| Although there are many coin grading services | | | | accepting sight unseen, a coin which has been |
| which have sprung up as of late, one of the best | | | | graded. Unless of course it’s stated specifically |
| and most respected is still that of Professional | | | | that it’s a PCGS or NGC grading. |
| Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and also that of | | | | Another thing for you to look out for when going |
| Numismatist Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These | | | | with the grading of other coin grading services is |
| are two of the best grading services available in | | | | whether they’re cleverly implying that their |
| America to date. | | | | grades are the same as PCGS. In the case of |
| There are a few other coin grading services who | | | | NGC, because they have almost the same high |
| come in second but if the graded coins you’re | | | | standard of coin grading services as PCGS, their |
| looking to buy have either a PCGS or NGC seal | | | | grading values are the same. |
| on it you can be assured of good quality. This is | | | | For example, if the other company puts a high |
| because, unlike many coin grading services, PCGS | | | | grading for a coin and then points out the high |
| and NGC both have a very conservative grading | | | | PCGS value for that same coin grade, you might |
| policy which means that they won’t be quick | | | | be tempted to buy their coin without another |
| to put a high grade on a coin without good | | | | thought if they’re offering it to you on a |
| reason. | | | | platter. |
| The coin really must be of a high quality for PCGS | | | | Which is really why, the Latin caveat emptor |
| and NGC to put their stamp on it with a high | | | | applies here. As far as accepting graded coins |
| grade mark. Unfortunately there are many other | | | | goes caveat emptor: buyer beware of what |
| coin grading services which don’t have this | | | | you’re getting yourself into. This is also the |
| same standard of evaluation and who will put a | | | | point in a coin sale where you should walk away |
| high grade on anything that looks good. | | | | from such an unbelievable bargain. As I keep |
| Grading low coins as high can and will deceive the | | | | saying, they’re unbelievable for a reason, so |
| buyer which is why you need to be wary of | | | | don’t get pulled in. |