It has been suggested that PCGS is less prone to give the "perfect score". I've not submitted to NGC before and do not have a grasp of what differentiates the different mint state grades so I'm really not in a position to comment of the subjectivity of either grading company's grading methods. Because of this, I have been reluctant to submit many coins for grading. You now me, because I buy cheap, I've been more concerned about the authenticity of my investments, rather than how near to perfection they are. Buying as close to possible to melt value...THEN looking at numismatic value (if I win the bid) has always served me well. S~P