NGC Pruvodce

Certification of coins and banknotes is a crucial step for collectors and investors who want to verify the authenticity and condition of their collectible items.

Companies like NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation [Numismatic Guaranty Corporation]) provide professional grading and certification services that guarantee the authenticity and quality of collectible items.

In this article, we will look at the certification process, the meaning of individual grading levels, and practical advice for collectors.

This process involves verifying authenticity, assessing quality, and determining the condition of the coin, which is done based on the standardized Sheldon Scale (1–70), where a higher number means better condition.

How does it work?

1. Local Partner: We will photograph the coin with you, draw up a contract, and personally take it to NGC in Munich, where we are a contractual partner. - Grading Price List
2. Submission and Receipt: The coin is sent to an NGC certification center in the USA.
3. Authenticity Verification: Expert numismatists verify whether the coin is authentic. If necessary, they may use spectroscopic analysis to determine its composition.
4. Condition Grading: The coin is then graded according to the Sheldon Scale, where, for example, coins in perfect condition achieve MS 70, while significantly worn coins can have a grade as low as PR 1.
5. Encapsulation: After determining the grade, the coin is encapsulated in a clear plastic holder (so-called slab), which is marked with a unique certification number. This holder protects the coin from damage and also serves as proof of its grade.

Benefits of NGC Certification:

• Verification of Authenticity and Quality: Through certification, you gain certainty that the coin is genuine and has been graded by experts.
• Increased Value and Liquidity: Certified coins are valued higher on the market and are easier to sell.
• Protection from Damage: Secure encapsulation in a slab prevents mechanical damage and preserves the coin's original condition.

NGC certifies a wide range of coins – from ancient and historical to modern coins, with a particular focus on coins from the USA and the entire American continent. The certification process includes both circulation coins and commemorative coins, medals, tokens, and even awards.

Encapsulation and Security Features

After certification, each coin is carefully placed into a special transparent plastic holder, known as a "slab," designed to protect the coin from damage and unauthorized handling. This holder contains several key security features:

• Unique Certification Number: Each coin receives a unique number printed directly on the holder. This number serves as the primary identifier and can be verified through online tools, guaranteeing the coin's authenticity.

• Security Marks and Visual Indicators: Some holders are equipped with holograms, QR codes, or other visual security features that help prevent counterfeiting and indicate that the holder has not been opened or tampered with.

• Tamper-evident Design: The holder's construction is designed to make it obvious if the coin has been tampered with after encapsulation, which increases buyers' confidence in the integrity and authenticity of the certified item.

Online Tools and Guarantee

NGC provides several online services that help collectors monitor and verify information about their certified coins:

• Verify NGC Certification: This tool allows you to enter the coin's certification number and verify whether it matches the record in the NGC database. This makes it easier to verify the coin's authenticity and condition. 

• NGC Census: Statistical data on the number of coins in individual grades that have been certified by NGC provides valuable information about the rarity of a specific coin and its market.

• NGC Registry: This online tool allows collectors to register their certified coins, track their value, and share information with other numismatic enthusiasts. These services increase transparency and trust in the entire certification process. 

Grading Criteria

• "eye appeal" or the aesthetic interest of the coin
• edge dings
• unsightly scratches or other surface defects
• luster
• toning
• level of detail preservation, where a coin with full details is of course valued higher than a coin with worn details
• If a coin is evaluated favorably in all these criteria, it will typically receive a higher grade

List of NGC Abbreviations 

• MS – Mint State
  Circulation strike coins with no signs of wear (grades from MS60 to MS70).

• PF – Proof
  Coins specially struck for collectors with highly mirrored fields; used as a prefix for all proof coins (grades PF1 to PF70).

• SP – Specimen
  Coins that are not classic Proof but exhibit a quality significantly above standard circulation coins.

• PL – Prooflike
  Coins with proof-like qualities, even if not struck as official Proof – often preceded by PL (e.g., PL66).

• CA – Cameo
  Indicates a sharp contrast between mirrored fields and frosted details, typical of some proof coins.

• DPL – Deep Prooflike
  Useful for circulation coins that have very deep mirrored fields and pronounced prooflike quality but do not fall into the official proof coin category.

• RB – Red Brown
  Describes a coin exhibiting a combination of red and brown tones (typical for copper coins).

• RD – Red
  Indicates that the coin has retained its full, typically mint-struck red color.

• BN – Brown
  A coin with predominantly brown patina, having lost its original mint color.

• FH – Full Head
  Used for coins where a detailed portrait is depicted (e.g., on Standing Liberty quarters).

• UC – Ultra Cameo
  Indicates an extreme proof effect – a very sharp contrast between brilliant fields and frosted details.

 

"Top Pop" Badge in the NGC Registry

The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) introduced a new award in its NGC Registry – the "Top Pop" badge.

This special icon is awarded to every coin that is the best-preserved specimen of its kind.

Guide to Coin Designations

MS (Mint State): A coin in superb condition, with no signs of wear and with mint luster, as it was struck.

 

 

Not only modern coins are certified, but also medieval and modern ones. A beautiful example can be this half-gold coin of Charles VI.

PF (Proof): A coin or medal struck using special polished dies. These coins have a deep, dark brilliance in the fields and frosted relief.

 

An example of a PROOF coin can be the commemorative 200 Crown with the motif of Charles IV. In addition to the beautiful MS 69 grade, it also received the designation ULTRA CAMEO. This means the coin has a pronounced deep brilliance typical of PROOF coins.

Proof and MS coins can receive further descriptors based on their qualities. These include RD (full luster on Cu coins), RB (a Cu or bronze coin with luster and attractive dark patina), or Cameo. This designation can only be given to PROOF coins whose contrast between the field and the strike is particularly noticeable.

 

For copper and bronze coins, descriptive grading can often be obtained in addition to the "grade" itself. In this case, the coin received a grade of MS 64 RB, meaning it has a pronounced patina with mint luster.

SP (Specimen): This is a special category of coins. This designation is mostly given to historical circulation coins whose quality is on the borderline between PROOF/UNC. They were either struck from adjusted dies or are the first strikes from completely new dies. Their fields and relief thus have a higher brilliance and frost than other identical coins.

 

 In this case, it is one of the first struck Morgan dollars of this year. Coins with the SP prefix are thus often classic "circulation" coins in superb condition. Some of them are specific for their deep mint luster and visible die structure in the field and frosted relief (in English: frosted and semi-frosted fields and devices).

NGC Details Grading

Coins that have damage, such as scratches or cleaning, may receive a so-called NGC Details grade, meaning the coin is authentic but cannot be graded on the Sheldon Scale. Furthermore, coins that have been chemically or mechanically cleaned, or coins with a removed suspension loop or signs of one, can also be designated.

 Differentiated coins with damage. The first piece was devalued by cleaning and received a grade of AU DETAILS OBV SCRATCHED. The second piece was historically "enhanced" with graffiti on the reverse. NGC could therefore not grade it. The third piece was cleaned. Because it is still in nice condition, it received a grade of AU DETAILS with the designation CLEANED.

 

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