Considered the second top grading company all across the board. However, many consider NGC on par with PCGS. I feel the NGC holders lack in eye appeal compared to PCGS, but you can't argue their grading standard. They also have a knew "side view" slab so you can see the edge of a graded coin. NGC Web Site

I feel they are just as good as NGC and PCGS for grading, quality, attribution and authentication. Will grade problem coins. They claim to be the first coin grading company created by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) in 1972. The holders where flat, plastic type with a certificate and a picture for the grade of the obverse and reverse of each coin.

Since 1989 they slab their coins in the hard plastic holder made popular by PCGS.

A top notch grading company on the conservative side with PCGS, NGC, ANACS, etc. They have new holders where one can view the side of the coin and their holders do have eye appeal. ICG Web site

Oldest PCGS Holder from the first few years. It is called a "Rattler" holder because the slab can be shook causing the coin to knock against the holder. The darker green holder replaced this slab version because of the coin movement.

Many feel these holders contain undergraded coins and collectors buy them with the hope they can re-submit and attain a higher grade.

Considered the top grading company all across the board. Many dealers will buy coins graded by PCGS, "site unseen". They claim to be the first grading company, but are definetly the first to use hard plastic holders. It is widely accepted that the Old Green and Old "Rattler" holders where the more conservative years for PCGS grading. Many buyers pay a higher premium for coins in these holders, hoping for a higher grade upon re-submission with the  less conservative standards of today.

Aug. 30, 2007 update: PCGS will no longer use First Strike on their holders unless it can be proven that the coins where struck by the first die pair.

Watch out for these labels by PCGS and NGC. Read about the lawsuit against NGC.