Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)

A Global Standard in Third-Party Coin Grading and Authentication

Professional Coin Grading Service, commonly known as PCGS, is one of the world’s leading independent coin-grading and authentication services. Established in 1986, PCGS evaluates coins for authenticity and condition before encapsulating qualifying pieces in protective, tamper-evident holders.

PCGS certification is widely used by collectors, dealers, investors and auction houses to provide an independent professional opinion about a coin’s authenticity, grade and identification. The company also offers population data, price research, certification verification and other resources that support the buying, selling and collecting of rare coins. 

History

During the early 1980s, the rare-coin market lacked a consistently accepted grading system. Different dealers could assign substantially different grades to the same coin, making it difficult for collectors to compare value and condition confidently.

In 1985, a group of prominent numismatic professionals began developing an independent grading service that would authenticate coins, apply standardized grading principles and permanently identify each certified coin.

PCGS officially began serving the public on February 3, 1986. Its early founders and participants included respected coin experts and dealers led by David Hall. The service initially launched with 32 authorized dealers and quickly received tens of thousands of coins for evaluation.

Third-Party Coin Grading

Third-party grading separates the evaluation of a coin from the person buying or selling it.

During the PCGS grading process, professional graders examine factors such as:

• Authenticity
• Surface preservation
• Strike quality
• Luster
• Color and toning
• Wear
• Contact marks
• Eye appeal
• Mint errors or recognized varieties

After evaluation, an eligible coin is assigned a numerical grade and encapsulated in a protective PCGS holder bearing identifying information and a unique certification number.

The assigned grade represents PCGS’s professional opinion of the coin’s condition at the time it was examined. It does not establish a guaranteed market price.

The Sheldon Grading Scale

PCGS grades qualifying coins using standards based on the 70-point Sheldon Scale.

The scale generally ranges from:

• 1 – Poor: Heavily worn but still identifiable
• 4 – Good: Major details visible but extensively worn
• 12 – Fine: Moderate detail with substantial circulation wear
• 20 – Very Fine: Clear design elements with moderate wear
• 40 – Extremely Fine: Light wear on the highest points
• 50 – About Uncirculated: Slight evidence of circulation
• 60–70 – Mint State: No circulation wear, with quality differences based on marks, strike, luster and eye appeal

A grade of MS-70 represents a Mint State coin judged to have no post-production imperfections visible under the grading service’s prescribed examination standards. Proof coins generally use the prefix PR, while circulated and Mint State coins may receive other appropriate grade designations.

PCGS adopted grading standards based on the Sheldon Scale when it introduced encapsulated third-party grading in 1986.

Authentication

Before assigning a numerical grade, PCGS determines whether a coin is genuine.

Authentication may involve evaluating:

• Weight and dimensions
• Metal composition
• Design characteristics
• Minting methods
• Edge details
• Die markers
• Surface characteristics
• Evidence of alteration or counterfeiting

A coin determined to be counterfeit will not receive a standard PCGS numerical grade.

Certain genuine coins with cleaning, damage, environmental deterioration or other significant problems may qualify for a Genuine Details designation rather than a conventional straight grade.

PCGS Holders

Coins accepted for certification are encapsulated in protective PCGS holders, often informally called slabs.

The holder generally displays:

• Coin date
• Mintmark
• Denomination or type
• Assigned grade
• Variety or designation when applicable
• Unique certification number
• Barcode or security information

PCGS pioneered large-scale use of sonically sealed, tamper-evident holders for certified coins. These holders protect the coin during normal handling while allowing its certification information to be verified.

A PCGS holder should not be opened by the owner. Removing a coin from its holder generally ends the connection between the coin and the certification shown on the label.

Certification Verification

Each certified coin receives a unique PCGS certification number.

Collectors can enter that number into the PCGS Cert Verification system to review available information, which may include:

• Coin description
• Grade
• Certification status
• Population information
• Auction records
• Price-guide information
• PCGS TrueView photographs, when available

Certification verification can help determine whether the number and label information correspond with PCGS records. However, buyers should still examine the holder and coin carefully because counterfeit holders and copied certification numbers may exist.

