mostly circulated coins. Inconsistency of all kinds has been a constant companion, but I long ago accepted it as part of the coin grading landscape. What I don't accept, however, is the steep decline in customer service, which reached a nadir during Covid when, for instance, calling PCGS Customer Service more than 30 minutes after the start of each business day would take you to a recording saying the message system was full and you should try again the next day. And, of course, if you did manage to leave a message -- you never got to speak to an actual person -- it would take days before a return call might happen.

[@konradv7]

Did my first submission to ANACS at a local show.

[@jason4109]

most of my graded coins are NGC but I do like how ANACS holders you can read the date from the top also I like the Guardhouse Defender Coin Slab holders for my really nice raw coins.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Good luck

[@thekiwiclipper1113]

I appreciate your word ben. You've been in this much longer than me. I would not be nearly as interested in coins as i am if it weren't for your videos I've watched the last 2 years. I wish the best for ANACS, NGC, CACG, and PCGS. There are problems with each of them, but its good to see them working on them.

[@ReginaSuprenant]

Buying coins that are already in holders is the best bet for most of us. (Thank you, Ben!) All four companies protect against counterfeit coins. Beyond that, all grading is an opinion. Collect what you like. Buy the coin, not the holder.

[@WilesPalladino]

Very fair and accurate synopsis. You hit a home run with this video.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for being here.

[@robertfrye5161]

Well said. A friend of mine stopped sending coins in when the take overs and cost savings. There are so many dealers who have 20 plus years of experience who know all aspects of the business having their coins graded my graders who do not have the benefit of their experience. CAC is tighter, using the standards that was used in the early days. If you get a better date coin in their holder, dealers see the possibility of sending it elsewhere for a better grade.

[@b-man1232]

4:11....I've been a Financial Advisor for 30-years. I deal with Insurance, Investment, and Banking Companies daily. Since Covid, it's GOTTEN BAD! Off-shore call centers that are a nightmare to deal with, companies that just don't care, disrespectful employees, poorly trained employees, the challenge of getting a hold of a "live" human, etc., etc. It's gotten so bad that I'm in the process of selling my block of business and getting-out....can't take it anymore. Companies that offer excellent Customer Service going forward WILL THRIVE!

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks!

[@cgcoins3639]

As far as grading goes, I'm happy with CAC and PCGS... probably because I got better grades than I thought I would from both companies! I think CAC has great customer service, someone always answers the phone when I call and submissions are returned much faster... I think PCGS takes better pictures of coins and I like their online submission form better... If I had world or ancients I'd submit to NGC, but I don't cuz I just buy them from Ben! Great video Ben! This is always a topic worth discussing because you have a much wider view of what's happening then I do!

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your thoughts

[@attiron1973]

First off. Great vid. Love your thoughts. I've only been collecting for a lil under 2 years, after i inherited my dads collection. So far, I've only used PCGS. I submitted over 200 coins. The biggest "gripe" i have is that after CAC came out, they drastically changed. They've lowered their grades, more coins are coming back as cleaned, and PLs are not being attributed. Imo thee to five month turn around times are horrendous. Not a fan of "top pop policing" Why havent I used other services? ANACS: Lower resale, ugly holders, no online submission. CACG: IMO their "tougher grading standards" are just their way of generating buzz for a new TPGS. Hearing they have faster turnaround times, though, i might give em a shot. NGC: Not gonna pay another membership fee when, essentially, they are the same as PCGS.

[@bigdaddycarmel4610]

Great video. I definitely agree about the need for more transparency. But that doesn't fit with their business model. The more ambiguous they are about their grading standards, the more re-submissions that will take place, and hence the more revenue stream. I definitely see why people call it a racket. My feelings after submitting to these TPG's for several years: PCGS: the worst customer service, the longest wait times, not worth my time or money. NGC: great for world coins, good customer service, I will continue to use them. CACG: bad customer service, strict on coin grading, very little support for world coins, will use them somewhat in the future.

