The most well-known and widely accepted third-party coin grading services in the numismatic industry are:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS): Established in 1986, PCGS is a leading name in coin grading, especially revered for its grading of US coins. They use the Sheldon Scale (1-70) and are known for their consistent standards.
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC): Founded in 1987, NGC is considered the world’s largest and most trusted third-party grading service, according to [NGC] . They grade US and world coins, also utilizing the Sheldon Scale. NGC is the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG).
- Independent Coin Graders (ICG): Established in 1998, ICG focuses on grading US coinage and tokens that may not be recognized by other grading services. They are known for their fast turnaround times and don’t require memberships for submission.
- American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS): As the first widely recognized coin grading service (founded in 1972), ANACS is the oldest in the industry. They grade all types of coins and don’t require memberships or a special submission process.
- Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC): Initially a “stickering” service verifying grades assigned by PCGS and NGC, CAC launched its own full grading service, CACG, in 2023. CAC-certified coins, whether stickered or graded by CACG, often command higher premiums.
Important considerations:
- Market Perception: While all the mentioned companies are reputable, some collectors perceive slight differences in their grading philosophies. PCGS-graded coins, particularly for classic US coins, are sometimes believed to command higher resale values. NGC is often favored for world coins and has a comprehensive conservation service through NCS.
- Cost and Membership: PCGS and NGC typically require memberships for direct submissions, with costs varying based on the level of service and coin value. ICG and ANACS do not require memberships.
- Specializations: Each company may have strengths in particular areas, such as ANACS for error coins or ICG for a broader range of US coinage and tokens.
Ultimately, the choice of a grading company depends on your individual needs and priorities as a collector.
What is the oldest coin grading company?
I can help with that. ANACS, America’s Oldest Grading Service™ ANACS’ rich and noble history began in 1972. It was created by the American Numismatic Association (ANA) with a mission to correct an urgent problem facing the coin hobby.
What is the average cost to have a coin graded?
I can help with that. The PCGS grading cost for a standard U.S. coin is generally between $22 and $150 (depends on the coin’s value and the service level).