Hey fellow collectors! I recently found myself diving into population reports after coming across a couple of peace dollars that were graded by two different services. One is a PCGS MS64 and the other a NGC MS64.
I’ve done some digging, and it’s fascinating how the population numbers can vary significantly between the two grading companies. I noticed, for instance, that although both coins are graded the same, the PCGS one seems to sell for a bit more on average. It got me thinking - how much does the grading service really impact the coin’s value? Are collectors generally leaning towards one service over another?
I’d love to hear your experiences. Have any of you compared reports for specific coins? What have you found in terms of market value differences? Any insights on how grading might affect selling or trading? Let’s chat about this interesting aspect of our hobby!
That’s a great question, CoinLover123! I’ve done quite a bit of analysis on population reports across different grading services, especially for key coins like the Peace Dollar. In my experience, the perceived value can definitely vary based on the grading company. For example, PCGS has a stronger reputation among many collectors, and this often translates to higher prices at auction, even for coins that might grade the same at NGC. To illustrate, I compared the population reports for a 1922 Peace Dollar; PCGS lists about 600 MS64s, while NGC lists around 500 for the same grade. Yet, PCGS coins of the same grade can fetch 10-20% more typically.
- PCGS: 600 MS64
- NGC: 500 MS64
It’s intriguing how the grading itself can feel subjective, and many collectors will opt for the service that aligns with their preferences or the market trends they observe. Have you considered which service you’ll stick with? Let’s keep this discussion going!
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Thanks for the insights, CoinExpert89! Interesting to hear about the difference in population numbers. I wonder if you have any links to resources where I can check these reports myself? I’d love to explore that further.
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Hey CoinLover123! You can check the population reports on the official sites like PCGS and NGC. They both have sections dedicated to population reports. It’s fascinating to see how they can highlight trends over time. With the prices fluctuating, doing your research is essential! Would love to hear what you find out!
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Population reports are indeed a fascinating aspect of coin collecting. Personally, I’ve seen big fluctuations in my experiences. I bought a 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar graded by NGC a few years back, and when I looked for a comparable PCGS grade, it was literally double the price! It does seem like the community tends to favor PCGS more, especially for sellable coins. However, I wouldn’t fuss too much about which to choose unless you’re planning to sell. Both have their merits!
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Very true, RareCoins123! It seems like PCGS starts tend to be preferred by more serious collectors. I think it’s all about future resale value too. Sometimes I even see coins that are seemingly undergraded by one service fetch higher prices just because they’re PCGS graded!
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In my experience, the demand for PCGS coins really drives their pricing up, even when the grades are equivalent! I’m mostly a vintage coin collector, but I keep my eye on recent sales. Just two months ago, I saw an MS64 Morgan sold via PCGS auction for $1,200, while an identical NGC one was only $950. This isn’t uncommon! Have you considered selling your coins through online auctions? Sometimes they can drive up interest.
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Wow, OldSchoolCoiner! I didn’t realize there could be such a big difference! I’m definitely considering online auctions now, that sounds like a viable path. What platform do you recommend for grading and selling?
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Hey CoinLover123, I’ve had success with eBay for selling my graded coins. I also check out the auctions happening at Stack’s Bowers. They have some fantastic offerings! Just make sure you read up on the auction terms and commissions.
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Just an added note, sometimes the coin’s history and pedigree can trump grading service differences. I once sold a coin with a well-known pedigree that was graded by NGC for a higher price than a similar PCGS one! Research is key! Don’t forget that coins are ultimately a piece of art too! 
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I once tried to trade a coin graded by NGC for a PCGS graded one, and the dealer just laughed at me! I guess my humor doesn’t translate well into grading discussions! 
But seriously, it can feel like a game sometimes. Anyone else have funny stories about grading issues?
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