PCGS Guarantee

Eligible PCGS-certified coins are covered by the company’s Guarantee of Grade and Authenticity, subject to the complete terms, limitations and exclusions established by PCGS.

The guarantee generally applies while the coin remains in its original, tamper-evident PCGS holder.

It is intended to provide additional confidence that the encapsulated coin is genuine and accurately graded according to PCGS standards.

The guarantee should not be interpreted as a promise that a coin will maintain or increase its market value. Coin prices can change because of rarity, demand, precious-metal prices, economic conditions and collector preferences.

PCGS TrueView™

PCGS TrueView™ is a professional imaging service that produces high-resolution photographs of qualifying submitted coins.

TrueView images can help collectors:

• Document their collections
• Examine design details
• Display coins digitally
• Compare individual specimens
• Support auction or sales listings
• Maintain records for insurance or estate purposes

Availability and included imaging services may depend on the selected submission type or service level.

PCGS CoinFacts

PCGS CoinFacts is an online research resource covering many United States coins.

Depending on the coin, available information may include:

• Historical background
• Mintage figures
• Survival estimates
• Rarity information
• Designer information
• High-resolution images
• Auction records
• Population figures
• Price-guide estimates

CoinFacts can be useful for initial research, but market values should be evaluated using multiple sources and recent comparable sales.

PCGS Population Report

The PCGS Population Report shows how many examples of a particular coin PCGS has graded at each grade level.

Population figures may help collectors evaluate relative scarcity. However, the figures do not necessarily represent the exact number of individual coins in existence because:

• The same coin may have been submitted more than once.
• Coins can be removed from holders.
• Not every surviving coin has been submitted to PCGS.
• Populations can change as additional coins are graded.
• Coins may be regraded or crossed from another service.

Population data should therefore be considered alongside mintage, estimated survival, demand and auction history.

PCGS Price Guide

The PCGS Price Guide provides estimated retail values for many PCGS-graded coins.

Price-guide figures are research tools rather than guaranteed offers or appraisals. Actual selling prices may vary based on:

• Eye appeal
• Toning
• Strike quality
• Market demand
• Rarity
• Provenance
• CAC or other market distinctions
• Auction venue
• Dealer spread
• Precious-metal prices

Recent completed auction sales and current dealer offers may provide additional evidence of market value.

PCGS Set Registry

The PCGS Set Registry allows collectors to organize and display collections of PCGS-certified coins within predefined collecting categories.

Participants can:

• Build digital coin sets
• Track completion
• Compare collections
• Upload photographs
• Compete in registry rankings
• Participate in collecting challenges
• Document pedigrees and collection history

The Set Registry covers numerous United States and world-coin series.

Grading and Submission Services

PCGS offers several submission options, including:

• Coin Grading: Authentication, grading and encapsulation
• Reholder: Replacement of an eligible damaged or older PCGS holder
• Regrade: Reassessment of a coin already certified by PCGS
• Reconsideration: Review of a PCGS-certified coin while initially preserving it in its holder
• Crossover: Evaluation of a coin certified by another grading company for possible placement in a PCGS holder
• Restoration: Professional evaluation and eligible conservation treatment
• Variety Attribution: Identification of recognized die varieties
• Error Attribution: Evaluation of qualifying mint errors
• TrueView Imaging: Professional coin photography
• Bulk Submission: Services for qualifying higher-volume submissions
• Tokens and Medals: Certification of eligible non-coin items
• Banknote Grading: Authentication and grading of qualifying paper money

Services, eligibility rules, pricing and turnaround estimates may change and should be confirmed directly with PCGS before submission.

How Coins Are Submitted

Collectors generally submit coins through one of the following methods:

• A PCGS Collectors Club membership
• A PCGS Authorized Dealer
• An eligible coin show
• An approved bulk submitter
• Another authorized submission channel

Coins must be packaged and documented according to PCGS submission requirements. Fees depend on the service level, coin type, declared value and requested additional services.

