In the world of numismatics, there are 2 types of coins: "raw" coins and "graded" coins. The vast majority of coins are "raw"-that is, they are not professionally graded and/or encapsulated (like any coin in your pocket). "Graded" coins are professionally graded based on their quality, wear, etc.
It does not make financial sense most of the time to get a coin graded-the process can be pricy. That is why you will most commonly find only rare/valuable coins graded (though they aren't always!). Once professionally graded, the value of these coins grows substantially.
For example, here is an UNGRADED coin going for $99 on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1921-PEACE-DOLLAR-KEY-DATE-CIRCULATED-/271221552561?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item3f261075b1
The below is a graded coin by NGC. Now (and you can judge for yourself by the pictures), here is the same coin in what I consider extremely similar, or maybe even not-as-good of condition as the one above, going for $179:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1921-Peace-Dollar-NGC-AU55-HIGH-RELIEF-/130926604303?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item1e7bd5700f
Please continue to do your own research to determine the value of paying to get a certain coin graded. You will ALWAYS (consider it a "law") see that graded coins are worth a SIGNIFICANT amount greater than their "raw" counterparts. So, if you have a rare coin(s) (a family heirloom, from a relative, etc), do yourself a favor by getting it graded, and honor them by acknowledging the coin's high status.
What I stand to gain from this is a possible SMALL commission, but more desirably a discounted grading rate based on quantity of coins submitted (These savings would most likely be passed down to you to a certain extent, too.)
FINALLY, there are a TON of "Coin Grading" companies out there. Almost all of them are complete scams-people have been able to get fake coins graded by these "companies"! And the variation of grades of coins in similar condition is absolutely ridiculous.
Thus, there are only 3 grading companies that the numismatic community holds in any regard. One is ANACs-although they are going down hill, and pretty fast. They graded Casascius coins! That represented a HUGE loss of respect by the snobby numismatic community. Furthermore, 2 of the shops I go to (I go to a few) refuse to buy or sell any graded and slabbed coins by ANACs.
That leaves 2 companies-NGC and PCGS. "PCGS" stands for Professional Coin Grading Service. They are held in high regard for their strict grading practices. However, their graded and slabbed coins I just do not find aesthetically pleasing (see below).
Finally, "NGC" stands for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. NGC is the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association-a Congressionally appointed organization. NGC is also the official grading service of The Professional Numismatists Guild ("PNG").
To submit coins with the top companies, you have to pay for an annual [expensive] membership. Then, once a member you are only ELIGIBLE to submit coins to be graded-you still have to pay for their grading (Coin-Collecting is an expensive hobby).
I am a member of NGC (I can submit as many coins as I want for grading). I am sure you have realized the gist of this-you can get your coins graded by NGC through me and not have to pay for a membership. Also, I never have to physically touch/deal with your coins at all.
Another option is finding a number of people willing to submit coins for grading. It becomes INCREDIBLYcheaper per coin sent to be graded. Check this out and you'll see:
http://www.ngccoin.com/services/services.aspx
Anyways, do your own research, feel free to ask me any questions and PLEASE let me know if you want to get your valuable coins graded. I would LOVE to build-up quantity of coins to submit for grading-the price difference is astronomical!
Yes, doing the above would require you to mail your coins to me so I can send them out as a mass-invoice to NGC. I have absolutely nothing to hide. I have a VERY solid trade history on here. I would make the whole thing COMPLETELY transparent-all I want are discounts, and a small fee here or there if you submit your coin independently.
If you have ANY questions, please let me know (we can figure out logistics, too). Also, very importantly I suggest you do your own research on any rare coins/bullion pieces you have to figure out what your best options are as far as grading goes (happy to answer questions related to this). Anyways,
Thanks!
For reference, what a coin in a PCGS slab looks like:
And, a coin in an NGC slab (looks much better