[@Indigone_Demon]

For better or worse, I use PCGS for all of my registry quality/high grade coins. All of my modern minor (not yet listed in the Cherrypicker's Guide) varieties I use ANACS. Both have thwir pros and cons, but with the two i really have no need to use NGC and get a high grade coin in a slab worth less money, or a details CACG holder because someone didnt like that a 60+ year old silver coin toned...

[@davidvandebrake8454]

Ben what keeps Anacs going is the fact that they will give a grade on ANY coin does not matter if it's holed or cleaned or damaged ect. They give you what u pay for . No other gradeing company does that ( I.C.G ) I don't count lol. But there's so many great coins rolling around in details holders that will NVR get a real grade unless u switch to the Anacs holder . Honestly if ngc and pcgs gave u a grade and then say details like Anacs it could very well shut Anacs and icg down . All my ( details ) coins I send to Anacs and some get the straight grade but most don't but I get a grade and it will sell for more then a no grade details holder . From the big two. As always rly enjoyed the video .

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your thoughts on that.

[@user-ey9bt7fs6n]

Sent my first submission ever in with CAC. Good experience, learning experience for sure. Sending in coins to be graded is educational and maybe that’s part of the cost of submitting.

[@michaelboone-kq4ir]

Excellent status report! I would just add that I feel strongly that coins that don’t make a crossover submission should come back with an explanation or code. Similarly, CAC should provide an explanation for coins that don’t sticker.

[@indivisibleman8596]

Coins that don't cross need to be sent back in a details holder

[@michaelboone-kq4ir]

This makes no sense whatsoever!

[@andrewhart8863]

Eventually, we'll meet and I'll get to thank you in person for maintaining honesty and transparency....two things we need more of in our society...it's often likely a thankless job but you deserve a big ty on this one becauuuse...as you well know ngc has fallen off of a cliff...I can't count on them anymore. Anacs has even surpassed them. I had the VP do my last group of 20 thanks to an influential intermediary who found a Discovery vam I missed 1880-s morgan vam 127...I need to get out and come talk to people irl as the next step of my growth...thanks for being you bud!

[@andrewhart8863]

You naileeeed it on CAC being too strict....but then again he's getting the thankless job of doing what he does but I refer you to the video onyoutube that "T Stacker" put up as he sent 5 fresh libertads to ngc/pcgs... ngc has been trying to be conservative and copycat without doing a reasonable job. Anacs was hyper tough on my coins and still made mistakes - good luck getting proof like anymore lol

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your kind words.

[@josevarjas8263]

When grading companies label a coin “ unc details- cleaned “. They should state the grade anyway.

[@MAGA_Extremist]

I thought Unc. was the grade?

[@DevoShire]

⁠I think if it has a details grade they’re not going to give it a numerical one.

[@ZXC_ZXC1]

I had no idea that PCGS and NGC are owned by private equity firms. PCGS used to trade under CLCT.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Yeah, it's a thing

[@jeffkeller9009]

I think as you once said that coin grading companies should have different tiers for cleaned coins.

[@TheCoinGeek]

agreed

[@silvadelshaladin]

If the grading companies are going to make a marked shift in grading standards "back to the old days, but pickier with surfaces" then it behooves them to make a change to their labels. Maybe make the background color a robin's egg blue instead of white. This way it will be differentiated from the coins graded under the previous laxer standard and one might see a premium for the newer labels.

[@andyman0231]

I'm an NGC collector myself

[@typeviic1]

They hold their own. Just as good as any.

[@williamkimmer6221]

I prefer to buy ANACS when buying coins I like the grading on how they do it

[@danielcoulthardjr6608]

I've used both ANACS and NGC and plan to use both in the future. ANACS for any varieties I want and NGC for their nice and sturdy holders.

[@antoniolen-rios8482]

As someone who lives mostly at the low end of the hobby, the whole toning issue sounds like a hot mess, as there seems to be no uniform guidelines for it. Overall I enjoyed the video and gained some insights that I found helpful.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your comment. The toned issues are , from what I can see, relatively new in the market and very frustrating. Cheers,

[@madkingeric9669]

I like NGC holders and tend to collect them over the others.

[@chaicharin]

Ben your best videos about grading as far as entertainment were the ones during the shut down and you would look at the graded coin and then take it in back and hammer them open.

