Guides Coin Grades Made Simple: Reading PCGS and NGC Holders
Guide · 6 min read
Coin Grades Made Simple: Reading PCGS and NGC Holders
Sooner or later, anyone selling coins runs into grading: a coin described as "MS-64," or one sealed in a plastic case stamped PCGS or NGC. Since grade is one of the biggest drivers of a collectible coin’s price, a little familiarity goes a long way.
This guide breaks down the scale, what those certification companies do, and how grade shapes the offer you receive.
A scale from 1 to 70
Coins are graded on a 70-point scale, where a higher number means better condition. Heavily worn coins land in the low range, circulated coins in the middle, and uncirculated coins from 60 up to a perfect 70.
The letters count too. MS is Mint State, meaning uncirculated; AU is About Uncirculated; and PR or PF marks a Proof, a specially struck coin. So an "MS-64" is a solid uncirculated coin.
What the slab companies do
PCGS and NGC are the two most trusted grading services. Each authenticates a coin, assigns a grade, and seals it in a tamper-evident holder often called a slab. Because an independent expert has verified it, a certified coin trades with much less doubt.
That certainty translates into money. A slabbed coin can be priced straight off published guides and auction records for its exact date and grade, while a raw coin leaves more risk with the buyer.
Why a point or two changes the price
On scarce coins, moving up a single grade can mean a large jump in value, because top-grade survivors are far rarer than worn ones. That is why two coins of the same date and mint can sell for wildly different sums.
It is also the reason cleaning is such a mistake. Cleaning damages the surface and pulls the grade down, which is exactly backward from what you want.
Do you need coins graded first?
For most coins, no. Everyday coins are appraised raw constantly, and grading fees would eat any gain. For a small number of high-value coins, certification can lift the price enough to justify the cost and the wait, and an honest buyer will tell you when that is true.
Key takeaways
- Coins grade from 1 to 70, higher being better.
- MS is uncirculated, AU is about uncirculated, PR/PF is proof.
- PCGS and NGC slabs cut risk and firm up the price.
- Cleaning lowers the grade, so never do it.
FAQ
Common questions
What does MS-64 mean?
MS is Mint State, or uncirculated, and 64 is the grade on the 70-point scale. An MS-64 coin is a high-quality uncirculated coin with only minor marks.
Is a slabbed coin always worth more?
Certification does not add value to a common coin, but on scarce coins it removes doubt, which tends to support a firmer price. We appraise both raw and certified coins.
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