If you shop for certified coins, you will see two names over and over: NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Both are independent third-party grading services, and both are trusted by dealers and collectors worldwide. Here is what they do and how they differ.
What a grading service does
A grader examines a coin, confirms it is genuine, assigns a grade on the 1–70 Sheldon scale, and seals it in a tamper-evident plastic holder (a "slab") with a label and a unique certification number. That number can be looked up on the grader's website, so a buyer can confirm the coin and its grade without taking anyone's word for it.
NGC vs PCGS at a glance
- History: PCGS was founded in 1986 and NGC in 1987. Both have graded tens of millions of coins.
- Proof label: NGC writes proof grades as PF (e.g., PF70); PCGS writes PR (e.g., PR70). They mean the same thing.
- Early-release labels: NGC uses Early Releases and PCGS uses First Strike for coins submitted within the first 30 days of a new mint release.
- Holders: Both use sealed, sonically welded holders with security features. Many collectors simply prefer the look of one over the other.
- Market value: For modern bullion and proof coins, prices for the same grade are usually very close. For some rare classic U.S. coins, one service can carry a premium.
Which one should you buy?
For modern coins like American Silver Eagles and Gold Eagles, buy the coin and the grade you want, at a fair price — the service matters far less than the grade. Always check the certification number on the grader's website when your coin arrives.
Browse our NGC and PCGS graded coins, every one shipped fully insured from Minden, Nevada.