[@bigdaddycarmel4610]

Yep, I miss those videos!

[@TheCoinGeek]

If I had a hammer ...... 🔨🎶

[@richardbehappy5412]

Grading is still just a opinion. Do not short yourself selling your coins just based on the grade. Alot of other analysis goes into the coin other than a number. Supply is drying up.

[@adamc8857]

I was very disappointed in the customer service I received from NGC on my very first order, it was shipped to the wrong address (not my error). I have been using PCGS since then, until just recently when CACG came along. I just tried out CAC grading and was super impressed with the turn around time, website, and overall process! I will give ANACS a chance at the next show I attend, I have been hearing good things about them for a while.

[@williamroy1772]

Bummer! I did not know about the sell out. Thanks a lot.

[@zachschindel3181]

Regarding the toning, they don’t have enough conviction to give any level of confidence with their grading. They grade with the trends. Whatever is going to make more money and build their popularity/reputation as it relates to the trends. Corporations have one thing that they are beholden to. Shareholders. And they want money. And that usually results in cut corners, under qualified cheaper workers, overall worse final product. But what do they care when the competition is so small. Advertising and getting that top Auction House single sale ever in your plastic…. Sheeet “we control the numbers, we set the bar when convenient”. Watch when those silly NFT blockchain art/images come back to the forefront. PCGS owns all the images of some of the most beautiful coins photographed before behind plastic. And we all paid them to take the pictures, assign them a number, archive and essentially own. You think they would send you a little packet like from the kids school pictures. I mean, I would like a refrigerator magnet of my coins. Or perhaps a couple to put in my wallet, next to my dog, car, fish catches, majestic mountains and the wife/kid. 🤔

[@wapphigh5250]

LOL 💯

[@therealnether]

ANACS needs to allow a registry for competitive sets on their website and it would help them a ton

[@RealtorInThe828]

Thanks Ben.

[@ExpositionMedals]

Wow, this grading system really seems shaken up by CAC. Well, I am sending my medals into NGC and will see how that works. This will be the first time I have used a grading service for my medals. Thanks for explaining the current status of grading.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Medals are fun! Good luck.

[@indivisibleman8596]

If you have a coin with rim dings/damage or any mark on the surface, do not send it to CAC, it will come back as Details. If you found a relatively rare coin and it has a straight grade, leave it in the original holder regardless of which company holdered it.

[@davefried]

i sent in a set of economy coins to pcgs earlier this year and got them back in 6 weeks. i then sent in another economy set and have been waiting 5 months for them to start grading them. its been stuck in ‘received’ for all that time.

[@StephenWiener-x5w]

Great video on an important topic. Two questions that I would like to ask: 1) other than the attributions question you raised, are certain companies more respected for grading certain coins then others (e.g. Franklin halves-PCGS, Kennedy halves NGC?) 2) since NGC is the “official grading company” for the ANA, is there a presumption that NGC is the company used by professional numismatists or just a marketing ploy?

[@TheCoinGeek]

I'll see if I can make a video for you on these topics. Thanks

[@robertcook5201]

I applaud your coherent and concise discussion on this difficult topic. I'm leaning towards CAC at this moment.

[@macarioacosta7767]

Ben thank you for your expertise!! I’m just a small new collector. But, I have used ANACS, PCGS, and NGC. I like the personal small feel of ANACS. It goes a long way. My last submission to NGC was alright until I got the high grade photos. One of my pictures showed the hand of the photographer rather than the coin 🤦‍♂️ how does that get released to me the customer. I immediately called them and they said they would correct the photograph. It was shipped two days later without them retaking the photo. But they immediately removed the photo. Fortunately I gad taken a screenshot. It has been a nightmare to get this corrected. Where was quality control? PCGS takes way too long. To be honest I have stopped sending anything in for grading. Why should I? I can find a slabbed coin of whatever grade I am willing to pay for. I really love the older slabs and I hunt for those nowadays. I don’t mind paying a premium. They are classics like the coins in them. Live your videos…keep them coming

[@TheCoinGeek]

I have also got ''hand'' photos ... LOL

[@6393-h9k]

Do you think that submitting coins thru a dealer receive faster service, better grades or discount prices?