Ownership

PCGS operates as part of Collectors, the collectibles-services organization that also includes brands serving trading cards, memorabilia and other collectible markets.

PCGS remains focused primarily on professional authentication, grading and related services for coins and banknotes.

Why PCGS Matters

PCGS helped transform the rare-coin market by creating a widely recognized system combining:

• Independent authentication
• Standardized grading
• Tamper-evident encapsulation
• Unique certification numbers
• Online verification
• Population reporting
• Market research
• A grade-and-authenticity guarantee

These services make it easier for collectors and dealers to describe, compare and trade certified coins. Certification does not eliminate the need for careful research, but it provides an independent professional opinion that has become widely recognized throughout the numismatic market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PCGS stand for?

PCGS stands for Professional Coin Grading Service.

When was PCGS founded?

PCGS began serving the public on February 3, 1986.

What does PCGS do?

PCGS authenticates, grades and encapsulates qualifying coins. It also provides banknote grading, certification verification, population reports, professional photography and numismatic research tools.

Does PCGS buy or sell coins?

PCGS is primarily an authentication and grading company. It does not operate as a traditional retail coin dealer purchasing and selling coins directly to the public through its grading service.

Does a PCGS grade determine a coin’s exact value?

No. A grade is an opinion of condition, not a guaranteed selling price. Value depends on rarity, demand, eye appeal, market conditions and recent comparable sales.

Does PCGS clean coins before grading them?

Standard grading does not mean that PCGS cleans submitted coins. Eligible coins may be separately evaluated for PCGS Restoration when that service is requested.

Can a cleaned coin receive a PCGS holder?

A genuine coin with evidence of improper cleaning or other significant problems may receive a Genuine Details designation rather than a standard numerical grade.

Can PCGS grades change?

Grading involves professional judgment. A coin may receive a different result when resubmitted, regraded or reviewed, although PCGS applies established grading standards and offers guarantee protections subject to its terms.

Can anyone submit coins directly to PCGS?

Direct submission generally requires an eligible PCGS Collectors Club membership or another approved submission method. Collectors can also work through a PCGS Authorized Dealer.

Does PCGS certify world coins?

Yes. PCGS grades eligible United States and world coins, along with certain tokens, medals, ancient coins and banknotes under its applicable programs and submission rules.

Official Website

To learn more about Professional Coin Grading Service, including coin submissions, certification verification, grading standards, population reports, CoinFacts and the PCGS Price Guide, visit the official website.

Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)

A Global Leader in Independent Coin Grading and Authentication

Founded in 1987, Numismatic Guaranty Company, commonly known as NGC, is one of the world’s leading independent grading and authentication services for coins, tokens and medals. NGC examines eligible collectibles for authenticity and condition before encapsulating them in protective, tamper-evident holders bearing their certification details.

NGC reports having graded more than 70 million coins, tokens and medals since its founding. The company is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, whose affiliated companies provide authentication, grading and conservation services across several collectible categories.

History

NGC was established in 1987 with the goal of providing accurate, consistent and impartial third-party coin grading.

The service grew alongside the broader certified-coin market by combining professional authentication, standardized grading and protective encapsulation.

In 2021, the company changed its full name from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation to Numismatic Guaranty Company. The change did not affect previously certified coins, existing holders or the NGC Guarantee.

Third-Party Coin Grading

Third-party grading provides an independent professional opinion separate from the person buying or selling the coin.

During the grading process, NGC specialists may evaluate characteristics such as:

• Authenticity
• Surface preservation
• Circulation wear
• Strike quality
• Luster
• Color and toning
• Contact marks
• Eye appeal
• Mint errors
• Recognized varieties

NGC states that its full-time graders do not commercially buy or sell coins, and it maintains procedures intended to preserve impartiality throughout the grading process.

Authentication

Before assigning a standard numerical grade, NGC examines whether a submitted coin is genuine.

