NGC Plus and Star Designations
NGC uses the Plus ( 
) and Star ( 
) designations to distinguish coins at the high end of their assigned grade and/or with exceptional eye appeal for their assigned grade. All coins are evaluated for the Plus and Star designations as part of the normal NGC coin grading process, and they are assigned automatically for no additional fee.
NGC Plus Designation
NGC assigns a to coins at the high end of their assigned grade, approaching the quality requirements for the next grade. For example, a coin graded NGC MS 64 is close to the quality of a coin graded NGC MS 65.
In addition to their superior technical merit, coins that receive a must have above-average eye appeal.
Not all coins are eligible for . Coins grading from NGC XF 45 to NGC MS 68 or NGC PF 45 to NGC PF 68 may receive a , while lower- and higher-grade coins cannot. The is assigned when merited to United States coins from 1792 to date, excluding US bullion and modern commemorative coins, and to world coins struck prior to 1970.
Coins are automatically evaluated for during grading. Coins must be submitted for grading to be reviewed for this designation.
NGC Star Designation
NGC assigns its trademarked Star Designation to coins with exceptional eye appeal for their assigned grade.
Eye appeal is the most subjective attribute of a coin, but there are many standards shared by numismatists. Exceptional eye appeal may include attributes such as vibrant, colorful toning; intense luster; or, in the case of Proof coins, especially strong cameo contrast. To receive a , coins must be free of any obvious planchet irregularities, and display no bothersome spots or blemishes. Toned coins can be of a single color or multicolored but cannot have any areas that are dark brown, approaching black.
It's important to remember that coins with the Star () Designation can fall anywhere within the grades to which they are assigned. For example, a coin graded NGC MS 64 could be at the lower end, mid-range or higher end of NGC MS 64.
NGC applies the to qualifying coins in its normal course of grading. Coins already certified by NGC can be resubmitted and reviewed for using the Designation Review service.