The cost of having a coin graded varies significantly based on several factors, including:
- The grading company: The two most prominent and reputable services are PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). These companies have differing fee structures.
- The coin’s declared value: The higher the estimated value of the coin, the more expensive it typically is to grade, due to increased security and expertise required for handling and grading valuable items. For example, a $100 coin might cost around $25 to grade, while a $10,000 coin could be $125 or more.
- The chosen service level/turnaround time: Faster turnaround times usually come at a higher price. Economy options are the most affordable but have longer processing times, while express services can be 2-3 times more expensive.
- Additional services: Special labels, variety attribution, or conservation services all add to the total cost.
- Common modern coins: Expect grading fees to start around $22.
- Rare coins: Fees for rarer coins can range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the factors listed above.
NGC:
- Economy: $23 (non-gold pre-1990 coins), [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins reports]
- Standard: $40 (coins up to $3,000 value), [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins reports]
- Express: $65 (15-day turnaround), [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins reports]
PCGS:
- Economy: $22 (coins under $300 value), [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins reports]
- Standard: $38 (coins up to $2,500 value), [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins reports]
- Express: $65 (15-day turnaround), [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins reports]
- Membership: Both NGC and PCGS require an annual membership to submit coins directly for grading. NGC’s annual Associate membership is $25, while PCGS’s Silver membership starts at $69.
- Handling Fee: Both NGC and PCGS charge a $10 handling fee per submission.
- Shipping & Insurance: You are responsible for shipping your coins to the grading service and back, including insurance costs which can vary based on the coin’s value.
In total, professional coin grading, including fees, can cost anywhere from around $86 to $152 or more per coin, depending on the factors mentioned above.
It’s important to note:
- The cost of grading should be weighed against the potential increase in the coin’s value if it receives a good grade.
- Not all coins are worth grading, particularly low-value coins, damaged coins, or common modern bullion coins.
- You may want to consider using a tool like the [Coin ID Scanner app] to get an estimated value before investing in professional grading.
- Consulting with experienced coin dealers who understand market conditions and the economics of grading can help you make an informed decision.
Can I get my coin graded for free?
You can submit photos of your coins to us for free coin authentication and grading ! Here’s how it works: Take photographs of the coins you want graded. Make sure the coins are centered in the photo and hold the camera steady to avoid blurry pictures.
Can I grade a coin myself?
Although it is possible to learn to grade coins yourself, it will take years of experience to do it correctly. In our experience, many collectors think their coins are in a better condition than they actually are � so always be on your guard.