The cost to have NGC grade a coin depends on several factors:
- Membership: You’ll need an NGC Collector’s Society membership. The Associate membership, which is required for direct submissions, costs $25 per year. Other tiers with added benefits and discounts are also available.
- Coin Value: Higher value coins require higher grading fees, [according to Mountain View US and Foreign Coins].
- Service Tier: NGC offers different grading tiers with varying turnaround times and costs per coin:
– Modern: $19 (max value $3,000, post-1965 US / post-1990 world coins)
– Economy: $23 (max value $300, pre-1990 non-gold coins)
– Standard: $40 (max value $3,000, all US or world coins)
– Gold: $40 (max value $3,000, all gold coins)
– Express: $80 (max value $10,000, faster turnaround)
– WalkThrough: $175 (max value $25,000, even faster turnaround)
– Unlimited WalkThrough: $350 + 1% Fair Market Value (unlimited value, fastest turnaround)
- Handling Fee: There’s a $10 handling fee per submission form.
- Shipping: Return shipping costs range from $28 to $150, depending on the coin’s value and shipping method selected.
Example:
For a non-gold coin minted before 1990 and valued under $300, the total cost for grading would be at least $86, including the Associate membership, Economy grading fee, handling fee, and the lowest return shipping cost.
Additional Services:
NGC also offers additional services that can increase the overall cost:
- Conservation services
- Imaging services
- Special labels
- Variety attribution
- Thick holders for larger coins
- Pedigree information on the label
Considerations:
- Evaluate the coin’s value and potential increase from professional grading before submitting.
- Compare NGC’s services and fees with other grading companies like PCGS to make an informed decision.
- Consult with experienced dealers for guidance on whether grading is a worthwhile investment for your particular coin.
Note: NGC’s turnaround times are estimates and can vary.
Is PCGS better than NGC?
Thanks for asking. For valuable classic US coins, PCGS typically provides better long-term value despite higher costs. For world coins, modern issues, or budget-conscious collecting, NGC often represents the better choice. Consider using both services strategically as your collection and expertise grow.
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.
How much does it cost to grade one coin?
Great question! The cost of coin grading can range anywhere from around $20 to over $300 (depends on your submission). Yes, grading a coin is an investment, but one that could significantly boost your coin’s market value.