Authentication may involve evaluating:

• Weight and dimensions
• Metal composition
• Design characteristics
• Minting methods
• Edge details
• Die markers
• Surface texture
• Evidence of alteration or counterfeiting

Counterfeit coins do not receive ordinary NGC certification. Genuine coins with cleaning, damage, corrosion or other significant problems may qualify for an NGC Details grade rather than a standard numerical grade.

The NGC Grading Scale

NGC primarily grades coins using the industry-standard 70-point numerical scale, which it adopted when operations began in 1987.

Examples include:

• 1 – Poor: Heavily worn but identifiable
• 4 – Good: Major design elements remain visible
• 12 – Fine: Moderate detail with substantial wear
• 20 – Very Fine: Clear details with moderate circulation wear
• 40 – Extremely Fine: Light wear on the highest points
• 50 – About Uncirculated: Slight evidence of circulation
• 60–70 – Mint State: No circulation wear

A grade of MS 70 represents a Mint State coin judged to have no post-production imperfections visible under the grading service’s prescribed examination standards.

Proof coins generally use the prefix PF, while qualifying Mint State coins use MS.

NGCX 10-Point Grading Scale

NGC also offers NGCX, an alternative 10-point grading scale designed to resemble grading systems commonly used for trading cards, comics and other collectibles.

NGCX operates alongside—not as a replacement for—NGC’s traditional 70-point scale. Coins graded under the NGCX system remain eligible for applicable NGC resources and guarantee protections.

NGC Holders

Coins accepted for certification are encapsulated in protective NGC holders, commonly called slabs.

The certification label generally identifies:

• Date
• Mintmark
• Denomination or coin type
• Assigned grade
• Variety attribution, when applicable
• Special designation, when applicable
• Unique certification number
• Barcode or QR code

NGC states that it invested more than $1 million in developing its protective holder. NGC holders are also used by institutions, including the Smithsonian, to protect important numismatic material.

Removing a coin from its holder generally breaks the connection between that coin and the certification information printed on the label.

Certification Verification

Each NGC-certified coin receives a unique certification number.

Collectors can use Verify NGC Certification to confirm available information, which may include:

• Coin description
• Assigned grade
• Variety attribution
• Special designations
• Certification status
• Population information
• Price-guide information
• Images taken by NGC, when available

Certification information may be entered manually, or the QR code on certain holders can be scanned with a smartphone. Verification is an important starting point, but collectors should still inspect the coin and holder carefully because copied certification numbers and counterfeit holders can exist.

The NGC Guarantee

Eligible NGC-certified coins are covered by the NGC Guarantee of authenticity and grade, subject to the company’s complete terms, limitations, eligibility rules and expiration provisions.

The guarantee may provide an eligible owner with a remedy if a certified coin is later determined to be counterfeit or materially overgraded. It does not guarantee that a coin will retain or increase its market value.

NGC Census

The NGC Census is the company’s population report. It shows the number of coins, tokens and medals NGC has graded by type and grade.

Population information can help collectors study relative scarcity, but it does not necessarily equal the exact number of individual surviving coins because:

• A coin may have been submitted more than once.
• Coins may be removed from their holders.
• Not every surviving coin has been graded.
• Coins may be resubmitted for review.
• Census figures change as additional coins are certified.

Population data should be considered together with mintage, estimated survival, demand and recent sales.

NGC Price Guides

NGC provides price guides for numerous United States and world coins.

The NGC US Coin Price Guide presents estimated average dealer retail prices based on documented transactions and information supplied by collectors, dealers and auction houses. These values are research tools rather than guaranteed offers, appraisals or predictions.

Actual prices may vary based on:

• Eye appeal
• Strike
• Toning
• Rarity
• Market demand
• Precious-metal prices
• Auction venue
• Special labels or designations
• Provenance
• Current availability

NGC Registry

The NGC Registry allows collectors to organize and display certified collections online.

