How to Get a Coin Graded

Getting a coin graded is more approachable than it looks. The process is the same whether you use PCGS, NGC, ANACS, or ICG — choose a service, prepare the coins, and get them to the grader safely. Here is the whole process, step by step.

Step 1 — Choose a Grading Service

Start by picking the service that fits your coin and budget. PCGS and NGC carry the strongest resale premium; ANACS is strong on varieties; ICG is the budget option. Our service comparison lays out the trade-offs, and our cost breakdown covers the fees.

Step 2 — Become a Member or Use a Dealer

For direct submissions, PCGS and NGC require membership. If you’d rather skip that, take your coins to a local coin dealer who is an authorized submission center — they submit under their account and return your graded coins for a handling fee. ANACS and ICG let you submit without joining anything.

Step 3 — Pick a Service Tier

Grading is priced in tiers based on each coin’s value, with faster turnaround costing more. Estimate your coin’s value honestly and select the matching tier — declaring a value below the coin’s worth can get your submission bumped up and delayed.

Step 4 — Fill Out the Submission Form

Every service provides an online or printable submission form. You’ll list each coin (denomination, date, mint mark, and your declared value), choose the service tier, and add any options like variety attribution or TrueView photos. Print the completed form to include in the package.

Step 5 — Package the Coins Safely

Put each coin in a non-PVC flip — never a stapled cardboard holder, tape, or plastic wrap, and never clean the coin first, since cleaning can reduce it to a “Details” grade. Nest the flips in a small rigid box with padding so nothing can shift, and place that inside a plain outer box with no numismatic markings on the outside.

Step 6 — Ship Insured, or Submit at a Show

Mail the package with tracking and insurance for the full declared value, using a carrier the service recommends. Alternatively, hand your coins to a service representative in person at a coin show — this removes shipping risk, often speeds up turnaround, and lets someone check your paperwork on the spot.

What Happens Next

The service logs your submission, authenticates and grades each coin using the Sheldon scale, seals it in a tamper-evident holder with a unique certification number, and ships it back insured. You can usually track the submission online and verify the finished grade against the service’s public certification database.