grading and slabbing

I am thinking about sending some coins off to be slabbed but i would not know which company to trust to do it or how much is reasonable to spend?

Quote: alastairI am thinking about sending some coins off to be slabbed but i would not know which company to trust to do it or how much is reasonable to spend?

Other people may have other opinions, but I only really trust NGC for coin grading.  They, in their own rights, may manipulate the coin market through grade inflation, incorrect slabbing, etc., but I know from past experience that an NGC-graded coin will bring a higher market value than any other slabbed coin.  I feel like if you're planning on selling your coins at any point, or would want them to be marketable after you pass on, NGC is the best investment.  Again, in my prior experience, NGC slabs will earn a 15-20% markup on Ebay, if not more.

Now, if you're not into marketability, I think PCGS does a good job with world coins, but I've seen more errors on PCGS slabs than NGC slabs (variety and country errors).

NGC or PCGS.  I'm pretty sure that one or both of them offer several free evaluations with a membership which actually saves you more than the yearly membership.

Alternatively, if you are on good terms with a dealer who sends in bulk lots for grading you can get them slabbed for considerably less cost. I understand that high volume submissions can be done for between $5 - $10.

As Tewcd said above, these are the top two companies and their slabs attract a healthy premium and I'm inclined to agree that NGC are poised to knock PCGS off the top spot.  ANACS and ICG are second tier but still worrthwhile. Behind those are the third tier ACG, NTC etc.

Avoid those known as "self slabbers" or "basement slabbers".  These types are shabby dealers who ramp up their profit margins at the expense of the inexperienced. Their grades are meaningless, everything is "MS 70" and their slabs are cheap imitations of the reputable companies. The two most common presently are INB (International Numismatic Bureau) and SGS (trades on eBay as "Aboncom".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ROLL-20-2010-S-PERFECT-PROOF-CAMEO-SACAGAWEA-DOLLARS-/120839512507?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item1c2298a1bb

How can you have perfect coins IN A ROLL for gawds sake, the mere act of rolling them causes "chatter" or "bag marks"!!! Check out the other items, 100% are MS70. This is one lucky guy. I wish I could put my hand in my pocket and pull out a handfull of pristine, flawless coins. There is absolutely nothing illegal in what these people do and there is nothing to prevent them from picking another 3 letter acronym once enough people become aware of the game. Rinse and repeat.

Basement slabbers are bottom feeders exceeded only by counterfeiters and if I were King then they would be horsewhipped and banished from the realm.