Participants can:

• Create digital coin sets
• Track collection progress
• Upload photographs
• Compare sets
• Participate in rankings
• Earn recognition and awards
• Document pedigrees and collection history

NGC Registry participation is available through the company’s website and mobile application.

NGC Ancients

NGC Ancients is a specialized division devoted to ancient coins.

Ancient-coin evaluation differs from modern grading because ancient coins were often struck by hand, may vary substantially between examples and can present additional questions involving authenticity, style, surfaces and historical attribution.

Conservation Through NCS

NGC works closely with Numismatic Conservation Services, or NCS, an affiliated company that professionally evaluates and conserves eligible coins.

Conservation may address certain surface contaminants, residues or other conditions when treatment can be performed safely. Conservation is different from improper cleaning, polishing or altering a coin.

Not every coin is a suitable candidate for conservation, and conservation does not guarantee that a coin will receive a higher grade.

Submission Services

NGC offers services that may include:

• Authentication and grading
• ReHolder
• ReGrade
• Designation Review
• VarietyPlus attribution
• Mint-error attribution
• Crossover grading
• NGC Ancients
• Oversize holders
• Imaging
• Bulk submissions
• Conservation through NCS
• Custom labels and specialty holders

Available services, eligibility requirements, fees and turnaround estimates can change and should be confirmed directly with NGC before submitting coins.

How Coins Are Submitted

Collectors may generally submit eligible coins through:

• A paid NGC membership
• An NGC Authorized Dealer
• An eligible coin show
• An approved bulk submitter
• Another authorized submission channel

Coins must be packaged, declared and documented according to NGC’s current submission requirements.

Industry Affiliations

NGC has served as the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association since 1995 and the official grading service of the Professional Numismatists Guild since 2004.

These affiliations reflect NGC’s significant role within the professional numismatic community.

Why NGC Matters

NGC helped establish third-party certification as an important part of the modern numismatic market.

Its services combine:

• Independent authentication
• Standardized grading
• Protective encapsulation
• Unique certification numbers
• Online verification
• Population reporting
• Price research
• Collection-management tools
• Guarantee protection

Certification does not replace careful research or determine an exact selling price, but it provides a recognized independent opinion that can make coins easier to identify, compare, preserve and trade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NGC stand for?

NGC stands for Numismatic Guaranty Company.

Was NGC previously called Numismatic Guaranty Corporation?

Yes. The full name changed to Numismatic Guaranty Company in 2021. Coins bearing the former company name remain valid and covered under the applicable NGC Guarantee.

When was NGC founded?

NGC was founded in 1987.

What does NGC grade?

NGC grades eligible United States coins, world coins, ancient coins, tokens and medals.

Does NGC buy or sell coins?

NGC is primarily an independent authentication 

and grading company. It is not a traditional retail coin dealer.

Does an NGC grade determine a coin’s exact value?

No. The grade represents NGC’s professional opinion of condition. Market value depends on rarity, demand, eye appeal, recent comparable sales and other factors.

Can a cleaned coin receive an NGC holder?

A genuine coin with improper cleaning or another significant surface problem may receive an NGC Details grade instead of a conventional numerical grade.

Can anyone submit directly to NGC?

Direct submission generally requires an eligible paid membership. Collectors may also submit through an NGC Authorized Dealer or another approved channel.

Is NGC part of the Certified Collectibles Group?

Yes. NGC is an affiliated company within the Certified Collectibles Group.

Is NGC associated with PCGS?

No. NGC and PCGS are separate, independent third-party grading companies.

Official Website

To learn more about Numismatic Guaranty Company, including grading submissions, certification verification, the NGC Census, price guides, conservation and the NGC Registry, visit the official website.

Enhancing Confidence in Certified Coins

Certified Acceptance Company (CAC) is an independent numismatic verification service that evaluates coins already certified by leading third-party grading companies. Founded in 2007 by renowned numismatist John Albanese, CAC reviews eligible coins to determine whether they meet or exceed the quality expected for their assigned grade.

