The cost of getting a coin certified, or professionally graded, varies significantly based on several factors:
- Grading Company: The two most prominent and respected services are PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). Other options include ICG, ANACS, and CAC.
- Coin Value: More valuable coins typically require higher grading fees.
- Service Level/Turnaround Time: Expedited or rush services will cost more than standard or economy options.
- Additional Services: Factors like variety attribution, special labels, conservation, and imaging services can add to the total cost.
- Economy/Modern: Coins valued up to a few hundred dollars can be graded for roughly $20-$40 per coin, with longer turnaround times (e.g., 70 business days for PCGS Economy).
- Standard: For coins valued up to a few thousand dollars, the cost is around $40-$60 per coin, with a moderate turnaround time (e.g., 50 business days for PCGS Regular).
- Express: Grading fees for coins valued up to $10,000 can range from $65-$80 per coin, with faster turnaround times (e.g., 15 business days for PCGS Express).
- High-Value/Rarity: Coins valued over $10,000 or rare coins can cost $150 or more, potentially including a percentage of the coin’s value, and may have the fastest turnaround times.
Important considerations:
- Membership: Both PCGS and NGC require annual memberships for direct submissions, ranging from $25-$299 depending on the level and benefits. Some membership tiers include grading vouchers.
- Handling Fees: NGC and PCGS charge a $10 handling fee per submission.
- Shipping and Insurance: You’ll need to factor in shipping and insurance costs to send your coins to the grading service and have them returned. This can range from $22-$150 or more, depending on the value and service.
In short, the total cost for grading can be as low as $86-$91 for a single low-value coin to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for highly valuable or rare coins, [according to APMEX] and [Mountain View US and Foreign Coins].
Before submitting a coin for grading, it is essential to consider whether the potential increase in the coin’s value outweighs the total certification costs. Consulting with a reputable coin dealer can help you make an informed decision.
How to certify a coin for free?
NGC® App. The free NGC App gives coin collectors access to many of the most popular resources developed by NGC, the Official Grading Service of the ANA. This app includes: Verify NGC Certification.