CAC Coins: Why Tiny Stickers Mean Big Money

If you have any interest in the world of numismatics, you are probably aware that every detail in the valuation of a coin is of great importance. Rarity, age, condition, design and provenance, as well as the historical significance of the coin are all given huge consideration. But what if a small oval sticker could significantly increase the value of a coin? This is not fiction, but reality for those who have even seen a CAC Coin.

A small sticker with the letters “CAC” was the deciding factor for collectors seeking to acquire premium quality coins. Let's understand what does CAC mean in coin grading, what is special about these CAC stickers, why they can significantly change the fate of your collection and perhaps even your idea of grading and numismatics.

Meet CAC: What Is It and Why It Matters?

CAC Grading, Virginia Beach (Certified Acceptance Corporation) is an independent organization founded in 2007 by John Albanese, a highly reputable examiner and co-founder of NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).

The main purpose of the CAC is to verify if a coin meets the high quality standards corresponding to the grade it has already received. If the coin meets the high quality standards, it is assigned one of the stickers:

• CAC Green Sticker is awarded to coins that meet or exceed the standard for their grade (level of preservation).

• The CAC Gold Sticker is awarded to coins that exceed their current grade and can also be graded at a higher level.

These small holographic stickers are a mark of approval from experts guaranteeing the certified caccoins are authentic, meet the stated grade and are high quality specimens among other coins of the same grade. This is why the presence of a green or gold CAC sticker can significantly increase the value of a coin. Please, do not confuse the organization with online coin auctions.

What Every Collector Should Know

Usually a coin is sent to receive the coveted sticker when it has already been graded by one of the major certification companies (such as PCGS or NGC).  In this case, the logical question arises: “What is the CAC Coin Grading Service for?”

The reason is that not all coins with the same grade are of the same quality. Two similarly graded coins can differ greatly in appearance and preservation, which in turn can affect their market value.

The CAC grading service helps to distinguish truly outstanding pieces from the ones just satisfying the minimum requirements. The grading service considers the quality of the coin's surface (how smooth and clean it is, whether there are scratches and defects); the level of wear and tear (whether the actual condition is as stated); and the overall visual appeal (uniformity of patination and quality of minting).

Based on the above, it is clear that not every coin can be graded and receive a sticker.  This does not necessarily mean the coin is of poor quality, but it does mean that by CAC standards it does not meet the highest criteria for its grade.

Main reasons for refusal to receive a CAC sticker

Is a CAC Coin Worth the Hype?

The answer to this question is a firm "yes", but with some caveats. Coins with a CAC sticker can indeed be worth 10-50% (and sometimes more) than similar specimens without this mark. But why?

On average, only about 20-30% of coins that pass through CAC receive a green sticker, and only a small fraction is honored with a gold sticker. This automatically makes these coins rarer and more desirable.

The CAC sticker is a kind of “approval” by an independent expert team. The company's sticker simplifies the process of evaluating the coin for the buyer. The buyer can see that there is a specimen, which passed strict testing and is sure they are buying a really high quality coin.

CACG Coin Grading: Added Level in Coin Certification

The reliability and credibility of the company can be judged by another fact. After 16 years as a company that assesses the quality of already certified coins, CAC has moved to the next level in 2023, becoming CACG - a full-fledged certification service.

They now handle the certification and grading of coins themselves, checking each coin in detail before issuing the certificate and sticker. The public opinion that CACG coins meet the highest expectations does not change over time. This makes the CAC sticker not just a marketing ploy, but a true guarantee of quality and authenticity.

If you are not sure about an official grading, you may try the Coin ID Scanner app. Although it will not give you a certificate of authenticity, you will be able to realize your coins’ average costs.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to certify a CACG coin?

The cost of certification depends on the price of the coin: for pieces under $10,000, the fee is $22, and for more expensive pieces it is $29.

2. Who can send coins for certification?

After CAC expanded to become CAC Grading (CACG), they changed some of the rules regarding who can send coins for grading and verification. Previously, only registered dealers could send coins to CAC to receive a sticker. However, with the move to CAC Grading, they have expanded access to their services. Now regular collectors can also send their coins directly to CACG.

3. What is CACG Coin Lookup?

CAC Coin Lookup is a tool on the CACG website that allows you to check certified coins and verify their quality and status.

4. What coins does CACG accept for certification?

CAC grades the most valuable coins like those from the Heritage Auctions. But modern or investment coins are not accepted for certification.

5. If I am new to collecting, what should I know?

The presence of a CAC sticker on a coin indicates high quality and confirms that the coin meets strict standards. But to get started in the coin world, we recommend using the Coin ID Scanner app for identification and initial evaluation of coins in a couple of clicks. This app will help you easily find information about coins and track their value, so due to the app you can more easily navigate the nuances of numismatics.

A Guarantee of Value

Actually, everything is quite simple: if you want to guarantee the quality and value of your collection, the CAC sticker is your choice. It is not just a colorful decoration for your collectible's holder, but also a guarantee of a quality specimen. And while not every coin deserves a CAC sticker, the ones tested have a significant advantage in the marketplace.

So, if you have the chance to purchase a coin with that little sticker, don't hesitate - it's really worth the money. As they say, the devil is in the details and this tiny holographic detail decides a lot.

Sources:

1.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certified_Acceptance_Corporation

2. https://paradimecoins.com/pages/cac-coins-certified-acceptance-corporation?srsltid=AfmBOorjbmz7l1prNBoht3rvHsZ-rN0W8pE8TbrcOA-S_k7pl3zVAuof