Unlike PCGS or NGC, CAC does not function primarily as a grading service for raw coins. Instead, it was established to identify certified coins that are considered solid or exceptional examples for their grade. Today, CAC also operates CAC Grading (CACG), which provides full authentication and grading services for raw coins. 

History

Certified Acceptance Company was founded in 2007 by John Albanese, a respected leader in the numismatic community and one of the founding figures behind both NGC and PCGS.

CAC was created to provide an additional layer of confidence in the marketplace by independently reviewing coins already certified by major grading services. The company quickly gained acceptance among collectors and dealers, with CAC-approved coins often commanding stronger market demand.

In 2023, the company expanded its services by launching CAC Grading (CACG), offering authentication, grading, encapsulation, and verification of raw coins under the CAC brand. 

What CAC Does

CAC reviews coins that have already been graded and encapsulated by approved third-party grading services.

Its specialists evaluate factors such as:

• Overall quality for the assigned grade
• Surface preservation
• Strike
• Luster
• Eye appeal
• Originality
• Overall market acceptability

If a coin meets CAC’s standards, it receives a CAC approval sticker or, if submitted through CACG, a CAC-graded holder.

The CAC Sticker System

One of CAC’s most recognizable features is its approval stickers.

Green CAC Sticker

A green CAC sticker indicates that CAC believes the coin is a solid or premium-quality example for its assigned grade.

Gold CAC Sticker

A gold CAC sticker indicates that CAC believes the coin is undergraded and would likely qualify for a higher numerical grade if resubmitted.

Because of their rarity, gold-stickered coins are often highly sought after by collectors.

CAC Grading (CACG)

CAC now offers complete grading services through CAC Grading (CACG).

These services include:

• Authentication
• Numerical grading
• Encapsulation
• Variety attribution
• Conservation (when applicable)
• Certification verification

CACG holders feature the company’s own certification label and security features.

Certification Verification

Each CAC-approved or CACG-certified coin receives a unique certification number.

Collectors can verify certification information online, including:

• Coin identification
• Grade
• Certification status
• Population information (when available)
• Images for eligible coins

This helps collectors confirm that a certification matches CAC’s official records.

Market Recognition

CAC approval has become widely recognized throughout the numismatic marketplace.

Many dealers and auction houses specifically identify CAC-approved coins because they are often viewed as premium examples within their assigned grade.

While CAC approval may influence market demand, it does not guarantee any particular selling price.

Population Reports

CAC maintains certification and population information for coins submitted through CAC Grading.

Population reports help collectors understand:

• Number of certified examples
• Distribution by grade
• Relative scarcity
• Certification statistics

As with all population reports, figures can change over time as additional coins are submitted or regraded.

Why CAC Matters

CAC introduced an additional level of independent quality review to the certified-coin marketplace.

Its sticker program and later expansion into full grading have helped collectors identify premium-quality examples while encouraging greater consistency and confidence in certified coins.

Today, CAC remains one of the most respected names in professional coin authentication and grading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CAC stand for?

CAC stands for Certified Acceptance Company.

When was CAC founded?

CAC was founded in 2007 by John Albanese.

Does CAC grade raw coins?

Yes. Through CAC Grading (CACG), the company now authenticates, grades, and encapsulates raw coins. Originally, CAC only reviewed coins already certified by other grading services.

What does the green CAC sticker mean?

It indicates that CAC believes the coin is a solid or premium-quality example for its assigned grade.

What does the gold CAC sticker mean?

It indicates that CAC believes the coin is likely undergraded and could merit a higher grade if resubmitted.

Does a CAC sticker guarantee a higher value?

No. Although CAC-approved coins often receive stronger market interest, the sticker does not guarantee any specific selling price.

Can any coin receive a CAC sticker?

No. Only eligible coins certified by approved grading services (or coins submitted through CAC Grading) may qualify under CAC’s current standards.

Official Website

To learn more about Certified Acceptance Company (CAC) and CAC Grading (CACG), including grading services, certification verification, population reports, and submission information, visit the official website.

