The cost to get a coin graded by a reputable third-party service like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), or CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) can vary depending on several factors, primarily the coin’s value and the desired turnaround time.
Here’s a general overview of the cost structure:
- Grading fees: These are typically tiered based on the coin’s value. For example, PCGS offers an economy tier for coins valued under $300 at $22, a regular tier for coins up to $2,500 at $38, and express grading for coins up to $10,000 at $65. NGC has similar tiers, with their economy option at $23 for pre-1990 non-gold coins valued under $300, and a standard option at $40 for coins valued up to $3,000. CAC’s grading fees range from $15 for Morgan & Peace dollars valued up to $500, to $2,000 for “Ultra Rarity” coins with no maximum value.
- Membership fees: Both PCGS and NGC require an annual membership to submit coins directly. NGC’s associate membership starts at $25, while PCGS’s silver membership starts at $69 . CAC also requires membership to submit for grading, with the [CAC Grading Club] costing $99 annually.
- Handling fees: Most services charge a per-submission handling fee. NGC and PCGS typically charge $10 per submission, while CAC charges $10 for paper submissions and $5 for online submissions.
- Shipping and insurance: These costs vary depending on the value of the coins and the shipping method chosen.
In summary, the total cost to get a coin graded, including membership, grading fees, handling fees, and shipping, can range anywhere from around $86 to $152 or more per coin, depending on the factors mentioned above. It’s recommended to weigh the potential increase in the coin’s value against the total cost of grading to determine if it’s a worthwhile investment.
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.
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.