Certified Coins: Certified gold coins are evaluated and graded for their condition by a third-party grading service, like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), on the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale of 1 to 70. The higher the number, the more perfect the coin.
How much does it cost to get a gold coin graded?
2021 PCGS Collector Services & Fees
| SERVICE LEVEL | PRICE |
|---|---|
| EXPRESS | $65 |
| REGULAR | $38 |
| ECONOMY (Non-Gold, Non-Hammered) (World patterns and Chinese portrait/dragon/fantasy dollars must be submitted at the Regular Service Level or higher.) | $22 |
| MODERN (1965 to date) *Formerly Modern Gold | $30 |
Where can I get my gold coins graded?
Today, many companies offer coin grading services, however, there are often two companies that are preferred by collectors. These two companies are the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).
How much are graded coins worth?
The more valuable the coin is, the more it costs to have it graded. Grading a common coin worth $150 costs $20. Grading a rare coin worth $50,000 costs $125. It is a much better value to get expensive coins graded than it is to get common coins graded.
What do you need to know about a graded coin?
On the front, PCGS lists the coin type, grade, denomination, serial number, and a bar code. While PCGS will not grade damaged, improperly cleaned, or altered coins, they will still certify them as genuine. For the most part, graded coins have a higher numismatic, or collector, value than melt value.
How are coins graded on the Sheldon scale?
In the US, coin grading is based on a Sheldon scale. Coins grade from 1 (being the lowest grade) up to 70 (being the top grade). PO-1 (Poor) = Just barely identifiable. FR-2 (Fair) = Very worn but identifiable. AG-3 (About Good) = Mostly worn but some detail can be seen. G-4, G-6 (Good) = Most of the letters and edge is worn but readable.
Can a counterfeit coin be graded by NGC?
However, NGC will not grade counterfeit or altered coins. Once a coin is graded, NGC sonically seals it in a plastic holder, or slab, along with a label identifying the coin and its grade. The slab is made of inert material so as not to damage the coin.
What kind of grade do you give a Liberty Coin?
(VF-20) Very Fine – Moderately worn, with some finer details persisting. All letters of LIBERTY or the motto are readable. The rim’s on both sides of the coin are full and separated from the field. (EF-40) Extremely Fine – Lightly worn; all devices are clear, significant devices are bold.