America’s Oldest Coin Authentication and Grading Service

ANACS is one of the oldest and most respected third-party coin authentication and grading companies in the United States. Originally established in 1972 by the American Numismatic Association, ANACS was created to help collectors identify counterfeit, altered, and problem coins through expert authentication.

Today, ANACS provides professional authentication, grading, encapsulation, attribution, and conservation-related services for U.S. and world coins, tokens, medals, and selected exonumia.

History

ANACS began in 1972 as the American Numismatic Association Certification Service, making it the first major third-party coin authentication service in the United States.

Initially, ANACS focused exclusively on determining whether coins were genuine. As collector demand for standardized grading grew, the organization expanded to include numerical grading based on the Sheldon 70-point grading scale.

In 1990, the American Numismatic Association sold ANACS to Amos Press. Since then, the company has changed ownership several times while continuing to provide professional grading and authentication services.

Today, ANACS remains one of the longest-operating names in the numismatic industry.

Services

ANACS offers a wide range of professional services, including:

• Authentication
• Coin grading
• Encapsulation
• Variety attribution
• Error attribution
• Conservation evaluation
• Tokens and medals certification
• World coin grading
• Ancient coin grading (eligible submissions)
• Bulk submissions

Authentication

Every eligible coin submitted to ANACS is examined for authenticity before a numerical grade is assigned.

The authentication process may include evaluation of:

• Weight and dimensions
• Metal composition
• Die characteristics
• Edge design
• Surface quality
• Signs of alteration
• Counterfeit detection

Coins determined to be counterfeit are not assigned a standard numerical grade.

Grading Standards

ANACS uses the internationally recognized Sheldon 70-point grading scale.

Professional graders evaluate:

• Wear
• Strike
• Luster
• Surface preservation
• Eye appeal
• Contact marks
• Color and toning
• Overall originality

Coins with significant problems may receive a Details designation rather than a straight numerical grade.

ANACS Holders

Coins that successfully complete grading are sealed inside a tamper-evident ANACS holder.

Each holder typically includes:

• Coin identification
• Date and mintmark
• Numerical grade
• Variety or attribution (when applicable)
• Certification number
• Barcode and security features

The holder protects the coin while preserving its certification information.

Certification Verification

Each certified coin receives a unique certification number.

Collectors can verify certification information through ANACS’s online database, allowing them to confirm:

• Coin description
• Grade
• Certification status
• Attribution information (when applicable)

Variety and Error Attribution

ANACS has long been recognized for identifying many popular coin varieties and mint errors.

Examples include:

• Doubled dies
• Repunched mintmarks
• Overdates
• Off-center strikes
• Broadstrikes
• Clipped planchets
• Die cracks
• Other recognized mint errors

These attributions are displayed directly on the certification label when eligible.

Why ANACS Matters

ANACS helped pioneer independent coin authentication before third-party grading became an industry standard.

Today, it continues to provide collectors and dealers with:

• Independent authentication
• Professional grading
• Variety attribution
• Error identification
• Protective encapsulation
• Online certification verification

Its long history and expertise make it an important part of the modern numismatic marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ANACS stand for?

ANACS originally stood for American Numismatic Association Certification Service.

When was ANACS founded?

ANACS was established in 1972, making it America’s oldest third-party coin authentication service.

Does ANACS grade world coins?

Yes. ANACS grades eligible U.S. coins, world coins, tokens, medals, and selected ancient coins.

Does ANACS authenticate coins?

Yes. Authentication is performed before a numerical grade is assigned.

Does ANACS recognize varieties and mint errors?

Yes. ANACS is well known for attributing numerous recognized die varieties and mint errors.

Are ANACS-certified coins accepted by dealers?

Yes. ANACS-certified coins are widely recognized throughout the numismatic marketplace, although market preferences can vary depending on the coin and collector.

Official Website

To learn more about ANACS, including grading services, submission information, certification verification, and pricing, visit the official website.

