Grading Service Provider

Grading service providers in numismatics are specialised companies that specialise in the evaluation and classification of coins with regard to their state of preservation and quality. These companies play an important role in the collectors’ market as they offer an objective and standardised evaluation of coins. Among the best-known grading service providers are the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). These companies have many years of experience and have earned a good reputation in the industry. The coins are graded by these service providers according to established criteria and standards. The coins are placed in protective, sealed containers with a corresponding certification that confirms their authenticity and grading.
The grading service providers’ valuations and certifications provide collectors and investors with a reliable and internationally recognised basis for trading and the value of a coin.

The grades of the service providers are based on the Sheldon scale:

– Mint State (MS): This grade is used for uncirculated coins that show no visible signs of wear or use. The grading range is from MS-60 (minimum state of preservation) to MS-70 (perfect state of preservation).
– Proof (PR): This grade is used for special collector coins that have been produced to the highest quality. Proof coins are characterised by their sharp details, reflective surfaces and a special production process. The grading range extends from PR-60 to PR-70.
– Circulated Grades: These grades are used for coins that have been in circulation and show signs of wear. The grades include About Uncirculated (AU), Extremely Fine (XF), Very Fine (VF), Fine (F), Very Good (VG) and Good (G). Each grade describes the degree of wear and the state of preservation of the coin.