Coin Certification: Where Do You Get Coins Graded?

If you have a collection of coins and find yourself asking, "Where to get coins graded?", you're not alone. New collectors, seasoned numismatists, and many other people understand that getting coins graded is an important step to make sure about their value and authenticity. 

If you know where to get a coin graded and how the process works, it can make all the difference in building a certified coin collection that holds its worth and can also appreciate over time.

Now, we're going to discuss everything about how to get coins certified, where to send them, and how much you can expect to pay for professional grading. 

Where Can I Get My Coin Graded? Right Coin Grading Services

The first question most collectors ask is: Where can I get a coin graded? The answer is connected with choosing the right grading service. There are two major organizations for grading that are trusted by millions:

1. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS): It is one of the most respected names in the coin-grading industry. It was founded in 1986. Its specialists provide coin authentication and grading - each coin’s true value is recognized and protected. They specialize in many types of coins, e.g., modern, vintage, etc. You can visit their website for submission instructions or go through an authorized dealer to understand how to get your coins graded in detail.

2. Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC): It is another famous grading company that provides expert evaluation and certification for coins. It was established in 1987. Since, they’ve graded millions of coins worldwide: U.S. and international states alike. Like PCGS, you can either submit your coins directly or use a dealer as a middleman to handle the submission for you. Moreover, you can use the NGC Set Registry that is very convenient and useful for coin collectors. 

These services offer dependable certification. So, when you’re wondering where to send coins to be graded, you can confidently choose either of these providers for reliable results.

How Do You Get Coins Graded? A Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Process

This process is actually quite simple, though there are a few important steps that we recommend that you keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Service: So, you have a question: “How to get my coin graded?” As mentioned, you’ll need to choose between grading companies like PCGS or NGC. Both offer convenient mail-in services, but you’ll need to follow their submission guidelines closely. Note that you can choose any other service to get coin graded if you’d like. We don’t insist on your decision. 

2. Prepare Your Coins for Submission: When you choose your service, you’ll need to prepare your coins for shipping. Make sure they are packaged securely to prevent any damage during transit. This is very important in getting a coin graded safely and efficiently.

3. Complete the Submission Form: Every grading company will require a submission form. You’ll need to fill in details about the coins you're sending, the services you want (grading only or authentication plus grading), and the shipping method for your return.

4. Ship Your Coins: After completing the form and packing your coins, you’ll send them to the grading company’s location. Make sure that you use a traceable and insured shipping method for more security.

5. Grading & Certification: Once your coins arrive, the grading experts will analyze them under precise conditions. They evaluate the coin’s authenticity, condition, and rarity, assigning it a grade from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect). Your coin will be sealed in a protective, tamper-proof case, and the certification will be complete.

Where to Send Coins to Be Graded: Submission Options

When it comes to where I can send to grade my coin, it depends on whether you want to go the direct or indirect route:

First of all, you can send your coins directly to PCGS or NGC. You need to create an account on their website and follow their submission process to do it.

If you’d rather not handle the shipping yourself or want expert advice along the way, you can use an authorized dealer. These dealers act as intermediaries between you and the grading companies. They will help you with the submission, packaging, and shipping process before having coins graded. 

How Much Is It to Get a Coin Graded? 

The next big question is: How much to get coins graded? The cost varies actually. This depends on several factors, e.g.:

1. Standard Grading Costs: For most coins, you can expect to pay between $30 to $50 per coin. This is the general rate for common coins that don’t have extreme rarity or value.

2. Higher Value Coins: If you’re submitting a rare or highly valuable coin, grading fees can rise. Coins worth thousands of dollars could see grading costs as high as $100 to $300 (depends on the value and services requested).

3. Additional Services: You might also pay extra for special services, e.g., rapid grading, detailed coin imaging, and other add-ons. These services aren’t necessary for everyone but can improve the overall presentation of your collection.

So, when asking how much to get coin graded, it’s best to consider the value of the coin itself and whether extra services are necessary for your particular coin. The total cost will be understood after you talk to specialists of a grading company. Before such conversations you can download the Coin ID Scanner app (coin-identifier.com) and check approximate conditions and prices of your coins. 

Should You Get Your Coins Graded? The Importance of Coin Certification

When you understand how to have a coin graded, you should also realize that it is more than just a way to determine value. It’s a process that ensures your coins are:

1. Authenticated: Certification ensures that your coin is genuine and not a counterfeit. This helps with preserving value, especially for rare coins.

2. Protected: Graded coins are encased in a secure holder, which protects them from damage and tampering. This safeguards the coin and maintains its grade and value over time.

3. Easily Sold or Traded: Certified coins are much easier to buy, sell, or trade. Potential buyers can trust the grade, if they know that it was assigned by an expert. 

How to Certify Coins: Steps for Successful Grading

Wondering how to certify a coin? Here’s what you need to do for a smooth certification process:

1. Before submitting your coin, research its potential value and rarity. This will help you understand whether it’s worth certifying.

2. Make sure you follow all submission guidelines for your chosen grading service. Incorrectly filling out forms or packaging could delay the process.

3. Certification takes time. It can take weeks or even months for your coin to be graded (depends on the service and backlog).

So, Where Can I Get Coins Graded and Why Is It Worth It?

If you’ve been asking, “Where do I get my coins graded?” or “How do I get a coin certified?”, now you know the ins and outs of the process. Choosing the right grading service or the best coin collecting software, understanding the costs, and overall grading process is a smart move for any serious collector (for beginners, too, though).

Coin grading protects your littles and gives them the credibility they need to be valuable assets. So when you think next time about how much is it to grade a coin or how to get coins graded, you’ll be well-prepared and even can teach other people. This is how you can share your passion, skills and knowledge. 

Sources:

1. https://www.pcgseurope.com/services?l=en

2. https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-grading/grading-process/