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Graded Coins: Growing a Collection
Graded coins can be valued additions to any collection. Many may prefer coins that have been graded by experts at industry-leading grading companies to ensure they receive a coin in outstanding condition. Coin grading not only determines the physical condition of a coin, it also provides protection and personalization through the use of labels and sonically sealed holders.
Learn more about coin certification and the two leading third-party grading services, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), who certify and protect our customers' valued purchases.
Who Do We Trust?
Coin Grading Services
Our company trusts two top-tiered grading services to ensure that the most accurate grade is awarded to each certified coin we offer. These two independent third-party coin grading companies analyze and determine each coin's quality and certify the coins are genuine. We are proud to have strong business relationships with both NGC and PCGS that have spanned over 30+ years.
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
Beginning in 1987, NGC has grown to be the largest third-party grading service in the world! Certifying more than 45 million coins, NGC's renowned experts provide outstanding grading, authentication, and encapsulation services. Additionally, NGC coin grading offers a specialty service dedicated exclusively to certifying ancient coins. GovMint.com is proud to partner with NGC to offer a variety of graded coins to our customers!
Professional Coin Grading Service
Founded in 1986, PCGS has developed into a highly distinguished independent third-party grading service for collectors and precious metal enthusiasts around the world. Certifying over 44 million rare and modern coins, PCGS continues to offer top quality grading services from industry experts. To ensure our customers have an impressive variety of certified coins to choose from, we trust PCGS to grade our coins with precise measures.
Bestselling Series
Certified and Protected for Years to Come
We are proud to offer an expansive inventory of collectible coins from Mints around the world to our many customers. With coins struck from gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals, many choose to purchase certified coins that are preserved from humidity, damage, and more.
Bestselling Series Highlight: American Eagle Coins
Introduced in 1986, the American Eagle series has been a favorite among collectors. Today, the Silver Eagle is one of the most popularly collected bullion coins in the world!
- Released annually by the U.S. Mint
- Official bullion coins of the U.S. Mint
- Weight and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. government
- Released in a variety of finishes and metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium
- Graded options available from top-tier grading services: NGC and PCGS
- Special labels are available for this series, such as our exclusive NGC Bald Eagle Label (pictured right)
- Graded coins are preserved in protective holders to ensure that they arrive in pristine condition
What is on a Coin Label?
Graded coins not only arrive in a sonically sealed protective holder, each certified coin is also accompanied by a label displaying key information about the specific coin. Both PCGS and NGC offer their own assortment of labels that can be paired with a variety of coins giving each collector the opportunity to make the best selection for their collection.
Bestselling Series Highlight: American Gold Buffalo Coins
The Gold Buffalo series has been an American classic since 2006 and continues to be a beloved annual release for collectors around the world.
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The first .9999 fine gold coin series to be struck by the United States Mint
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The series includes two different finishes released each year: Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated
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Graded options available from top-tier grading services: NGC and PCGS
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Special labels are available for this series, such as our exclusive NGC Buffalo Label (pictured left)
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Graded coins are preserved in protective holders to ensure that they arrive in pristine condition
Coin Grading Scale and Designations
GovMint.com relies on NGC and PCGS to not only provide high-quality grading assessments but to also award special designations to qualifying coins. In order to accurately define these measurements and designations, both grading services turn to the industry standard grading scale and information verified by the Mint.
The Sheldon Grading Scale
In the late 1940's, Dr. William Sheldon, a renowned numismatist, introduced a tool that would forever change the numismatic world as we know it today. Referred to as the Sheldon Grading Scale, this tool analyses a coin's condition using a 70-point grading system to determine the quality of each coin. The Sheldon Scale is used as an industry standard by third-party grading services around the world to accurately assess a coin's condition.
Click HERE to see full chart
NGC Certified Designations
In addition to numerical grades, NGC may award qualifying coins with various designations. Designations can pertain to a particular attribute of a coin that goes beyond the awarded numerical grade such as the time period the specific coin was struck during the series.
Many collectors pursue specific designated coins for their collections.
NGC Certified Designations
Early Releases and First Releases
Qualifying coins must be received by NGC or NGC-approved depository no more than 30 days after a coin has been released by the Mint. Early Releases and First Releases designations are determined by the same standards outlined above and are often used interchangeably.
First Day of Issue
Eligible coins will need to be purchased from the Mint within one day after the coin's first day of issue. These coins will also need to be received by NGC or NGC-approved depository within one week from the coin's release date. When submitting the coin to NGC, proof must be provided in order to prove the date of purchase.
First Day of Production
In order to receive this designation, the coin must be struck within the first day of its production at the Mint. Qualifying coins must be submitted to NGC or NGC-approved depository with a documentation from the Mint that verifies that it was struck on the first day of production.
PCGS Certified Designations
PCGS also awards qualifying coins with special designations that have been received for grading within a certain amount of time from the occurrence of a special event. These designations will be notated on the coin's label in addition to the numeric grade. Designations can easily enhance any collection.
First Strike
This designation will be applied to coins that are issued to PCGS within 30 days of its release.
First Day of Issue
Similar to NGC's process, PCGS awards this designation to coins that are received by PCGS within one day of its first release date.
Bestselling Series Highlight: Chinese Panda Coins
First introduced in 1982, the China Panda series is featured in many collections around the world and offers both gold and silver releases.
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Released annually by the China Mint
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Available in .999 fine gold and in .999 fine silver
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The reverse features a new stunning panda design each year
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Graded options available from top-tier grading services: NGC and PCGS
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Special labels are available for this series, such as the China Label celebrating the coin's country of issue label (pictured right)
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Graded coins are preserved in protective holders to ensure that they arrive in pristine condition
Holders Are Offered in a Variety of Ways
NGC and PCGS offer a variety of unique holders adding personalization and style to many coins. As there are many series released each year with varying shapes and dimensions, it is necessary for third-party grading services to accommodate these releases with specially made holders. Additionally, both grading services offer a variety of themed and colorful cores or frames within their holders creating yet another way to personalize a collection.
"NGC is proud to offer the most innovative coin certification options, including attractive special labels and holders. NGC’s advanced holders provide superior display and long-term protection for coins of virtually all sizes, from one gram to 10 kilograms. That’s one of the many reasons why more collectors and dealers choose NGC to certify and preserve their treasured coins."
-Max Spiegel SVP, Sales & Marketing, NGC
"PCGS has been maximizing the value, security, and liquidity of coins for nearly 35 years. Having certified over 43 million coins including 21 of the 25 top-selling coins of 2019, PCGS sets the standard for coin and banknote authentication and grading. PCGS is the industry leader in coin encapsulation and protection technology with the early introduction of sonic welding and the 2020 launch of NFC chip technology in all PCGS Gold Shield products."
-Heather Boyd Director of Marketing, PCGS
Bestselling Series Highlight: Canadian Maple Leaf Coins
Beginning in 1979, the Canadian Maple series is admired for its beautiful appearance and proud display of Canadian heritage.
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Released annually by the Royal Canadian Mint
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Available in .9999 fine gold and in .9999 fine silver
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The series includes multiple finishes each year including Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated
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Graded options available from top-tier grading services: NGC and PCGS
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Special labels are available for this series, such as the Canada Label celebrating the coin's country of issue (pictured left)
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Graded coins are preserved in protective holders to ensure that they arrive in pristine condition
Enhance Your Collection Today!
Whether you're a coin collector, precious metal enthusiast, or just starting to learn about the hobby, graded coins add an authentic and valuable touch to any collection. GovMint.com is proud to offer many graded options certified by trusted and respected grading services: NGC and PCGS.
Upgrade your collection with expert-certified coins today!