Yes, they are over rated. If your coin or the coin you are considering is worth more than one thousand dollars you should use them, however, it is stupid to pay for their over priced grading on cheaper coins. NAC Grading is a much better choice and a much lower fee.
You can send it to a 3rd party grading service like NGC or PCGS.
No. They are not a fake coin grading entity, but the quality of the grade will not be as reliable as NGC or PCGS. Any individual grade may be spot on, but then again it may be 2 grades too high.
Yes, they are over rated. If your coin or the coin you are considering is worth more than one thousand dollars you should use them, however, it is stupid to pay for their over priced grading on cheaper coins. NAC Grading is a much better choice and a much lower fee.
A coin can be appraised by a local coin dealer or even by a serious collector. There are also many guides available to help with the appraisal if you wish to do it yourself. Remember though, even a professional appraisal is only an opinion and opinions on the grades and values of coins vary greatly.
The two largest firms that certify coins are NGC and PCGS.
Two authorized PCGS coin dealers in Mt. that I know of are Wayne Miller in Helena, and Missoula Gold and Silver Exchange. There are probably more, check the PCGA and NGC sites. Those are the two top third party grading companies.
I suspect it's a replica coin but to be sure take it to a dealer or submit it to one of the top professional grading services for authentication such as PCGS, NGC, or find a dealer who can do it for you. It's not free but for this type of coin I strongly suggest it.
Coins are certified by NGC and PCGS. A coin shop can help you or search on the internet. It costs something to get a coin certified.
Yes, a very few were struck by mistake, PCGS & NGC have certified a few examples..
Coins are certified by services like NGC or PCGS. It is expensive, so it isn't worth it unless the coins are really, really valuable.
could be $50, or could be $50,000. It all depends on its condition. Coins are graded on a scale of 1 (very worn) to - 70 (perfect mint state). There are coin grading services that can help like PCGS, and NGC. If it has little or no wear its worth getting it graded.
Nice uncirculated ones sell in the $300 to $400 range, but they need to be certified by PCGS or NGC.