Independent Third-Party Coin Authentication and Grading

Independent Coin Graders (ICG) is an independent third-party coin authentication and grading company founded in 1998. Based in Tampa, Florida, ICG provides professional authentication, grading, encapsulation, and attribution services for U.S. and world coins, tokens, medals, and selected exonumia. 

ICG was established to offer collectors and dealers an alternative grading service focused on reliability, consistency, and affordability. Today, ICG continues to certify coins for collectors, dealers, and auction consignments throughout the numismatic marketplace.

History

Independent Coin Graders was founded in 1998 by experienced numismatists with the goal of providing independent authentication and standardized grading services.

Since its founding, ICG has certified hundreds of thousands of coins and expanded its services to include U.S. and world coins, mint errors, varieties, tokens, medals, and educational labels for counterfeit coins.

Services

ICG offers a variety of professional services, including:

• Authentication
• Numerical grading
• Encapsulation
• Variety attribution
• Mint error attribution
• World coin grading
• Token and medal certification
• Bulk submissions
• Conservation evaluation (eligible submissions)

Authentication

Every eligible coin submitted to ICG is examined for authenticity before a numerical grade is assigned.

Authentication may include examination of:

• Weight and dimensions
• Metal composition
• Die characteristics
• Edge design
• Surface preservation
• Evidence of alteration
• Counterfeit detection

Coins determined to be counterfeit are not assigned a standard numerical grade.

Grading Standards

ICG grades coins using the internationally recognized 70-point Sheldon Scale.

Professional graders evaluate factors such as:

• Wear
• Strike
• Luster
• Surface preservation
• Contact marks
• Eye appeal
• Originality
• Color and toning

Coins with significant impairments may receive a Details designation rather than a straight numerical grade.

ICG Holders

Certified coins are encapsulated in tamper-evident holders designed to protect the coin while displaying its certification information.

Each holder typically includes:

• Coin identification
• Date and mintmark
• Grade
• Variety attribution (when applicable)
• Certification number
• Barcode and security features

Certification Verification

Each ICG-certified coin receives a unique certification number.

Collectors can verify certification information through ICG’s online verification system, allowing them to confirm:

• Coin identification
• Grade
• Certification status
• Attribution information

Variety and Error Attribution

ICG certifies many recognized die varieties and mint errors, including:

• Doubled dies
• Repunched mintmarks
• Overdates
• Off-center strikes
• Broadstrikes
• Clipped planchets
• Die cracks
• Other recognized mint errors

Eligible attributions appear directly on the certification label.

Market Recognition

ICG-certified coins are recognized throughout the numismatic marketplace and are regularly bought and sold by collectors and dealers.

While ICG is an established third-party grading service, many collectors consider PCGS, NGC, and CAC Grading (CACG) to be the industry’s highest-tier grading companies. As a result, some buyers may value ICG-certified coins differently depending on the series, rarity, and market conditions.

Regardless of the holder, collectors are encouraged to evaluate the quality of the coin itself.

Why ICG Matters

ICG provides collectors with:

• Independent authentication
• Professional grading
• Protective encapsulation
• Variety attribution
• Error attribution
• Certification verification

Its services offer an additional option for collectors seeking third-party certification of their coins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ICG stand for?

ICG stands for Independent Coin Graders.

When was ICG founded?

ICG was founded in 1998.

Does ICG authenticate coins?

Yes. Authentication is performed before a numerical grade is assigned.

Does ICG grade world coins?

Yes. ICG grades eligible U.S. and world coins, as well as many tokens and medals.

Does ICG recognize mint errors and varieties?

Yes. ICG attributes many recognized die varieties and mint errors when applicable.

Are ICG-certified coins accepted by dealers?

Yes. ICG-certified coins are widely recognized in the marketplace, though market premiums may differ from those assigned to coins certified by other grading services depending on collector preference and the individual coin.

Official Website

To learn more about Independent Coin Graders (ICG), including grading services, submission information, certification verification, and pricing, visit the official website.