Coin Grading Question
 

I recently bought a 1 oz gold buffalo coin and was interested in submitting it to be graded. From the few websites i looked at they require an annual membership fee which wouldn't be economical for me. Are there any reputable coin grading services out there which don't require an expensive membership? Or are there any other cheaper alternatives?

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

I advise you overlook the "cheaper alternatives" as they would not help bring a premium to the coin. You do not want a substandard company to handle your coins because in the end you WILL get what you pay for. Stick to the top three third party graders: PCGS, NGC and ANACS and you will be ok. I dont think ANACS charges for membership fees but many people stay away from them. They are a reputable company but in terms of helping your coin bring a premium then PCGS and NGC is the way to go.

Membership for PCGS is $49 yearly and NGC is $39 yearly. If being economical is what you are looking for then why not save $2 every day and by the end of the month you will have your membership paidf for.

Do not cheap out on coin grading, it will cost you in the long run and will not help your Buffalo in bringing a decent premium when its time to sell

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

Yep,PCGS is the way to go. May not be worth it,if all for only one coin. If you know and trust someone who has a membership,they can send it along with the other coins,that may be submitted. Still cost 30-$50 for the fees. May save alittle by having a coin dealer send it in but may be issues about getting the same coin or one like it,back.

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

How likely is it that if you buy an uncirculated 2008 gold buffalo that it is MS-70? Like what ratio would you say is that high quality? 1 in 100 sorta thing?

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

Agree with GypsyHustler....

Look at some dealer slabbed coins and then look yours over closely with a 5X glass. Unless it looks like you've got an MS-70 it won't pay you to have it graded. All of the coins at the mint are handled with gloves and all are MS60 or better.

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

What would be the best service for a error coin? And can someone post the web sites, a lot of grading services have the same acronyms.

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

In times past, an MS-70 was considered quite a rarity. Nowadays, with modern coin minting equipment, they are much more common.

If you look at the population reports , you will see that sometimes an MS-70 is about as common as MS-69.

I think the whole ms-70 grading hype is overblown anyway. Yeah, I know the market place still brings the money, but I think it's a bubble that won't last forever. The only thing I personally consider when spending a lot of money on a coin is how rare it is, not how rare the grade is.

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

I'd love to know the grading criteria used to determine if a coin is a 69 or a 70. Maybe they flip it.

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

I would also love to know if PCGS would clean my coin before grading it? How does that work? Where do I indicate that on the submission form & how much is it?
I wouldn't DARE clean them myself! :wink::bear_rolleyes:

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

As far as I know PCGS will not clean coins for you, matter of fact third party graders are dead against coin cleaning. Once you clean a coin its game over for you, they will know it is cleaned and will not grade it

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

Can anyone tell me if there are any fake silver panda coins on the market? I bought a 2009 Panda on Ebay and the auction says its an official one but I want to be sure of this. Also, do you know if its possible to buy a coin on ebay that says its graded by PCGS and turn out to be totally fake? Thanks

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

I've read there are fake panda's out there circulating. Yet one more reason to avoid anything that comes from China, at least as far as coins go.

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

Are you in the NYC area?

I have a PCGS membership and would pack it and send it away, in front of you. You see and pay what is on the paper and then I'd keep the box closed for you to open, when it comes back - Just pay me 5 for the box and the billions of layers of registered mailing tape that is required.

I'm also an Independent Contractor for a dealer... Sometimes I send in orders with room for one more year/denomination. If so, I can throw it in along with the bulk order - making your grading price 10 smacks and only a couple extra fer the insurance fees and stuff...

But, it's really only worth while if you are close. :15_1_70v:

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

Ozzy Did you get my PM ever about this?
Maybe we'll do a meet up one day for some beers & Bullion talk!

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

Unless you have a burnished '08 w/ the W mintmark or an '08 proof, what makes you think it's worth submitting at all?

Re: Coin Grading Question
 

I did and I I left the door open for you; it always is - same goes for any other sane GIM'ers...

PM me anytime.