[@TheCoinGeek]

No, No, Maybe. I don't get faster service. I certainly don't get better grades. If you are dealer member you may get a discount on services. This is designed to pay for the time to process an order for a client. This doesn't really pay for the actual time it takes to process orders.

[@keemo63301]

If ANACS came up with a more high end looking holder, they could grab quite a bit of the market share. What they use now just looks 3rd rate. Ben, I vote we should pile some money together and buy ANACS and have you run the place. Who wants in?

[@TheCoinGeek]

Whoa, there tiger! LOL. - What is sooo true about what you've said, I think that if ANACS got a new holder, they would be more accepted, as silly as that sounds.

[@attiron1973]

​@@TheCoinGeek agreed the yellow is hideous. I have the hardest time selling anything in an anacs holder for a decent price. Everyone wants a discount when they see that ugly yellow holder.

[@chiaking2787]

Thanks for sharing

[@fifteenbyfive]

I appreciate this enlightening video, thank you sir. I think generally corporatized management isn't a good thing. Do they really care about this market? Selling out is great for the sellers' bottom line short term but it's usually (always?) a bad deal for the stakeholders down the road. They'll care more about efficiency and lowering cost than quality, accuracy, consistency. I last talked to NGC back in early 2022 and had an awesome 15 min call with the employee and service was excellent and human. If the operations of NGC and PCGS are controlled by their new owners, this is not good. Getting backed up suggests that changes are being made in NGC's case. It's like the coin marketplace is attacking itself. Really dumb imho. CACG is a disruptor in the grading market which makes the future even more uncertain. Not for or against them, it is what it is. ANACS the oldest, hasn't sold its soul yet. NGC was my favorite too, in part because I love the pro-looking holders and solid reputation. Taking all the information shared in this video, the market seems more "anything goes" and it'll be good looking at all four of the graders with 25% attention each.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks!

[@rogerkinard7446]

Third-party grading is a racket ! However I have fourteen really choice A.U. Seated Liberty Dollars that I hope Old Pueblo Coin Grading (OPCG) will put in Mint State holders when its service launches next year. I’m hoping Ben, “The Coin Geek” uses this logo: 🤓 because it looks just like him, rather than the Owl logo: 🦉. ROGER, The LOS ANGELES DODGER

[@TheCoinGeek]

Roger , Roger

[@swEEtcoinsdOOd]

This topic is Front center in my mind. At the start of this year, I began my first type set. I bought a Danso album. I started buying coins for the first page most were purchased in slabs and cracked out when I found a nicer coin than the one that I had and wanted to switch, I took the Coin to my LCS, even though I had a picture on my phone of the coin and the tab with the coin, he disagreed with the grade and told me leave all coins in slabs. I went to my first Coin show in 20 years dropped off all the coins with ANACS back in July. How will we be picking them up at a local Coin show in late October 24 Coins 300 bucks. I’ve decided to not worry about the holder, but by slabbed Coins when I’m done with the collection, I plan to send it in into CAC for a sticker. My way of checking my eye is cAc or not. I’ve always been a sucker for PCGS, But my raw coins will in anacs holders, hopeful cAc will be snickering them by then. ✌️

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thank you.

[@Samscoinsandheavymetal]

Great video. I will say with regards to the QC/Art Toning. Obviously grading is a third party professional opinion. Not an absolute fact. And like all other antiques, Americana etc . there are may times where it's 50/50 even to the experts. That alone is an opinion. It also happens with confirming authenticity- if a coin is genuine. Those coins come back as No Service- could not confirm OR DENY authenticity . You see this a lot with authenticating signatures and historical documents No one gets it right all the time but in the grand scheme of things I still say PCGS is and always has been my go to choice Also for those who dispute the QC-AT the main reason they will not grade coins w/altered color is they are susceptible to turn often quickly. What it looks like today could be far different (ie worse), tomorrow The end result is protecting the integrity of the consumer and the hobby and if the best decision is we don't know or we can't confirm that alone should speak loudly enough Great content

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your thoughts

[@typeviic1]

I like CAC, I just dont agree with them trying to force the market into 1980's-90's conservative grading. That time has passed us by.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

NOT

[@typeviic1]

@@ronaldsmith2343 As with any issue, there are always outlier opinions such as yours.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

@@typeviic1 And, as such, differing opinions that make sense only to those who give them for some reason

[@linneisenhower2571]

Great discussion! Any idea why D. Hanson is crossing his enormous collection over to CACG slabs ?

