Hello, This might be a dumb question but I thought I'd ask from more experienced hobbyist about which company is the best in terms of membership and service fees for appraisals on paper money. I went into PCGS and PMG and it seems like PMG's most bought membership subscription was the $150 plus gives you $150 in credit for appraisal while PCGS' membership is $119 with 6 appraisal vouchers for notes valued at less than $3000. I'm swaying more towards PCGS, but I thought I get some advice before signing up. Thank you!
First, you should probably get your terminology straight. These companies do not provide appraisals; they certify the note as genuine and give a professional opinion of the grade. Thus, they are generally referred to as certification companies or grading companies (or, more frequently TPGs -- Third Party Graders). As to which is different, I don't think there's much of a difference. Both PCGS and PMG are well respected companies. Perhaps a more experienced currency collector will come and correct me, but I don't think you can go wrong with either company.
I like them both. The one time I used a service it was PMG. I got free images with the deal. Maybe they both do that. I don't know.
I agree with Collecting Nut, both are highly respected and TRUSTED. There are, of course, differences of opinion with collectors. With that being said, remember to "buy the note" and not the holder.
As others have mentioned, both PMG and PCGS are the most respected. However, I've heard serious collectors say they prefer PMG. It also shows slightly in sale prices. The reason I've been told PMG is more preferred is cause their sleeve is harder to tamper with as they crimp the sleeve around the edges. In the case of PCGS sleeves the label seals the top but can be removed and then placed back on.
If you join the American Numismatic Association, one of the benefits is the ability to submit coins to NGC and bills to PMG (a subsidiary of NGC). Membership is something like $20 per year with the digital magazine, more for a paper one. That alone more than pays for your submission privileges.
If you want to know what your currency is worth, I would first go to the Friedberg book, get the F# and then plug it into the auctions, preferably Heritage.
You'll also need to know how to grade your notes. This isn't as easy as it sounds. Looking them up first will give you an idea if it's even worthwhile to submit.
