Buying Certified Coins

It probably doesn’t surprise you to learn that there is a great deal of fraud in the coin-collecting, gold, and silver markets. One way to protect yourself from fraud is to purchase certified coins. Here is everything you need to know about coin certification, what it means, and why it’s important

What is a certified coin?

A certified coin has been “graded” by a third party. The most reputable graders are the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Organization (PCGS).

Both of these organizations:

Certify the condition of the coin.
Identify counterfeit coins.
Identify coins that have been tampered with.

When these organizations grade a coin, they give it a “grade” from 1 to 70. They also receive a “strike type” grade: MS for “mint state,” PF for “proof,” and SP for “Specimen.”

An MS/PF 70 coin is perfect. MS/PF65+ coins are in mint condition and in the best possible shape, so they are worth the most. Coins in “Good” condition have a grade as low as four and are not worth much unless they are very rare.

Once the coin is graded, PCGS or NGC encapsulates it. The coin is placed in a protective box that ensures it maintains its current condition and grade.

Why is it better to buy certified coins?

There are several reasons why it’s better to buy certified coins.

You protect yourself and avoid buying worthless or counterfeit coins.
Graded and encapsulated coins are worth more.
You ensure that you’re making a good investment.

All the coins we sell at US Precious Metals are certified coins.

How do you know if a coin is certified?

If the coin has been in circulation for a while, you will know it is certified if it arrives encapsulated and certified by one of the appropriate organizations. If it is a brand-new coin that has never been in circulation, you can generally trust that it will be in MS 65+ condition.

Certified, reputable dealers will tell you about the grade of the coin they are selling to you. If the coin does not arrive encapsulated, you can send it off for full grading and certification.

How do you get coins certified?

Send the coin to PCGS or NCG. You’ll pay a very small fee for them to grade, authenticate, certify, and seal the coin. The fee will be well worth it because you will protect your investment ever after.

Order Certified Coins from US Precious Metals

We have certified coins! Contact us to see what’s in stock and to add certified coins to your collection today.

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