The cost of having a coin graded varies depending on several factors, including the grading service you choose (e.g., PCGS or NGC), the type and value of the coin, the desired turnaround time, and any additional services like variety attribution or conservation.
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): A 2025 comparison shows their standard grading for coins valued up to $2,500 costs $38, while an economy option for coins under $300 costs $22. They also have express tiers with quicker turnarounds and higher fees.
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): In 2025, their standard grading for coins valued up to $3,000 costs $40. They also offer an economy option for non-gold pre-1990 coins at $23, and express tiers are available.
- Membership: Both PCGS and NGC require an annual membership to submit coins for grading, with fees starting at $25 (NGC Associate) or $69 (PCGS Silver).
- Handling: Both companies charge a handling fee of $10 per submission.
- Shipping and Insurance: You’ll also need to factor in shipping costs to and from the grading service, which vary based on the declared value of the coins and the shipping method chosen.
- Optional Services: Additional services like variety attribution or conservation will incur extra charges.
Grading costs can range from around $20 for a low-value coin on an economy service to hundreds of dollars for rare and expensive coins on high-tier services. It’s crucial to assess whether the potential increase in the coin’s value after grading will outweigh the cost. Generally, it’s more beneficial to grade valuable coins, key dates, or high-grade examples, while grading common or heavily worn coins may not be cost-effective.
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.