Why Do People Get Coins Graded? A Beginner’s Guide

Why Do People Get Coins Graded? A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever wondered why some people send their coins to a grading company, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve inherited a coin collection, stumbled upon a rare find, or just want to learn more about the world of numismatics, understanding the process of coin grading is essential for any collector or investor. Grading a coin not only helps determine its value but also provides a professional, standardized assessment of its quality. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why people get coins graded, which types of coins are worth grading, why the grading company matters, and the most reputable grading services available.

What is Coin Grading?

Coin grading is the process of evaluating a coin’s condition, or "grade," based on a number of factors such as its wear, luster, surface quality, and overall appeal. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin typically becomes, especially if it’s a rare or collectible item.

🔍 Pawn Pro Pro Tip:
Grading doesn't clean, repair, or improve a coin. A grading service simply authenticates the coin and evaluates its condition based on established industry standards.

Why Should You Get a Coin Graded?

1. Determining Value

One of the main reasons people get their coins graded is to establish a definitive value. Uncirculated or high-grade coins can be worth significantly more than lower-grade or worn coins. The grade helps potential buyers or sellers understand the coin's condition, ensuring a fair price is set. If you’re looking to sell or trade, having a coin graded makes it easier to establish its worth.

2. Selling or Trading with Confidence

If you’re selling or trading coins, having a graded coin adds credibility. Buyers are more likely to trust a professional grading assessment, which can help you get better offers or sell the coin faster. A high-grade coin, especially when verified by a reputable grading service, can demand a premium price in the marketplace.

3. Protection Against Counterfeits

Coin grading helps verify the authenticity of a coin. Reputable grading companies, like PCGS, will authenticate a coin as part of their grading process. This is crucial for collectors and investors who want to avoid purchasing counterfeits or altered coins. 

4. Preservation

Grading a coin also means that it’s placed in a protective case (a holder, often called a "slab"), which helps preserve the coin's condition. This is important not just for maintaining its appearance but also for ensuring its long-term value. Coins that are not protected may suffer from handling, exposure to the elements, or even environmental damage.

What Type of Coins are Worth Grading?

Not all coins are worth the cost and effort of grading. Generally, coins that are rare, in excellent condition, or of historical significance are the ones that tend to benefit most from grading. Here are some examples of coins that are commonly graded:

  • Rare Coins: Coins with limited mintage or historical significance are often worth grading. For example, a 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent or a 1933 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle.
  • High-Quality Coins: Even common coins can be worth grading if they are in exceptional condition. A 2021 American Silver Eagle, for example, could be worth much more if graded as MS-70 (Mint State 70, the highest possible grade).
  • Commemorative Coins: Coins issued to mark special events or anniversaries can often be graded, especially if they are in pristine condition.
  • Gold and Silver Bullion Coins: Precious metal coins, such as Gold Eagles or Silver Maples, can also benefit from grading, especially when they are in uncirculated or near-perfect condition.
      
    On the other hand, coins that are heavily worn, corroded, or damaged may not warrant the expense of grading. Always consider the potential return on investment before deciding to grade a coin.

🔍 Pawn Pro Pro Tip:
Before submitting a coin for grading, compare its estimated value with the cost of grading, shipping, and insurance. In some cases, the grading fees may exceed the coin's value.

Why the Grading Company Matters

Not all grading companies are created equal. The reputation and credibility of the grading service can have a significant impact on the value of the coin. While there are several grading companies, the most widely recognized and trusted ones in the industry are Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and ANACS.

The Importance of Reputation

Coins graded by well-known and respected grading companies generally fetch higher prices in the market. Buyers trust these companies to accurately grade and authenticate coins. If you get a coin graded by an unknown or untrusted grading service, it might not be taken as seriously by collectors or investors. In some cases, it may even be difficult to sell or trade the coin at a reasonable price.

Major Coin Grading Companies

Here’s a breakdown of the top grading services:

1. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)

Founded in 1986, PCGS is one of the most respected and recognized grading companies in the world. Their grading standards are widely adopted in the industry, and coins graded by PCGS are generally considered highly trustworthy. PCGS is known for its attention to detail and has a robust certification process. Their coins are encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder and come with a barcode for authentication.

2. Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)

 NGC is another major player in the coin grading industry, founded in 1987. Like PCGS, NGC has built a strong reputation for accuracy and reliability. Their grading process is stringent, and they also offer secure storage and certification services. NGC is known for offering a wide range of grading services, including for paper money and tokens.

3. American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS)

ANACS is the oldest coin grading service in the United States, founded in 1972. While it doesn't have the same widespread recognition as PCGS or NGC, ANACS still has a solid reputation in the numismatic community. ANACS is particularly popular for grading older or more obscure coins, and their prices tend to be more affordable than the bigger companies.