[@aliveinsurance1782]

Hansen is an investor in CACG

[@ronaldmylrea6854]

Interesting, I just received an environmental damaged coin graded by PCGS that I believed it was toning.

[@davidhubert949]

I buy US coins mainly in pcgs holders since i think they grade them better than ngc, while i buy mainly world coins in ngc holders, since i think they grade those better than pcgs lol but i also buy anacs soapboxes cause i love them. Wont touch cacg since they are way to conservative on grading…

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

ICG is based in Florida and remains underappreciated to many. We love them here.....

[@Sam-oo2bb]

Thank you, I worried about no love going to ICG.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

@@Sam-oo2bb it's a Florida thing but still- Every choice we make in life is our own decision.... Don't crybaby over a coin set for a grade- Try harder GEG

[@TheMediaMattic]

I boldly Agree, I 100% am under the opinion that due to the money involved with NGC & PCGS and the stock holders and investors, both companies are blatantly responsible for a massive Smear campaign on both ANACS and ICG. This is easily apparent if you just follow coin grading history. And common economic high stakes monopolization of any industry.

[@GardenerEarthGuy]

@@TheMediaMattic They fund scenes that hype them as a point source- Meanwhile, one is better off ignoring them. Way back- the internet was open and was free of Google Bots in auctions.

[@indivisibleman8596]

I sent ICG coins to CAC Details Cleaned

[@dufftillottson3776]

The biggest problem with all the grading companies is they never explain their grading results.

[@rdoubled1384]

I think that people look at all of the services wrong when they say CAC or whoever is stricter. All of the services are just different and have different standards. One company is not better if they use inches instead of cm. CAC is not better or stricter because they give out lower numbers. They just have a different standard and we just need to learn what that is and how it compares to the others.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[@charlesroof7121]

What gripes me about all grading services is their is their pompous predilection on a coin that they have not done due diligence concerning original minting issues or strike idiosyncracy. Fon instance the propensity to call "damage" on Trade Dollars that commonly have chop marks which are commonly found on coins used as intended. Other examples exist of couse but using current standards of minting coins to judge coins created in a different time and method is spurious at best and always suspect.

[@rocco265]

Excellent recommendation. Grading has gotten way too picky. I prefer buying graded coins before the grading companies got bought out. Too many coins are graded details coins which I avoid.

[@dennismast3591]

Is there any real value in pulling proof silver eagles, morgans, and peace dollars from proof sets and sending them in for grading?

[@wapphigh5250]

I 100% agree. Where are they adding value here?

[@typeviic1]

IMO, album toning is not artificial toning. Putting a coin in a Ziplock bag with eggs/banana peels (or whatever they use) to get a fast tone, is artificial toning.

[@xDooksx]

I’ve noticed on eBay…ngc has less street cred than pcgs.

[@robbonaiuto3501]

It’s ALWAYS been that way. I don’t feel it’s right.

[@bigdaddycarmel4610]

I think NGC has a lot more cred with World Coins. NGC does a much better job than the others.

[@indivisibleman8596]

Is a planchet flaw a mint error?

[@donaldinnewmexico]

Hi Ben. When will we see your OPC Owl Sticker? *>>>----- STICKER IT ----->* 🦉

[@cgcoins3639]

I agree Donald... we need to submit for an owl sticker 🦉 let's go Ben!

[@ronaldsmith2343]

Ben needs that can of worms?

[@spyder8986]

He's the best at grading standing liberty quarters then anyone I've ever seen.

[@linneisenhower2571]

@@spyder8986 Really ? My favorite series. I haven’t seen him give an opinion on many SLQs.

