International Precious Metals - Independent Coin Certification

Independent Coin Certification

What it means and what it offers you

For hundreds of years rare coins and precious metals have proven themselves to be an excellent hedge against inflation and source of ready money in times of disaster. There is no reason to think that this will change in the future. Gone are the days when coin collecting was only a passive hobby for those who would study the history and artistry of these enjoyable objects. It has now grown into an activity where speculation on the future demand for rare coins has made them a part of many investment portfolios...

"The shift in emphasis from collecting to investing has created a new market and demand for coins resulting in more stringent grading methods, and pricing geared to the perceived rarity of coins in various levels of uncirculated perfection. Coins in high grades of condition that have been certified and encapsulated (slabbed) may be valued at multiples of similar coins that have not been so graded."

— The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins 2005

There's no more conservative voice than that of the coin enthusiast's trusted old friend, the Red Book. Back when IPM first began promoting graded modern issue coins, we were treading new ground. Nowadays, graded coins of all types are widely recognized as having a very real advantage over their ungraded and uncertified counterparts, as the leading quote makes abundantly clear.

The advent of third-party coin certification revolutionized coin markets in the 1980's, allowing anyone to confidently trade rare and precious metals coins without having to be an expert in judging coins by the ANA/Sheldon numerical scale. With universally respected third party opinions assigned to certified coins, the guesswork was removed and many thousands of Americans became investors and collectors of rare and precious metals coins for the first time.

IPM is proud to offer coins from two of the oldest, largest and most respected names in third-party coin certification: The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). Both of these services are universally known throughout the numismatic community, and collectors and dealers generally prefer NGC and PCGS certified coins over those certified by other services, simply because of the instant name recognition that these two names provide. This adds an extra measure of security and liquidity to your coin holdings. Opinions about other grading services vary, but there are certainly some with a reputation for a liberal grading policy. Coins certified by these "second tier" grading services tend to trade at a discount to NGC and PCGS coins. IPM advises its clients to be careful when considering any coin certified by another grading service.

When a coin is submitted to NGC or PCGS, it is examined by not one, but an entire panel of expert numismatists. Each grader independently scores the coin using the Sheldon numerical scale. Once a grade is agreed upon, the coin is encased in a plastic holder that both serves to protect the condition of the coin and to guarantee the authenticity of the grade, as any attempt to tamper with the holder is readily apparent. A number and bar code are encased with the coin, to readily identify it in a computerized database.

NGC and PCGS certified coins are found in most of the top rare coin collections and have become the norm rather than the exception in the rare U.S. coin market. IPM is proud to hold member-dealer status with both of these organizations.

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Copyright © 2007 International Precious Metals. All rights reserved. All information and material contained herein is for the sole use of IPM clients and prospective clients, and may not be used or distributed for any other purpose without express written permission.

The Standard Sheldon/ANA Grading Scale

Perfect Uncirculated
(MS-70)
Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling or contact with other coins. Very few regular issue coins are ever found in this condition.

Choice Uncirculated
(MS-65)
An above average Uncirculated coin that may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. MS-62 through MS-67 indicate a slightly lower or higher grade of preservation.

Uncirculated
(MS-60)
Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster.

Choice About Uncirculated
(AU-55)
Barest evidence of light wear on only the highest points of the design. Most of the mint luster remains.

About Uncirculated
(AU-50)
Has traces of light wear on many of the high points. At least half of the mint luster is present.

Choice Extremely Fine
(EF-45)
Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the mint luster is evident.

Extremely Fine
(EF-40)
Design is lightly worn throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show.

Choice Very Fine
(VF-30)
Light even wear on the surface and highest points of design. All lettering and major features are sharp.

Very Fine
(VF-20)
Shows moderate wear on high points of design. All major details are clear.

Fine
(F-12)
Moderate to considerable even wear. Entire design is bold with overall pleasing appearance.

Very Good
(VG-8)
Well worn with main features clear and bold although rather flat.

Good
(G-4)
Heavily worn with design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat.

About Good
(AG-3)
Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date and legends worn smooth. The date may be barely readable.

IPM accepts many convenient forms of payment, including major credit cards, personal and bank checks, bank wires, and metal trades. Talk with your account reprentative to determine the best and most convenient form of payment for any particular transaction.