◼ Was the American Numismatic Association the first to slab coins?
The ANA Certification Service or later ANACS began encapsulating coins it had authenticated and graded in 1989, making the organization a Johnny-Come-Lately. Encapsulating, or slabbing, coins was introduced in early 1986 by ACG Accugrade, quickly followed by Professional Coin Grading Service. Prior to that, the Redfield Hoard of silver dollars had been slabbed by Paramount Corporation.
◼ Was the ANA service the first to examine coins for their grade and authenticity?
ANACS commenced operations in 1972 as a coin authentication service. Even then, it was not the first