[@Pelicancollection]

I have to admit I’m a PCGS fanboy, but I do believe in CAC. I believe in their product and as frustrating as it is to adjust to the reduction of gradeflation, with PCGS and NGC being seen as grading more conservatively (in order to be “on par” with CAC) we are getting a better marketplace. Full Head quarters had gotten ridiculous for what “qualifies,” Morgans graded 65 that should be 64, and so on. I’ve also seen so many coins in PCGS holders with straight grades that are CLEARLY cleaned, for example, which sends the message that it isn’t so much about a coin being “cleaned,” but to what degree cleaning is “acceptable.” That’s a dangerous game itself because consistency is difficult to achieve with this outlook. Sometimes a new player has to enter the marketplace to keep the old guard honest.

[@PhillyCoinCollector]

I submit only to NGC. I am tempted by ANACS show specials though. My reason for my NGC preference: I like the way their holders look far more than any other company.

[@rdoubled1384]

CAC is not as fast as they were, I think they're getting busier. My sub last month arrived on a Wednesday and wasn't logged into the system for almost 10 days.

[@bigdaddycarmel4610]

Agreed. They are a lot slower now.

[@ableaquariums5480]

Computer assisted grading is required. There are so many things that can be defined by specialists and have computers grade. I think it would take away the inconsistencies. One day you get a crap grade then you crack it out and it’s straight graded. Experts set the standard, machine apply the standard. CAC only for me. The most stringent grading is the most desirable long term. Look at rattlers. Tks for your candour as always.

[@rickbruceroche2038]

“Coin Club Show”, say that fast 3 times. 🤣I’m not into the gradins as I’m just stacking. However, I really enjoyed this video as information, well presented, is always great!

[@michaelgoodspeed846]

Hi Ben

[@monkeyman4131]

Thank You for the info on the grading co."s. I did not know till now that PCGS / NGC were bought out ! I just can't afford eather of PCGS / NGC for grading service . I do buy NGC graded coins tho . At 75 years old I haven't the time or money for this . I would like too have some of my coins graded tho , maby ANACS . Price is imporant as well as who grades my coins . Again thanks , Tom Daytona Beach , FL. 2, September 2024 .

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks Tom- ANACS is a good choice for economy service .

[@danrice8351]

I enjoy buying coins in holders almost as much as I enjoy grabbing a hammer and busting them out of their holders. Haha! Old US copper, anyway. Dozens of times. I do leave my type coins slabbed.

[@pauldonovan282]

If you have a coin restored is it possible that it will come back cleaned.

[@jerrydavidnichols6735]

Yes that is possible that it will show old cleaning afterwards and it will be put on the label.

[@PocketChangeInspector]

Yes. I selected the 'Conservation' option once and a coin came back with 'DETAILS' on the label and 'CLEANED'. It came back looking horrible and nothing like what I sent it in. It was in fact the very same coin but whatever the process is or how the person was trained who handled my order definitely over did whatever they were supposed to do.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Yes, I've had coins restored and they've come back cleaned, or not depending on how the coin looked after the toning, pvc/ Schmutz was removed.

[@madfemurfast]

Customer service for both NGC and PCGS is TERRIBLE.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Great video! Thank you.

[@johnwachter6369]

I'll buy slabbed coins, but I won't send in any more. It's gotten ridiculously expensive.

[@littlewindow7146]

Great video, Ben. For my part, I just wish third party graders would stop trying to grade colonial coins (note that CACG doesn't.) They clearly don't have experts that can discern the difference between as-made issues (like deteriorating die states, planchet flaws and striking irregularities) and normal wear/environmental damage. I've seen many, many examples of colonials in excellent condition that have their values destroyed with a Details grade, and straight-graded colonials that have obvious damage. It’s all over the place. And I now see colonial collectors starting to pay more and more for anything with a straight grade, where I see it as a field - perhaps more than any other coin collecting speciality - where one should buy the coin and not the label.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your thoughts.

[@martin-fc4kk]

if they would be very clear about what coin will or will not be straight graded, people would send less coins in.

[@joepapp01]

How many coins do you send to tpgs (customer + inventory) annually, Ben? What % return with unexpected grades? Just curious. Thx!

