Where can I get my coins professionally graded?
You can get your coins professionally graded by a third-party grading service. There are several reputable grading services that specialize in authenticating and grading coins based on their condition and rarity. Some of the most well-known grading services include:
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
- Independent Coin Graders (ICG)
- American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS)
- Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC)
To get your coins graded, you can visit our storefront, located in Sacramento, CA. We will guide you in submitting your coins by completing the submission form, and facilitating the transaction.
Once your coins are received by the grading company (either through mail or in-person drop off at a coin show, administered through us), they will be authenticated, graded, and encapsulated in a protective holder. You will then receive grade for each coin.
You can submit your coins for grading through us, Americana Rare Coin, as we are authorized dealers for PCGS, NGC, ICG, ANACS, PMG and CAC.
Where can I get my currency professionally graded?
You can get your currency professionally graded by a third-party grading service, just like with coins. Some of the most reputable currency grading services include:
- Paper Money Guaranty (PMG)
- Currency Grading and Authentication (CGA)
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
It's important to note that grading services typically only grade banknotes that are in uncirculated or lightly circulated condition. If your notes are heavily worn or damaged, they may not be eligible for grading.
If you're unsure whether your currency is eligible for grading or have any questions about the grading process, you can visit us at our storefront for our professional opinion.
Can I go to a coin shop to get my coins and currency graded?
Most coin shops (including us) do not offer professional grading services, but they can assist you in submitting your coins to a third-party grading service. We are authorized dealers for PCGS, NGC, ICG, ANACS, PMG and CAC and can help facilitate the submission process for you.
Keep in mind that professional coin grading services do incur a fee, and the price can vary depending on the grading service, the type of coins you have, the insurance value of the coins, and the number of coins you want to have graded.
Before submitting your coins for grading, you will bring the coins to our storefront for our professional opinion to make sure getting them graded is worth the investment for your particular coins.
How long does it take to get my coins graded?
The time it takes to get your coins graded can vary depending on the grading service you use and the current volume of submissions they are receiving. In general, most grading services will provide an estimated turnaround time when you submit your coins. This can range from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on the service and the level of grading you choose
Some grading services also offer expedited or rush services for an additional fee. These services can typically reduce the turnaround time significantly, but they can also be more expensive.
It's important to keep in mind that professional grading can take some time, especially during periods of high demand. If you need your coins back within a specific timeframe, be sure to check with the grading service to see if they can accommodate your request.
Overall, the time it takes to get your coins graded will depend on several factors, including the grading service, the level of grading you choose, and the current volume of submissions they are receiving. It's important to be patient and plan ahead when submitting your coins for grading.
How much does it cost to get my coin graded?
The cost of getting a coin graded can vary depending on the grading service you use, the type of coin, and the level of grading you choose. In general, fees for coin grading can range from around $20 to several hundred dollars per coin, depending on these factors.
Most grading services will have a fee schedule available on their website, which will list the cost for each level of grading and any additional services that may be available. Factors that can affect the cost of grading include the rarity and condition of the coin, the type of certification you choose (e.g. standard versus special labels or designations), and the turnaround time you require.
It's important to note that fees for coin grading can add up quickly, especially if you have a large collection of coins to grade. However, getting your coins professionally graded can also increase their value and make them more attractive to collectors, so it may be worth the investment.
If you have a specific coin or collection you would like to have graded, bring it to our shop so we can provide our opinion. This will help you budget accordingly and ensure that you get the level of service you need at a price you can afford.
What is considered a good grade on a coin?
A good grade for a coin can vary depending on the type of coin and its rarity, but in general, higher grades are considered better. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect, flawless coin, and 1 being a coin that is barely recognizable as such. The most commonly used grading scale is the Sheldon scale, which was developed by Dr. William Sheldon in the 1940s.
Here's a breakdown of the Sheldon scale grades and what they mean:
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Poor (P-1): A coin in poor condition will be heavily worn and possibly damaged, with very little detail visible. The coin may be barely recognizable as to its type or date, and may have been heavily cleaned, polished, or corroded.
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Fair (FR-2): A coin in fair condition will be very heavily worn, with almost no detail visible. The date and other identifying marks may be partially visible, but the legends and other design elements will be mostly worn away. The coin may have been cleaned or otherwise damaged.
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About Good (AG-3): A coin in about good condition will be heavily worn, but more detail will be visible than in a fair coin. The date and other identifying marks will be readable, but the legends and other design elements will be worn away or partially missing.
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Good (G-4): A coin in good condition will show moderate wear, with most of the design elements still visible but worn. The date and legends will be clear but may be partially worn away. The coin may have some minor damage or cleaning.
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Very Good (VG-8): A coin in very good condition will show more detail than a good coin, with most of the design elements still visible but with some wear. The date and legends will be clear, but may be partially worn away. The coin may have some minor damage or cleaning.
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Fine (F-12): A coin in fine condition will have light to moderate wear, with most of the design elements still visible and clear. The date and legends will be sharp, but may have some areas of wear. The coin may have some minor damage or cleaning.
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Very Fine (VF-20): A coin in very fine condition will have light to moderate wear, but with most of the design elements still sharp and clear. The date and legends will be sharp, but may have some areas of wear. The coin may have some minor marks or hairlines.
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Extremely Fine (EF-40): A coin in extremely fine condition will have light wear, with all of the design elements sharp and clear. The date and legends will be sharp and clear, with only minor wear visible. The coin may have some minor marks or hairlines.
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About Uncirculated (AU-50): A coin in about uncirculated condition will have very light wear, with all of the design elements sharp and clear. The coin may have some minor marks or hairlines, but will otherwise be nearly perfect.
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Uncirculated (MS-60 to 70): A coin in uncirculated condition will show no signs of wear, with all of the design elements sharp and clear. The coin will have full luster and no visible marks or hairlines. MS-60 is the lowest grade in the uncirculated category, and MS-70 is the highest grade possible.
Generally, grades of Extremely Fine or better are considered desirable for most coins, while Mint State grades are considered exceptional. However, the grade that is considered good will depend on the individual coin and its rarity, so it's always best to consult with a professional grader to get an accurate assessment of your coin's condition and value.