How to Certify a Rare Coin

Many coin collectors choose to have their rare coins certified.

Many numismatic specialists focus their efforts in the area of rare coins. Rare coins command higher value--both numismatic oddities and items of historical significance, such as the gold and silver coins salvaged from the sunken wreckage of the SS Republic. If you possess a coin of this type and wish to verify its condition and authenticity, it is advisable to have it certified by an independent grading service such as Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corp. (NGC), the official coin grading service of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Neither of these firms sell coins; they earn their revenues strictly through the unbiased grading of coins belonging to others.

Things You'll Need

• 1 or more rare coins you wish to have certified

Instructions

1. Contact an independent coin grading service. Explain that you have what you believe is a rare coin and wish to have it certified for both condition and authenticity.

2. Follow the shipping instructions given to you by the grading service. Be sure to ship the coin in nondescript packaging and insure it adequately before sending it off.

3. Wait for the grading or certification process to be completed. Once you receive notification that this has been accomplished, you may ask to have the coin placed into a sonically sealed protective holder. This is particularly appropriate if your coin is verified as a numismatic rarity.

4. Pay the grading company for their services and wait for your certified coin to be shipped back to you. If your coin is judged to be a high-grade numismatic rarity, you may wish to store it in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box.

References

• American Gold Exchange: Certified Coins

Resources

• National Geographic News: Shipwreck Gold Found off U.S.---Worth $180,000,000?
• Numismatic Guaranty Corp.: NGC Shipwreck Certification