[@TheCoinGeek]

This falls into the ''don't ask, don't tell'' area for me :). I think if you watch my open boxes you get a feel for when I'm really surprised or slightly surprised at details grades. Most coins that I send for myself I do not expect a details grade, unless it is a rare coin that I want certified for resale (think rough 89-cc Morgan or bent 1877 Indian cent )

[@joepapp01]

@@TheCoinGeek thx Ben! 🤐🫡

[@aaronritchie7398]

Grading has lost all credibility with me for two reasons. Unless it is MS-70, all other grades are a waste of money. Also, now newly minter bullion is submitted for grading by the truckload. To handle the volume, the grading services are slapping out MS70 on coins so quickly, they miss the obvious scratches.

[@motojedi6580]

I think cac has a cult-like following, I prefer pcgs and ngc.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

I prefer strict standards

[@TheCoinGeek]

Honestly , that's funny. Also - the OG cult is the PCGS registry member.... PCGS guy doesn't think other grading services exist LOL. Thanks for your take.

[@rasbobbo]

Only graded coins I have are pieces I wanted & I only found them in slabs. What does “Details” mean anyway?

[@timeisahumanconstruct9251]

it means that there is a problem(s) with the coin, i.e., cleaned, damaged, artificially toned, repaired, etc.

[@rasbobbo]

@@timeisahumanconstruct9251 oh, kind of a general catch all term

[@LstrO42]

When do you admit defeat and accept that almost every ms65 or higher grade is already found, or that the coin you have has received the highest grade possible and no longer profitable to resubmit? Sometimes you have to admit grade chasing makes no sense and a realistic acceptance of what you have can save you more than youll ever make.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

Any coins I have sent to PCGS are just a crap shoot. They don't want to buck their set registry and grade coins based on the population.

[@TheCoinGeek]

I don't always put out the caveat, but sometimes on my videos I tell people not to submit coins, or crack coins out. Thanks for your comment.

[@StevenDietrich-k2w]

My perception is that CACG and PCGS are (in my opinion) considered to be the 2 most desirable holders, with perhaps CACG just a smidgeon ahead. NGC is also considered premium, but a little less desirable than the other two. I have coins holdered by all 3, only 1 CACG, but several of both PCGS and NGC. ANACS is, again in my opinion, less desirable, although a legitimate grading company. I have zero ANACS holdered coins. The rest of the grading companies are irrelevant. Don't hate me, Ben asked for my opinion.

[@1863dana]

Thanks for saving me the time typing all of what you said. I think you're correct in your evaluations and agree.

[@timeisahumanconstruct9251]

In my limited experience i prefer PCGS with a CAC sticker over CACG with a Legacy designation in its serial number. PCGS and CAC beans still have the most impact on pricing IMO.

[@ronaldsmith2343]

@@timeisahumanconstruct9251 If there was a bean for the legacy designation in the serial number it would then be more notable for the masses.

[@timeisahumanconstruct9251]

@@ronaldsmith2343 agreed

[@TheCoinGeek]

"don't hate me, Ben asked..." LOL

[@davefried]

from now on i’m just buying slabbed coins instead of sending raw ones off for grading. i won’t have to wait 5 months to be surprised and disappointed with the results.

[@stevemontanya7421]

Wonderful topic and reminders in graded coins. Not Gradeable due to the toning. Becomes a problem coin. Thanks Ben

[@artifactsandcollectibles4819]

I am curious why you excluded ICG from your review. I've used them for years and have been satisfied with their cost, service and grading accuracy.

[@spyder8986]

MINUSHA, I LIKE IT. 👆

[@AJFisherDesign]

Who does everyone send their potential mint error quarters to? Recent subscriber. Been collecting coins on and off since I was a kid. My dad dragged me around to auto parts swap meets in the early 80’s. I was just a kid with only a small allowance but many swap meets would have an old-timer or two eking out a living selling mercury dimes which i started buying. Dunno if you can answer questions but which grading service do you recommend for mint errors? I’ve never had a coin graded. Been contemplating what I might send to which company in the near future. There is a DQ not far from me that always seems to have fresh quarters for change. When the kumu hula Edith Kanakaʻole quarters came out I was getting lots of them in change and read online about die breaks in the “K” and “A” . I believe I found two. Since these are modern, non-silver quarters I was considering ANACS as I’m not in a hurry and I’m on a budget. Thanks!

