Hey fellow collectors! I’ve been diving deep into the world of coin grading lately, and I keep finding myself at a crossroads: PCGS vs NGC. I recently acquired a 1881-S Morgan dollar, which I thought was in pretty solid condition with minimal bag marks, but I’m torn on how to get it graded. I’ve heard great things about both companies, but what really struck me was how differently they seem to approach grading in terms of accuracy and consistency.
After doing some research, I read various threads and reviews from other collectors, but there doesn’t seem to be a clear winner. Some swear by PCGS for its reputation and resell value, while others prefer NGC for its customer service and thorough approach. I’ve noticed my own experiences with both companies often lead to different grade assignments, even for similar coins! Has anyone else noticed this phenomenon?
So, I’m curious – what’s been your experience with grading accuracy and consistency between PCGS and NGC? Have you found one to be more reliable, or do you think it depends on the specific type of coin? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast92! I’ve dealt with both grading services for several years, and while both have their merits, I tend to favor PCGS for certain types of coins, especially higher-end pieces. My experience has shown that PCGS often assigns lower grades compared to NGC, which can affect resale value. For instance, I had a 1909-S V.D.B. penny graded by PCGS as MS-64, while NGC would’ve possibly given it an MS-66. The consistency of PCGS with key dates makes it stand out in those cases. However, I also appreciate NGC’s customer service and the ability to see how they grade a variety of coin types. They also offer a more thorough grading view historically, which is great for educational purposes. Have you considered using both services based on the type of coin? I think it can really depend.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, @SilverSeeker91! I agree that both services excel in distinct areas. I think I will definitely try grading based on the specific coin type. Any particular coins you’ve found to be graded more favorably by one service over the other?
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Here’s my take, I think the perceived differences between PCGS and NGC often come down to personal bias. While, yes, PCGS is known for having stricter grading standards leading to potentially higher resale values, I believe NGC’s cross-over service allows it to attract buyers who appreciate more leniency. Also, NGC’s recent improvements on their authentication processes have given me more confidence in their grading accuracy. If you have a lot of older coins, I’d suggest trying NGC; they tend to grade these more conservatively, which can be beneficial in the long run. What are your thoughts on the cross-over service? Have you seen it in action?
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Interesting point, @NumismaticNerd! I haven’t tried the cross-over service yet, but I’ve heard good things about it. It seems like a great way to ‘upgrade’ a coin’s perceived value without having to re-submit it for a different grading. I might explore it for my 1881-S Morgan; any tips on that?
Grading can be quite subjective, and I’ve seen that firsthand in my collection. I once had a beautiful 1934 Peace Dollar graded by NGC that I thought should have been a solid MS-65, but they gave it an MS-63 instead. Such a disappointment! On the flip side, I sent the same coin to PCGS, and they graded it as MS-64. So it does leave me wondering about their consistency, especially when they seem to differ on the same coin. But I guess that’s part of the adventure in coin collecting, right? Anyone else have a similar experience?
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I totally agree with you, @CoinWizard22! It does feel like a gamble sometimes. My NGC graded 1955 Double Die was knocked down a grade to MS-64 from what I thought was at least a 65. I wasn’t just shocked; I felt like a betrayed parent! I’ve honestly decided to go with PCGS for my rarer coins now, mainly because of the resale value you mentioned, @SilverSeeker91. It’s just a more reliable name in the market right now.
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One aspect often overlooked is how grading services handle modern coins. If you collect newer pieces, I find that NGC tends to be slightly more generous than PCGS. What do you guys think? I mean, there are so many variations; it can be overwhelming!
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Oh, the grading wars! 
It’s like the Coke vs. Pepsi of coin grading! I always tell people: trust your gut! Whichever service you feel comfortable with, go for it! If you’re curious about submissions, check out the PCGS and NGC submission guidelines here: PCGS / NGC.
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Haha, yes @CoinHunterX! It’s a friendly rivalry! I get your joke, but honestly, each collector has to see what works for them. Coin grading can feel like an art form sometimes! Good suggestion on checking the guidelines!
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In defense of NGC, I recently submitted a set of Walking Liberty Halves and was pleased with their grading consistency across the board. I received grades that aligned closely with my expectations, and their holders have an excellent design that protects the coin well. I think collectors often overlook practicality when discussing grading companies. What do you think about how each company handles the physical storage of coins?
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Thanks for the insight, @LakesideCoins! It’s great to hear about your positive experience with NGC. I think the holder design is definitely a plus for NGC; I feel like my coins are safer in their slabs. But it’s so interesting to see how everyone has their favorites! I appreciate everyone’s perspectives; they definitely open my eyes to different approaches. What kind of coins did you submit?
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I submitted several MS-65 Walkers and a couple of Proofs. They were a blast to grade! I was impressed as they graded at even higher than I expected. I’ve also heard regarding your Morgan; there is also a demand for certified coins in the current market. It’s exciting to think where these coins can take you in the collecting world! Good luck!
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