Grading in Europe

[K-Paxian]

Hi guys,

hope you are doing all well in these crazy times.

I have a question   I've noticed that most of the coins that are sold/auctioned here are graded in the US. I would like to get some grading services in the future as well, but since I live currently in Europe, am not sure what grading company to choose in regards of price/quality/being relevant.

So far found only two options - ngccoin.de in Germany and PCGS in Paris. Germany is much closer to me.

What grading company/services would you recommend in the EU that are considered relevant for crypto and when you would like to grade a few crypto coins time from time?

Also are you visiting their physical locations or just send it via mail?


Thank you

[K-Paxian]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0 

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

[Lesbian Cow]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0 

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

CGS in the UK has graded Casascius coins in the past.  Their grading scale is a bit different as it goes to 100. 

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

[K-Paxian]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0 

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

CGS in the UK has graded Casascius coins in the past.  Their grading scale is a bit different as it goes to 100. 

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

Ok. Well looks like it is the US thing only right now 

Thank you for the information

[realsteelboy]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0 

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

CGS in the UK has graded Casascius coins in the past.  Their grading scale is a bit different as it goes to 100. 

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

Ok. Well looks like it is the US thing only right now 

Thank you for the information

Did you find out any more info?

I have a number of coins I have long considered grading but just deemed the whole process not really worth it. I am sure they are in great condition as have been in cases forever and kept in the dark. Is the potential value gain worth the cost?

I remember someone was doing group grading a few years ago but haven't seen anything like that for a while.

Also,  not sure how happy id be letting a loaded coin above 1BTC out of my sight

[MoparMiningLLC]

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

that is about 30 mins from my home

[K-Paxian]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0  

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

CGS in the UK has graded Casascius coins in the past.  Their grading scale is a bit different as it goes to 100.  

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

Ok. Well looks like it is the US thing only right now  

Thank you for the information

Did you find out any more info?

I have a number of coins I have long considered grading but just deemed the whole process not really worth it. I am sure they are in great condition as have been in cases forever and kept in the dark. Is the potential value gain worth the cost?

I remember someone was doing group grading a few years ago but haven't seen anything like that for a while.

Also,  not sure how happy id be letting a loaded coin above 1BTC out of my sight

Hey No, unfortunately grading for crypto coins seems like US thing only for now.

I think your only way is to send it to the grading company directly or send it to Minerjones or some other trusted member from here, and he can take care of it for a small fee I think.

If it is worth it or not, that is a question for more experienced collectors, as I am new in collectibles, but I personally like it graded, especially Casascius coins and the coins with higher value...If anything else, it is good protection of the coin.

But if I may advise, don't send it overseas right now, at least not with national posts. There is total havoc in the overseas shipping due to the coronavirus, I have sent few packages and some of them are "IN TRANSIT" for several weeks without any updates in the online tracking, crazy.

So maybe wait a bit before the posts operate in normal way..? I think right now the chance of losing your coin or be stuck "ON THE WAY" somewhere is pretty high. Best bet would be probably to use some trusted crypto courier or fly there personally.

Anyway, good luck to you and your collection  

[realsteelboy]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0  

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

CGS in the UK has graded Casascius coins in the past.  Their grading scale is a bit different as it goes to 100.  

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

Ok. Well looks like it is the US thing only right now  

Thank you for the information

Did you find out any more info?

I have a number of coins I have long considered grading but just deemed the whole process not really worth it. I am sure they are in great condition as have been in cases forever and kept in the dark. Is the potential value gain worth the cost?

I remember someone was doing group grading a few years ago but haven't seen anything like that for a while.

Also,  not sure how happy id be letting a loaded coin above 1BTC out of my sight

Hey No, unfortunately grading for crypto coins seems like US thing only for now.

I think your only way is to send it to the grading company directly or send it to Minerjones or some other trusted member from here, and he can take care of it for a small fee I think.

If it is worth it or not, that is a question for more experienced collectors, as I am new in collectibles, but I personally like it graded, especially Casascius coins and the coins with higher value...If anything else, it is good protection of the coin.

But if I may advise, don't send it overseas right now, at least not with national posts. There is total havoc in the overseas shipping due to the coronavirus, I have sent few packages and some of them are "IN TRANSIT" for several weeks without any updates in the online tracking, crazy.

So maybe wait a bit before the posts operate in normal way..? I think right now the chance of losing your coin or be stuck "ON THE WAY" somewhere is pretty high. Best bet would be probably to use some trusted crypto courier or fly there personally.

Anyway, good luck to you and your collection  

Yes I was thinking flying there personally would be the only way if I was seriously going to do it. Only problem would be would need it turned around ideally same day and I'd prefer to not have them out of my sight.

I suppose they have done many and would be considered trustworthy but still...

Also, not sure what the deal is with flying into the US with a high value amount of physical BTC. Has anyone heard of anyones experience in this? I gather 10k in cash is the standard amount to declare, it would obviously be higher with just a couple of coins so would be interesting to know

[yimfinity]

Well, that makes the possibilities I found 0  

So is there some place to go in EU for grading crypto or it is only in USA right now?

