The cost of grading a coin can vary widely depending on several factors, including the grading company you choose, the coin’s value, the type of service requested, and any additional services like imaging or special labels.
Here’s a breakdown of common costs and influencing factors:
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): Requires membership, with an Associate membership starting at $25 annually. Grading fees range from $19 for Modern coins (1965 to present, valued $3,000 or less) to $350 + 1% Fair Market Value (FMV) for unlimited value WalkThrough submissions.
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): Requires membership, with Silver membership starting at $69 annually. Grading fees start at $22 for Economy (coins under $300 value) and can reach $300 + 1% Guarantee Premium (GP) for Rarities.
- Grading fees typically increase with the value of the coin being submitted.
- Both NGC and PCGS offer various service tiers based on the coin’s declared value, with higher tiers incurring higher fees but potentially faster turnaround times.
- Example: CAC Grading offers tiers from Economy ($15-$20 for coins up to $500) to Ultra Rarity ($2,000 for no maximum value).
- Expect a handling fee per submission ($10 for NGC and PCGS).
- Return shipping and insurance costs are additional and depend on the value of your coin(s).
- VarietyPlus/Variety Attribution: Adds a fee (e.g., $18 for NGC) for specialized attribution of coin varieties.
- Conservation: NCS (Numismatic Conservation Services) offers conservation services to address issues like environmental damage, with fees ranging from $11 for Modern coins to $30 for Gold coins.
- Special Labels: Adding special labels to the holder can cost extra (e.g., $5 for NGC).
- Imaging: High-resolution digital imaging of your coin can be added for a fee (e.g., $5-$8 for NGC).
In summary, the cost to grade a coin can range from roughly $30 (including membership, grading, handling, and basic shipping) to several hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on your specific needs and the value of your coin.
Important considerations:
- Not all coins are worth grading. Weigh the potential increase in value against the total cost of grading and associated fees.
- Research the current market value of your coin before deciding to grade.
- Compare the pricing structures of NGC and PCGS to determine which service best suits your needs and budget.
Can you grade a coin yourself?
I can help with that. You can also approximate a coin’s grade yourself ; it just takes careful research and study, plus a clear understanding of the criteria that can determine whether a coin is worth a few dollars or a few hundred or thousand dollars.