I recently puchased an 1883 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar. A Key Mint Mark yet a  semi key date.  I bought it here on EBAY.  I got it for a good price( guess that one slipped under peoples radar). When the coin arrived I inspected it throughly. with a 10x magnifying loop(they are cheap dont pay more than $10). I was very concerned there were a few things that stood out from all the other morgans I have. I saw polish marks I saw die clash marks , and a dash under the second 8 in the date. I am fairly new at collecting. I was worried that  i might have a counterfeit coin.

In my panic, I started doing googles and going to the treasury website to find anything I could about why this coin was different. In my searches, 3 independent grading companies kept coming up PCGS, NGC, and ANACS. All 3 have tremendous reputations and guarranty the coins authenticity. all the other companies seemed like hacks and overgraded. I distrust any other companies. Now, when I see some unfamiliar grading company's coins I chuckle at their MS 65-69 coins. I am also suspicous of the sellers who use them.  I looked at auctions that listed NGC, PCGS, and ANACS.those three named company command the highest prices and were exactly as described visually.

The Problem was which one to use?  PCGS and NGC  require membership  or you can submit through dealers only. Even though that is a turn off they do have standards to what they will  grade. That commands attention when the coins go in their special holders. ANACS however is the oldest. Originally,it was an offshoot of the American Numismatic Association the oldest organization of coin entheusiasts. They are also known for having the most extensive resources for determining VAM or variety attribution. ANACS will grade scratched, cleaned, or problem coins. They list the flaw prominently  next to the grade. No membership required.  They grade the coins that PCGS and NGC refuse.  This may Seem to minimalize ANACS but they do hold the standards Established by the ANA firmly.  They are as conservative as PGCS and NGC

All of three require a 5 -10 coin submission to get their best price and take as much as 60 days to get them back which is around $11 -$18 $ .  You can submit a single coin to each,but it will be at their higher rate. ANACS is $15 for their 10 business day turnaround service,but you can submit single coins. NGC its $30 dollars for the their 12 day turnaround service. PCGS is $50 for the 5 day turn around for single coin submission.  the prices i quoted are accurate as of the date of writing. Also Variety or VAM attribution is a seperate charge starting at $7. Now  each company does charge around $15 for the return postage and insurance. Also note,the fees are not refundable if the coin doesnt make the grade; they are fully earned.

NGC had an add posted on EBAY that offered 10% off for ebay members so Idecided to go with them. The total came to $52 and the charge was for authentication,VAM or variety attribution,photos  and return postage. I am tremendously dissapointed with the services provided by NGC. The coin I bought is Authentic. NGC  did not do the VAM study. .  they didnt charge me for it. They offered me no explanation why it wasnt done. I found the VAM myself in the morgan and peace dollar encyclopedia (This is an excellent book for coin collectors of the morgan and peace type dollars; it is a little confusing. but if studied an invaluable tool). It's a VAM 4 obverse. The coin was submitted on may 10th and didnt get it back till June 6th. So their turnaround times are inacurate.

For all the research ANACS is the clear best in show. For  gaurranteed turnaround time, price,  no membership requirements and for being leading authority in VAM or variety attribution ANACS truly stands out.

The Coin you send to grade, better be worth  it.. VOTE "yes" if this guide was helpful