Coins in poor (P), fair (F), about good (AG), or good (G) condition generally aren’t fine enough for collectors. These coins have a somewhat legible date and mint mark, but a good deal of the design is indistinguishable. However, they can be used to hold a place in a collection until a finer specimen is found. Coins graded very good (VG) show a worn design but are generally attractive and free of gouges or other mutilations. A fine (F) coin is highly legible, and the design is clear but a bit worn. These coins are attractive and desirable to collectors. A very fine (VF) coin has only light wear with a very clear mint mark, date, and design. An extremely fine (XF) coin has wear only on the high points of the design. About uncirculated (AU), uncirculated (U), choice uncirculated (CU) or gem uncirculated (GU) coins are beautiful coins that range from very little wear to completely without wear.
Grades 1-15 are for coins with significant wear and are not very valuable. Grades 20-45 include coins from Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (XF) and only have light wear. Grades 50-58 are considered About Uncirculated (AU) with very little wear and a good deal of “mint luster. ” Grades 60-70 are in Mint State (MS) and do not have any signs of wear. MS-70 means the coin is perfect, and this is nearly impossible to find in older coins.
The PCGS requires you to be a member for their services. This costs between $69 and $249 depending on your membership level. Gold and platinum level members receive a few free grading vouchers with their membership. [11] X Research source Once you are a member, you can submit coins by using their online submission center and mailing them in or by attending one of their shows and submitting coins in person. [12] X Research source The NGC also requires membership for their services. Their membership levels range from free, which provides access to their registry but does not allow you to submit coins to them, to elite, which costs $299 and includes a discount on their services and a $150 credit. [13] X Research source If you do not wish to become a member, you can have your coins sent into these services by an authorized dealer instead. [14] X Research source
Look for a dealer who is affiliated with the ANA. This will help you to find someone who is using the current standards of grading. You can do a quick search on their website to find dealers in your area. [16] X Research source Look for a dealer who is affiliated with the PCGS or NGC. [17] X Research source You can do a quick search on their website to find dealers in your area. [18] X Research source This will help you to find someone who is able to send coins into these services for them to be graded.
To find a trade show, most coin grading services have a listing of these on their website. Simply take a look and see which one you would like to attend. Make sure to find one that allows on-site grading. [23] X Research source
Obtain appraisals from dealers who are members of professional associations. The American Numismatic Association Certification Service (A. N. A. C. S. ), the Numismatic Certification Institute (NCI), the International Numismatic Society (INS), and Accugrade are all reputable organizations that certify qualified coin appraisers.
Avoid purchasing coins online unless you are absolutely confident in your grading abilities. Make sure that the dealer has a reasonable money-back option if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.
