The NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) Coin Grading Process is a professional service that evaluates and authenticates coins based on their condition, authenticity, and quality. Here’s a breakdown of how the process works:
1. Submission
- Coins are submitted to NGC by authorized dealers or Collectors Society members.
- The submitter selects the desired service level, which depends on factors like coin type, value, and turnaround time.
- Coins are carefully packaged and shipped to NGC’s grading facility.
2. Authentication
- Experts first verify the coin's authenticity to ensure it is not counterfeit or altered.
- If a coin is determined to be fake, altered, or not eligible for grading, it is returned to the submitter with an explanation.
3. Grading Process
NGC uses a team-based approach, where multiple graders examine each coin independently:
- Initial Inspection: At least two numismatists evaluate the coin under magnification and proper lighting.
- Sheldon Scale Grading: Coins are assigned a grade on the Sheldon Scale (1–70), where 1 is the lowest (Poor) and 70 is the highest (Perfect Mint State).
- Surface Quality & Strike: Coins are assessed for wear, scratches, luster, toning, and strike quality.
- Finalizer Review: A senior numismatist reviews the grades and assigns the final grade.
4. Encapsulation
- The graded coin is sealed in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed holder (slab) with an NGC certification label.
- The label includes important details such as:
- Grade (e.g., MS 65, PF 70, AU 58)
- Unique certification number
- Coin type, date, and mintmark
- Special designations (e.g., Full Steps, Deep Cameo)
5. Certification & Population Report
- The coin's details and grade are entered into the NGC online database.
- Submitters can verify their coin's certification using the NGC website.
6. Return to Submitter
- The encapsulated and graded coin is securely packaged and returned to the owner.
Additional Services
- Variety Attribution: Identifies specific varieties (e.g., doubled dies, overdates).
- Conservation Services: NCS (Numismatic Conservation Services) helps remove contaminants while preserving the coin’s originality.
- Special Labels & Designations: First Releases, Early Releases, etc.
NGC grading ensures accurate, consistent, and trusted coin evaluations, increasing a coin’s desirability and market value.
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The NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) coin grading process is a detailed and systematic procedure used to evaluate and assign a grade to a coin based on its condition, rarity, and overall quality. Here’s an overview of how the NGC coin grading process works:
### 1. **Submission**
- **Collector/Dealer Submission**: Coins are submitted to NGC by collectors, dealers, or institutions. Submissions can be made directly or through an authorized NGC dealer.
- **Submission Form**: The submitter fills out a submission form, providing details about the coins, such as type, date, mint mark, and any special requests (e.g., conservation services).
### 2. **Initial Inspection**
- **Receiving and Logging**: Upon arrival, coins are logged into NGC’s system and assigned a unique tracking number.
- **Preliminary Check**: NGC staff perform an initial inspection to ensure the coins match the submission form and are eligible for grading.
### 3. **Authentication**
- **Genuineness Verification**: NGC experts authenticate the coin to ensure it is genuine and not counterfeit, altered, or otherwise problematic.
- **Variety Identification**: If applicable, the coin’s variety (e.g., specific die variety) is identified.
### 4. **Grading**
- **Grading Panel**: Coins are evaluated by a team of professional graders who examine them under magnification and in optimal lighting conditions.
- **Grading Criteria**: Graders assess the coin based on factors such as strike quality, surface preservation, luster, and eye appeal. The Sheldon Scale (1–70) is used, with 70 being a perfect coin.
- **Consensus Grading**: Multiple graders independently assess the coin, and a final grade is determined by consensus.
### 5. **Encapsulation**
- **Holder Preparation**: Once graded, the coin is placed in a tamper-evident, sonically sealed holder (slab) with a label that includes the coin’s grade, certification number, and other relevant information.
- **Label Information**: The label may also include special designations (e.g., "Full Bands" for Mercury dimes or "Cameo" for proof coins).
### 6. **Quality Control**
- **Final Review**: Each encapsulated coin undergoes a final review to ensure accuracy and consistency in grading and labeling.
- **Imaging**: High-resolution images of the coin are taken and stored in NGC’s database for future reference.
### 7. **Return to Submitter**
- **Shipping**: Graded coins are securely packaged and returned to the submitter along with a detailed certification report.
- **Online Verification**: The coin’s certification number can be used to verify its details and grade on NGC’s website.
### Additional Services
- **Conservation**: NGC offers conservation services to clean and preserve coins before grading.
- **Special Designations**: Coins can be evaluated for special designations (e.g., "First Strike" or "Mint State Details").
- **Reholdering**: Submitters can request reholdering if the original holder is damaged or outdated.
### Benefits of NGC Grading
- **Marketability**: NGC-graded coins are widely recognized and trusted in the numismatic market.
- **Protection**: The encapsulation protects the coin from environmental damage and tampering.
- **Value**: NGC certification can enhance the coin’s value and liquidity.
The NGC grading process is designed to provide an objective, consistent, and reliable assessment of a coin’s condition, helping collectors and investors make informed decisions.