Thank you

CGS in the UK has graded Casascius coins in the past.  Their grading scale is a bit different as it goes to 100.  

The current collectibles section standard is ICG out of Tampa, Florida.

Ok. Well looks like it is the US thing only right now  

Thank you for the information

Did you find out any more info?

I have a number of coins I have long considered grading but just deemed the whole process not really worth it. I am sure they are in great condition as have been in cases forever and kept in the dark. Is the potential value gain worth the cost?

I remember someone was doing group grading a few years ago but haven't seen anything like that for a while.

Also,  not sure how happy id be letting a loaded coin above 1BTC out of my sight

Hey No, unfortunately grading for crypto coins seems like US thing only for now.

I think your only way is to send it to the grading company directly or send it to Minerjones or some other trusted member from here, and he can take care of it for a small fee I think.

If it is worth it or not, that is a question for more experienced collectors, as I am new in collectibles, but I personally like it graded, especially Casascius coins and the coins with higher value...If anything else, it is good protection of the coin.

But if I may advise, don't send it overseas right now, at least not with national posts. There is total havoc in the overseas shipping due to the coronavirus, I have sent few packages and some of them are "IN TRANSIT" for several weeks without any updates in the online tracking, crazy.

So maybe wait a bit before the posts operate in normal way..? I think right now the chance of losing your coin or be stuck "ON THE WAY" somewhere is pretty high. Best bet would be probably to use some trusted crypto courier or fly there personally.

Anyway, good luck to you and your collection  

Yes I was thinking flying there personally would be the only way if I was seriously going to do it. Only problem would be would need it turned around ideally same day and I'd prefer to not have them out of my sight.

I suppose they have done many and would be considered trustworthy but still...

Also, not sure what the deal is with flying into the US with a high value amount of physical BTC. Has anyone heard of anyones experience in this? I gather 10k in cash is the standard amount to declare, it would obviously be higher with just a couple of coins so would be interesting to know

There is quite a bit of precedence when it comes to coin/collectibles grading. I don't think it's possible to get same day or have them in your sight at all times. The companies are protective of their review areas and protocols. Was a bit out of a coup when ICG let Charlie and co back to see the process as a one-off.

[anonymousminer]

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

[realsteelboy]

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

A couple of Qs if you don't mind as you seem pretty up on this.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC. 

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?


Thanks

[Lesbian Cow]

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

A couple of Qs if you don't mind as you seem pretty up on this.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC. 

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?


Thanks

Not addressed to me, but going to go ahead and answer anyway as I am feeling frisky.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

ANACS beginning in 2017 or so gives all Cas Silvers 68 or 69 and all brass 67 or 68.  Prior to that, anacs grades were lower.  We are all pretty new to ICG but imo grades seem to be more along with what the coin deserves.  I suspect ANAC's business model was somewhat based on us all cracking earlier graded coins and having them regraded.

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC.

Historically ANACS has been very slow to return coins, ICG returns coins in exactly the time service you pay for.  In general, fuck ANACS service, ICG lovely service.

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?

Depends on the coin really.  A Cas 1.0 Silver graded at ms69 would price out around 0.1 btc higher than a naked coin of similar condition imo.

[realsteelboy]

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

A couple of Qs if you don't mind as you seem pretty up on this.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC. 

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?


Thanks

Not addressed to me, but going to go ahead and answer anyway as I am feeling frisky.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

ANACS beginning in 2017 or so gives all Cas Silvers 68 or 69 and all brass 67 or 68.  Prior to that, anacs grades were lower.  We are all pretty new to ICG but imo grades seem to be more along with what the coin deserves.  I suspect ANAC's business model was somewhat based on us all cracking earlier graded coins and having them regraded.

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC.

Historically ANACS has been very slow to return coins, ICG returns coins in exactly the time service you pay for.  In general, fuck ANACS service, ICG lovely service.

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?

Depends on the coin really.  A Cas 1.0 Silver graded at ms69 would price out around 0.1 btc higher than a naked coin of similar condition imo.

Great info there, thanks.  I'll be calling them later today.

The only real question now is  how does the US feel about walking in to their country with physical crypto. Anyone had any experience of that?

[yimfinity]

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

Good to know about same-day and walk-in appointments.

Worth pointing out at least for now (from their site):
"We are not currently accepting appointments and walk-in submissions. All mail in submissions are being processed without delays."

[anonymousminer]

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

A couple of Qs if you don't mind as you seem pretty up on this.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC. 

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?


Thanks

Not addressed to me, but going to go ahead and answer anyway as I am feeling frisky.

ICG and ANACS. Any difference in prestige or value given to the coins if graded highly?

ANACS beginning in 2017 or so gives all Cas Silvers 68 or 69 and all brass 67 or 68.  Prior to that, anacs grades were lower.  We are all pretty new to ICG but imo grades seem to be more along with what the coin deserves.  I suspect ANAC's business model was somewhat based on us all cracking earlier graded coins and having them regraded.

