First Time Grading

[das1979p]

I have a coin that I would like to have graded, but before I do, I'm after some advice. I have never graded a coin and I don't want to get it wrong.

The coin is a 1898 South African Pond. To my eye it looks to be in fairly good condition, but it has a nick on the top edge. Will it be rejected? What sort of grade might it achieve? 

NGC or PCGS? From their websites, neither is particularly cheap.  Do discounts come up at coin fairs? Trying to decipher the small print, I reckon NGC is in the order of $50. Should I wait until I find something better? I assume that CGS is not a good option, because it is not British.

Sorry about the photos, it looks like the top is in focus, but not the bottom.

Many thanks,

David

[jaggy]

Just based on your photos, the Obverse appear to be pretty heavily scratched. That would likely get it a 'details' grading form either NGC or PCGS and which would detrimentally affect its value (unless it is a very rare coin). As such, I would not recommend submitting it for grading.

[Matteo95]

1 hour ago, jaggy said:

 I would not recommend submitting it for grading.

I agree

[Paulus]

1 hour ago, Matteo95 said:

I agree

Me also

[azda]

The other problem is that you need to be a PCGS or NGC member before you could submit it, unless of course you handed it over to some 3rd party who would submit it for you but would obviously ask for a bigger fee for their time, as above, i wouldn't bother either

[das1979p]

Thanks for the advice. It looks like my first grading will have to wait. 

[copper123]

better than fine but the scratches let it down

[SAXON KENT]

Certainly not one to bother getting graded, enjoy it for what it is.