The cost of grading a coin can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the coin’s value, the grading service you choose (e.g., PCGS or NGC), the requested turnaround time, and any additional services desired.
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): PCGS generally commands a higher resale value for certified coins but also has slightly higher membership fees and potentially longer turnaround times for some services compared to NGC.
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): NGC offers collector-friendly pricing and lower membership barriers, making it more accessible to new collectors.
- Coin value: More valuable coins typically incur higher grading fees due to the need for greater security and specialized expertise. For instance, grading a common coin valued at $150 might cost $20, while a rare coin valued at $50,000 could cost $125 or more.
- Turnaround time: Expedited services with faster turnaround times come at a higher cost compared to standard or economy options.
- Additional services: Special labels, variety attribution, conservation, and imaging services can add to the total cost.
- Membership: Both PCGS and NGC require annual memberships for direct submissions. NGC offers an Associate membership for $25 per year, while PCGS’s Silver membership starts at $69 annually.
- Handling fees: Each submission typically incurs a handling fee of $10.
- Shipping and insurance: Secure shipping is crucial for valuable coins, requiring services like registered mail or insured express shipping. Return shipping costs vary based on the coin’s value and desired level of insurance. NGC’s return shipping fees, as of August 2025, range from $30 for coins valued under $5,000 (1-10 coins) to $180 for coins valued between $50,001 and $100,000 (51-100 coins). Shipping fees from other services like GreatCollections can vary based on the chosen shipping method, number of coins, and invoice value, with options like USPS Priority Mail ranging from a $15 base cost plus $0.50 per coin to FedEx Overnight with a $37 base cost plus $1 per coin.
In conclusion
Considering all the factors, the total cost for professional coin grading can range from approximately $86 to over $300 per coin. Grading becomes a worthwhile investment primarily for rare, key-date, or high-grade coins where the certification is likely to add value exceeding the overall grading expenses. For common, lower-value, or heavily circulated coins, grading may not be cost-effective. Consulting with an experienced coin dealer can help you determine the potential value increase from grading and whether it’s the right choice for your specific coins.
Can I get my coins 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.