[@TheMediaMattic]

the state of coin grading sucks. its impossible to find decent coins raw. every decent coin is graded already. within 5 to 10 years there will literally be no more new coins to grade. just re submitts from TPG to TPG in hopes for a better grade.

[@TheCoinGeek]

Hot take ! Thank you. I partially agree with that. I still get cool raw coins graded, There have got to be hundreds of millions of coins that aren't graded, and of those there are some cool coins left :) Cheers,

[@DevoShire]

So is ICG “chopped liver”?

[@TheCoinGeek]

I'll address this in a video. Thanks for your question.

[@andyb8838]

I prefer ngc and pcgs. ngc's holders to me look better. I've never bought anacs.

[@andrewhart8863]

The issue you get to is the scariest part towards the end.....there's no transparency and why did they buy in and what are their true goals....I'm writing things as I'm watching you and we are both saying the same things....I honestly think further investigation is warrented...."come what may" because it's the right thing to do...the population nonsense seems like it could be a genuine conflict of interest.

[@TheCoinGeek]

I don't find a conflict of interest in most grading situations. I think what you are referring to is grade protection, which I have no doubt is a real thing at some point in time. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@attiron1973]

​@@TheCoinGeekI am a firm believer that TPGCs (especially PCGS) actively protect top pop coins.

[@chrisafd1]

Hi Sir, What is your opinion on coin grading companies that grade coins and label them with a variety and the company no longer agrees with what variety they give the coin? 1945 Thick Planchet coin variety P2079

[@TheCoinGeek]

I am not familiar with this .

[@ronaldsmith2343]

OK - What about computer scanning - how does that take at least some of the "opinions" out of the equation. 💥

[@TheCoinGeek]

I love that comment. It's a rabbit hole of rabbit holes wrapped in a enigma ... lol .... I'll make this into a video. Quick reality, imo is that scanning is still opinions because it is programmed by someone. I also don't think scanning can actually achieve what people in the computer industry think it can...but I'm willing to be wrong. Just add it to the list :)

[@EricBynog-zd4rd]

I can live by the standard of grading it’s the standard of pricing I have the biggest issue with some dealers live in retail plus some dealers live in retail some dealers live in retail minus some dealers live in grey sheet some dealers live in grey sheet minus 15 to 30 percent and to a collector it’s hard to know what is a bad or good price without having to know what world the dealer lives in and to ME is why so many people get out hobby or don’t even get in the hobby they feel like it’s a snake oil salesman deal where they feel it’s a no win situation like hey dealer is going to sell me this coin BUT would never pay a good price if it was sold back to them

[@TheCoinGeek]

Thanks for your thoughts. Lot's to say... not sure I can here...I'll have to mull that one over for a while. Thanks.

[@EricBynog-zd4rd]

@@TheCoinGeekTo make it easy for you dealers in Louisiana coin shop only pay the customer grey sheet minus anywhere from 15 to 30 percent so that’s a pretty big spread minus 30 from grey sheet bid so if your not careful you will buy a coin from one those shops and pay 250 bucks for a coin then sell the coin and get from 100 to 120 back after how ever long and it’s not a pleasant experience for new people to lose so much money other then a coin show or great collections is just about the only places I can buy coins everywhere else is way to high and some coin shops in Louisiana don’t pay for cac stickers at all or like sample slabs etc say it’s a scam it just feels like a trap if you buy coins sometimes

[@EricBynog-zd4rd]

@@TheCoinGeek let me ask you is it wrong for a person to want get best deal for there family’s money when buying coins you know protecting your investment to prevent losing to much when you sell because older coin guy told me money is made or lost when coin is bought NOT sold

[@kevinpoggensee]

Hey Ben

[@es-bv8fb]

It's just information as far as the grading biases go. Any details coin isn't even on par with a poor coin in value. People buy the slab

[@donaldinnewmexico]

LUCKY SEVENTH