Founded in 1986 in Santa Ana, California, PCGS set the industry standard for third-party coin grading. Their blue holder is instantly recognized by every dealer, collector, and auction house in the world.
PCGS grades, authenticates, and encapsulates coins in tamper-evident holders. Every certified coin gets a unique certification number linked to a permanent online record showing the grade, coin type, date, and mint mark.
Expert numismatists examine every coin under magnification for authenticity markers, weight, diameter, and composition. Counterfeits, altered dates, and cleaned coins are identified and labeled.
Multiple graders independently assess each coin using the 70-point Sheldon scale. Grades range from Poor-1 to Mint State-70. The final grade is the consensus of all graders.
Coins are sealed in a tamper-evident sonically-welded holder ("slab") with a printed label. The slab protects the coin from environmental damage and physical handling.
PCGS tracks every coin graded in their public CoinFacts database. You can see how many coins exist in each grade — critical for assessing rarity and setting prices.
PCGS Guarantee: PCGS guarantees the grade and authenticity of every coin they certify. If a coin is later found to be improperly graded or a counterfeit, they will compensate the current owner. This guarantee is what makes PCGS slabs liquid and trusted worldwide.
PCGS offers multiple service tiers based on coin value, desired turnaround time, and coin type. Fees are per coin. Submit through a PCGS dealer (like GradeVault) for access to member pricing.
| Service Level | Turnaround | Fee / Coin | Max Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Economy
Most common for standard coins
|
65+ business days Slowest | ~$22–30 | $299 | Bulk submissions, patient submitters |
|
Regular
Standard retail service
|
30–45 business days Popular | ~$30–38 | $9,999 | Most collectors, normal submissions |
|
Express
Priority queue
|
~20 business days | ~$65 | $24,999 | Higher-value coins, time-sensitive |
|
Walkthrough
Same-day at coin shows
|
Same day Fastest | ~$150–300 | No limit | Coin shows, urgent certification |
|
Modern
Post-1964 mint sets, modern commem.
|
45+ business days | ~$17–25 | $299 | Modern U.S. mint products |
Note: All fees shown are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm current pricing at pcgs.com before submitting. Dealers (including PCGS Authorized Dealers) often have access to bulk pricing tiers not available to the public.
PCGS accepts submissions directly and through authorized dealers. Direct submissions require a PCGS membership ($69/year). Dealer submissions are often faster and include access to better pricing tiers.
Individual membership ($69/year) gives you direct submission rights. Alternatively, submit through a PCGS Authorized Dealer — they handle shipping, paperwork, and often have faster queue access.
Log into PCGS.com and create a submission online. Select your service tier, list each coin (denomination, year, mint mark, estimated value), and choose any designations (CAC, Secure Plus, etc.).
Place each coin in a 2×2 flip labeled with denomination and year. Wrap flips in bubble wrap. Use a rigid box — never a padded envelope. PCGS provides detailed packaging instructions on their website.
Ship via USPS Registered Mail or a courier with tracking and full declared-value insurance. PCGS has specific accepted carriers. Ship to their facility in Santa Ana, CA.
PCGS sends email updates as your coins move through the grading pipeline. You can also track real-time status in your online account. The process takes weeks, not days — plan accordingly.
PCGS ships your slabbed coins back insured. Scan the barcode or enter the certification number at PCGS.com to verify. Then list them on GradeVault — your grade information auto-populates.
CoinFacts is PCGS's free database of every coin they've ever certified. Before buying or selling, always check the population report — it tells you how many coins exist at each grade level.
Shows how many examples of each coin PCGS has graded at every grade level. Low population at a specific grade = scarcity premium. High population = more liquid but potentially lower price per coin.
PCGS maintains one of the most widely referenced price guides in numismatics. Updated regularly based on auction results and dealer reports. Use it as a baseline when pricing your coins on GradeVault.
Historical auction prices for every certified coin, pulled from Heritage, Stack's Bowers, and other major houses. See what MS-65 1881-S Morgan Dollars actually sold for, not just what someone wants for them.
Enter any certification number at PCGS.com or use the mobile app to instantly verify a coin's grade, authenticity, and current certification status. Buyers on GradeVault use this before every purchase.
PCGS is the market leader for good reasons. But it's not always the right choice for every coin or every collector.
GradeVault's Take: For classic U.S. type coins, Morgan and Peace dollars, Walking Liberties, and pre-1933 gold — PCGS is worth the premium. The blue holder historically trades for 5–15% more at auction on equivalent grades. For modern coins, world coins, or bulk submissions where you want lower cost and faster turnaround, consider NGC.