4. Other Grading Services

  • Independent Coin Graders (ICG): This is another reputable company that offers coin grading services. While not as widely recognized as the top three, ICG has earned a good reputation for its grading standards.
  • Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC): CAC does not grade coins but certifies coins already graded by other services, ensuring that the coins meet high standards of quality.

🔍 Pawn Pro Pro Tip:
PCGS and NGC are generally considered the two most widely recognized grading services by collectors and dealers. Coins certified by these services often command stronger buyer confidence.

How to Submit Coins for Grading

The process of submitting coins for grading generally involves a few steps:

  1. Choose a Grading Company: Select the grading company that suits your needs based on reputation, cost, and the type of coin you are submitting.
  2. Fill Out a Submission Form: Each company has specific forms that need to be completed when submitting coins.
  3.  Package Your Coins Safely: Carefully package your coins to ensure they are protected during shipping. Some companies provide special packaging materials.
  4. Pay for Grading Fees: Grading fees vary depending on the company, the type of coin, and the value of the coin. The more valuable or rare the coin, the higher the grading fee might be.
  5. Wait for the Results: Once the coin is submitted, it will be graded, encapsulated, and returned to you. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

From Our Experience

Since 2011, one of the most common questions we've heard is:

"Should I get this coin graded?"

The answer isn't always yes.

Many coins have sentimental or historical value but don't necessarily benefit financially from professional grading. On the other hand, we've also seen customers bring in coins that looked ordinary but turned out to be excellent candidates for certification because of their rarity, condition, or strong collector demand.

One of the biggest advantages of having a coin evaluated before submitting it is understanding whether grading is likely to add value.

To Sum it All Up

Coin grading is an important step in the numismatic world that helps ensure the authenticity, value, and preservation of your coins. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the grading process and knowing which coins to submit for grading can greatly enhance your collection’s value and appeal. By choosing a reputable grading company like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS, you can ensure that your coins are properly evaluated and authenticated, giving you the confidence to buy, sell, or trade with ease.

If you’re unsure about whether your coins are worth grading, consider texting us pictures at 315-401-6869, giving us a call or stop in to the shop. We will gladly help you with any and all coin questions!

Research & References

Research Snapshot

Published: January 20, 2025
Last Updated: July 2026
Reviewed By: Pawn Pro
Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Research Sources: 5

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to have a coin graded?

Professional coin grading is the process of having a coin authenticated, examined for any problems, and assigned a numerical grade based on its condition. The grade helps collectors and buyers understand the coin's quality using industry-recognized standards.

Why do people get coins graded?

Collectors grade coins to verify authenticity, protect them in tamper-evident holders, establish a standardized condition, and make buying or selling easier. For certain coins, professional grading can also increase buyer confidence and potentially increase market value.

Which coin grading companies are the most trusted?

The two most widely recognized grading services are Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). Both are respected throughout the numismatic community for their authentication and grading standards.

Does grading a coin increase its value?

Not always. Grading doesn't make a coin rarer or improve its condition. However, for valuable or high-grade coins, professional certification can increase buyer confidence and may result in a higher selling price.

How much does it cost to have a coin graded?

The cost depends on the grading company, the coin's value, turnaround time, and shipping. Many submissions cost anywhere from $25 to $100 or more per coin, so it's important to determine whether grading makes financial sense before submitting.

Should every old coin be graded?

No. Many older coins are worth collecting but may not be valuable enough to justify grading fees. Factors such as rarity, condition, collector demand, and market value should all be considered before submitting a coin.

Can I grade a coin myself?

You can estimate a coin's condition using published grading guides, but only professional grading services can assign an official grade recognized by collectors and dealers.

Should I clean my coin before sending it in for grading?

No. Cleaning a coin can permanently alter its surface and often lowers its collector value. Professional grading services generally recommend submitting coins in their original, uncleaned condition.

How long does professional coin grading take?

Turnaround times vary depending on the grading company and service level selected. Standard submissions often take several weeks, while expedited services are available for an additional fee.

How do I know if my coin is worth grading?

Start by researching the coin's date, mint mark, condition, and recent selling prices. If you're unsure, having the coin evaluated before paying grading fees can help determine whether professional certification is worthwhile.

Still have questions?
Every collection is different. If you're unsure whether a coin is worth grading, take time to research its date, mint mark, condition, and recent market values before making a decision. We can also help! Text pictures to our appraisers at 315-401-6869.

About the Author

Pawn Pro has been serving Central New York for over 15 years, helping customers buy, sell, trade, repair, and evaluate a wide variety of items including jewelry, watches, electronics, tools, coins, collectibles, musical instruments, and more. Through thousands of transactions, appraisals, and customer interactions each year, the Pawn Pro team has developed extensive hands-on knowledge of secondhand goods, market values, authentication, and resale trends. Our goal is to help consumers make informed decisions while sharing practical insights about buying, selling, collecting, and caring for valuable items.

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