Have there been any complaints from the service of either? Ant red flags? Just a little cautious given the value of coins bigger than 1BTC.

Historically ANACS has been very slow to return coins, ICG returns coins in exactly the time service you pay for.  In general, fuck ANACS service, ICG lovely service.

In your experience what kind of premium would a top graded slab give over a bottom grade/ungraded?

Depends on the coin really.  A Cas 1.0 Silver graded at ms69 would price out around 0.1 btc higher than a naked coin of similar condition imo.

Thank you for answering this.  My answer may have been considered biased. 

ICG does same day as well at $90.00 per coin.  They will also do high resolution photos of the front and the back of the coin for $10.00 per coin.

1 day - $90.00 each to grade and slab
2 days - $50.00 each to grade and slab
5 days - $25.00 each to grade and slab
7 - 21 days $20.00 each to grade and slab

p.s.  NOBODY goes in the grading room..... a small peek is all Charlie and I got into that room back then.  I still haven't been in there and I'm there weekly.  It's meant to be secure and for the graders only, and it is.

Good to know about same-day and walk-in appointments.

Worth pointing out at least for now (from their site):
"We are not currently accepting appointments and walk-in submissions. All mail in submissions are being processed without delays."

If someone is looking for an appointment.... DM me. 

[MoparMiningLLC]

Good to see the positive feedback on IGC and I love it, especially as they are less than 30 mins from me.

[ChiBitCTy]

I know ANACS does same day, walk-in service (scheduled ahead of time), but it is expensive at $100 per coin... but def. worth it for certain coins to have that piece if mind.

Speaking of ANACS.. Anyone ever seen a coin do this before in any type of graded slab ? ( notice how far the one side has sunk in). I can’t take pics for shit but it’s very obvious in person from both sides. A first for me. No surprise it was ANACS lol. Even the coin thinks these slabs are so ugly it’s trying to escape - https://imgur.com/a/HQgnmxh

[anonymousminer]

I know ANACS does same day, walk-in service (scheduled ahead of time), but it is expensive at $100 per coin... but def. worth it for certain coins to have that piece if mind.

Speaking of ANACS.. Anyone ever seen a coin do this before in any type of graded slab ? ( notice how far the one side has sunk in). I can’t take pics for shit but it’s very obvious in person from both sides. A first for me. No surprise it was ANACS lol. Even the coin thinks these slabs are so ugly it’s trying to escape - https://imgur.com/a/HQgnmxh

That is from the grommet being a touch larger than it's supposed to be.  To be honest that can happen in ANY slab.

[ChiBitCTy]

I know ANACS does same day, walk-in service (scheduled ahead of time), but it is expensive at $100 per coin... but def. worth it for certain coins to have that piece if mind.

Speaking of ANACS.. Anyone ever seen a coin do this before in any type of graded slab ? ( notice how far the one side has sunk in). I can’t take pics for shit but it’s very obvious in person from both sides. A first for me. No surprise it was ANACS lol. Even the coin thinks these slabs are so ugly it’s trying to escape - https://imgur.com/a/HQgnmxh

That is from the grommet being a touch larger than it's supposed to be.  To be honest that can happen in ANY slab.

I see. I thought they were made to fit. But not any slab necessarily, this is why I like NGC best. Their newer slabs mostly hold coins in place by brackets or whatever you want to call them. Unfortunately they don't consider our hobby legit, or legit coins, as "they only grade real coins" , despite the fact that they grade BigMac coins lol. Stuck in the past dinosaurs. 

[Lesbian Cow]

I know ANACS does same day, walk-in service (scheduled ahead of time), but it is expensive at $100 per coin... but def. worth it for certain coins to have that piece if mind.

Speaking of ANACS.. Anyone ever seen a coin do this before in any type of graded slab ? ( notice how far the one side has sunk in). I can’t take pics for shit but it’s very obvious in person from both sides. A first for me. No surprise it was ANACS lol. Even the coin thinks these slabs are so ugly it’s trying to escape - https://imgur.com/a/HQgnmxh

That is from the grommet being a touch larger than it's supposed to be.  To be honest that can happen in ANY slab.

I see. I thought they were made to fit. But not any slab necessarily, this is why I like NGC best. Their newer slabs mostly hold coins in place by brackets or whatever you want to call them. Unfortunately they don't consider our hobby legit, or legit coins, as "they only grade real coins" , despite the fact that they grade BigMac coins lol. Stuck in the past dinosaurs.  

PCGS also uses prongs to hold the coin.

NGC/PCGS not wanting to grade crypto tokens has nothing to due with them considering the coins legit or not.  As you pointed out, they're sluts and will grade most anything for a fee.  They will even write "First Day Issue" or digitally forge the mint director's signature, both meaningless, so they can charge a few extra quid.

PCGS and NGC don't grade crypto tokens because the risks far outweigh the reward.  The volume is not large enough to take on the risk of grading tokens with digital value they don't really understand.  Sure you can write a disclaimer on the slab such as "We do not guarantee digital value" but a lawyer will tell you that does not stop someone from suing you when the Cas 25 turns out to have no digital value for whatever reason.