Coin collecting can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Unfortunately, we can not all collect all the coins. Some coins are so rare that they can only be owned by some one who has the passion of ownership to the extent that money is no object. That person is not me and that person may not be you if you are a novice collector.

Grading companies are there to help the beginner and expert collector determine what they have. In gemology class the first thing we learned was that "color", "cut" and "clarity" were key to a gem's value. The same line of thinking applies to coins both rare and modern. A true "Gem" of a coin will have great value!

Many collectors need a "basis" or an idea of where they can invest according to their financial ability. A reputable tier 1 firm grading will help an investor make a financial decission where as a Tier 3 or lower grading service may have more value to a collector as a conservation service. Little credability is ever given to their grading ability and consistancy.

The Certified Coin Exchange allows only PCGS, NGC, ANACS and ICG coins to be listed on their service and those are the only graders considered at this time as capable of providing coins certified as good delivery in the "SIGHT UNSEEN " market.

According to the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) and the Industry Council For Tangible Assets (ICTA), a grading company should maintain a consistantcy in their:

-Accuracy of grading Mint State-60 and Proof-60 or higher.
-Accuracy of grading About Good-3 to About Uncirculated-58.
-Accuracy of modern coin grading, 1965 to date.
-Ability to detect altered, repaired, damaged, cleaned or counterfeit coins.
-Grading guarantee.
-Accuracy of all attributions including color, surface, varieties and mint errors.
-Consistency of accurate grading.
-Marketplace acceptance and availability of pricing for coins certified by the company.
-Customer services and products provided by phone, print or on the Internet.
-Collector benefits provided, such as population reports, registries and educational information.
-Quality and security of the company’s certified-coin holder.
-Cost for certification services provided, considering price and turn-around time.

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