If you’re wondering how to check the value of old coins or considering selling your collection, getting your coins certified is a crucial step. Whether you have inherited old coins from family members, received them as collectibles, or recently acquired pieces, professional certification can significantly impact their worth and marketability. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the certification process and help you understand why it matters.
Understanding Coin Certification: What Collectors Need to Know
Before diving into how to get your coins certified, it’s important to understand what certification means in the numismatic world. Professional certification provides an unbiased assessment of your coin’s authenticity and condition, essential information for both coin collectors and those with old coins in hand looking to sell. When you get your coins certified, you’re not just getting an opinion – you’re getting a professional guarantee of authenticity and condition that’s recognized throughout the collecting community.
Why Should You Get Your Coins Certified?
If you’re planning to put your coin collection for sale or are serious about building a numismatic collection, certification offers several important benefits. First and foremost, with many expensive coins and rare coin values reaching significant amounts, certification confirms your piece is genuine. Professional graders assess the condition of your coins using standardized criteria, helping establish fair market value. Additionally, certified coins are sealed in tamper-evident holders, preventing damage and eliminating any temptation to clean old coins, which can actually harm their value.
Finding the Right Certification Service
When searching for where to get coins certified, it’s essential to work with reputable services. The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) stand as the industry’s most respected certifiers. Many coin collector shops near me can help facilitate submissions to these services, making the process more accessible for collectors.
The Certification Process Explained
The journey begins with careful preparation of your coins. It’s crucial to understand that any attempt at cleaning coins can significantly decrease their value. When handling very old coins, use extreme care and proper techniques to avoid damage. If you have documentation about your coin’s history or provenance, gather it before submission as this information can be valuable to the grading process.
Certification services offer various levels of service based on your needs. The cost and turnaround time will vary depending on factors like the coin’s estimated value and the urgency of your request. Most services also offer different holder options and additional services such as photography, though these will affect the final cost.
During the actual certification process, expert numismatists will authenticate your coin, grade it on a 70-point scale, and encapsulate it in a protective holder. Each certified coin receives a unique certification number, allowing for easy verification and tracking.
Submitting Your Coins
Local coin stores often serve as submission centers for major grading services, making the process more convenient for collectors. If you prefer, you can submit directly to grading services, though this usually requires membership. Many collectors also participate in group submissions through numismatic collection groups or clubs, which can help reduce costs.
The cost of certification varies based on several factors. Service level, coin value, turnaround time, and your membership status with the grading service all play a role in determining the final price. For collectible coins of significant value, consider the certification cost as an investment – it typically represents a small percentage of the coin’s worth and can make selling much easier.
After Certification: Next Steps
Once your coins receive certification, several paths open up. Many collectors choose to sell through established coin selling sites or local coin collector shops. Auction houses specializing in American coins value certified pieces particularly highly, and dedicated rare coin collectors networks often seek certified coins for their collections.
Proper storage becomes even more important after certification. While the protective holder provides excellent protection, maintaining proper storage conditions and keeping thorough documentation remains crucial. For expensive coins, consider appropriate insurance coverage to protect your investment.
Different Coins, Different Approaches
Old US coins often command premium prices when certified, particularly due to their historical significance and condition rarity. International coins may require specialized knowledge, and some certification services specialize in specific regions. Modern coins don’t always require certification, but high-grade examples or special editions often benefit from professional grading.
Building Your Collection
For collectors interested in developing a serious numismatic collection, knowledge is key. Take time to research before buying, and develop relationships with established collectors who can share their expertise. Understanding market values and trends helps make informed decisions about which pieces to add to your collection and when certification makes sense.
Creating Long-term Success
Success in coin collecting and certification comes from developing good habits and knowledge. Never attempt to clean coins hoping to improve their grade – this almost always reduces value. Document your collection thoroughly and consider insurance for valuable pieces. Building relationships with reputable dealers can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Stay informed about market trends through reliable sources and fellow collectors.
Moving Forward with Your Collection
Whether you’re wondering how to check value of old coins or building a serious collection, certification can be a valuable tool in your collecting journey. Understanding the process, costs, and benefits helps you make informed decisions about which pieces to certify. Remember that not every coin requires certification – factors like potential value, historical significance, and your collecting goals should guide your decisions.
With this knowledge, you’re better equipped to navigate the world of numismatic collecting and make the most of your collection. The key lies in making informed decisions about certification based on your specific pieces and collecting goals.
