Hey fellow collectors!
I recently found myself inundated with a bulk collection of coins I picked up at a local estate sale, and I’m eager to get them graded. I’ve heard mixed reviews about various grading services, especially when it comes to bulk submissions. Some folks swear by PCGS while others prefer NGC, and then there are smaller companies that offer competitive rates. I’m wondering what your experiences have been with these services?
From what I’ve researched, it seems the turnaround time and customer service can vary significantly. I have a batch that includes several 1964 Kennedy half dollars in decent condition and a few older Indian Head pennies that I’m particularly excited about. I did a little digging, and while some grades are subjective, it’s essential to find a service that offers reliable grading to help maintain their value. Have any of you found success or horror stories with bulk submissions?
What grading services have you used, and how did they handle your bulk submissions? Did you feel their grades matched your expectations? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
Great topic, CoinMaven32! I’ve had my share of experiences with both PCGS and NGC over the years, especially with bulk submissions. In my opinion, both companies offer reliable services but have their own strengths.
PCGS tends to have a more rigorous grading scale, which can be beneficial if you’re looking for higher resale value. However, I found their customer service lacking on a few occasions - long wait times when calling, especially during peak seasons. On the other hand, NGC had excellent communication throughout my bulk submission process. They really guided me through which coins to submit, and I appreciated their thoroughness.
Here’s a breakdown of my experience:
- PCGS: Higher resale value potential, but slower customer service.
- NGC: Great customer support and possibly quicker turnaround.
- Smaller companies: Often have competitive prices, but they might not have the same recognition.
Overall, for critical coins, I stick with PCGS, but for bulk submissions, NGC has been a solid choice. Hope this helps!
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Thanks for the insights, CoinCollector101! It’s really helpful to hear about the customer service experiences. I agree that getting the right grading can impact value significantly. Did you ever face any discrepancies in grades compared to your expectations? That’s something I’m really concerned about with my bulk submission.
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I’ve mostly used PCGS for my bulk submissions with only good experiences! Their economy tier works well for bulk, and they generally turn around coins in about 30-45 days. The last batch included some Morgan dollars which came back in MS65 condition! I feel like they are quite strict but fair. Just make sure to double-check their submission guidelines; errors can slow everything down.
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@NumisNerd, that’s good to know! I have always been hesitant about bulk submissions because of previous horror stories but hearing your experience encourages me. The idea of getting some solid grades back is appealing. Would you say that the submission fees were reasonable? I’ve looked at their pricing but sometimes it can be a bit confusing.
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I had a mixed bag with bulk submissions at NGC. They were indeed quicker, which I appreciated, but some coins came back with grades lower than I anticipated. I submitted several silver eagles and expected at least MS70, but a couple came back as MS69. I felt they were a bit conservative with their grades. I guess it depends on the specific coins you’re submitting.
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That’s interesting, VintageCoins. Discrepancies can really mess with expectations and overall value. Did NGC offer any feedback on why those grades were lower? I’m wondering how common that is, especially with bulk submissions.
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They didn’t provide much feedback, unfortunately. Just the grade and a brief note about their assessment process. I’ve heard others mention similar experiences lately. It’s frustrating because I really thought I had some flawless coins! Anyway, it’s all part of the learning process, I guess! 
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I’ve submitted coins to both PCGS and NGC. I think it really depends on the collection’s makeup. For vintage coins and maybe some higher-end modern coins, I’d lean towards PCGS. But if you’re doing more bulk or common coins, NGC is often cheaper and quicker. Just keep in mind that there can be some grading discrepancies because of the different standards. Maybe consider sending a few coins to each to compare results!
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Thanks for the idea, CoinWhiz! Comparing grades with each service seems like a smart strategy. If I’m sending 10 coins or so, I might just split my submissions and see what comes back. I’ll definitely keep everyone updated on what I decide!
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Quick suggestion—have you looked into PCGS for their special bulk submission events? Sometimes they offer promotions that can lower your grading costs significantly, especially for larger batches. Just something to keep an eye on!
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