NGC grades most US and world coins struck 1600 to date (or 1300 to date for Western Europe) as well as many tokens and medals (see list). NGC Ancients provides comprehensive grading services for coins from Western ancient civilizations, dating from the inception of coinage to circa AD 500, and coins of the Byzantine Empire (AD 491–1453).
Certain coins are not eligible for NGC grading. For a list of world coins not eligible for NGC grading, click here. For a list of Ancient coins not eligible for NGC Ancients grading, click here.
Certain collectibles cannot be accepted at our London, Munich and Hong Kong locations or from customers located in certain countries/regions due to sanctions imposed by the US and other countries. For a list of collectibles not accepted due to sanctions, click here.
NGC also has a specialty service for shipwreck-recovered coins. Learn more about NGC Shipwreck Certification (US Site).
There are several reasons why a coin cannot be graded or encapsulated by NGC. For a complete list, see FAQs below. One of the most common of these relates to a coin’s authenticity. Another reason is that the coin has active surface residue.
Coins that are either not genuine or altered will not be graded or encapsulated. They will be labeled as either “Not Genuine,” “Altered Date,” “Added Mintmark” or with a similar notation, as applicable, and returned raw. The full grading fee will apply.
A similar notation, “Altered Surfaces,” indicates a coin whose surfaces have been deceptively altered (for example, a “Mint State” coin is made to resemble a “Proof” coin). Coins with altered surface will be returned raw and the full grading fee will apply.
If NGC believes that a coin is likely not genuine but its research is inconclusive, the coin will be labeled “Questionable Authenticity” and not encapsulated. The grading fee will be refunded less a $5.00 processing fee.
There are also certain coin, token and medal types that are not accepted by NGC and will not be authenticated, graded or encapsulated. For a list of world coins not accepted by NGC, click here. A comprehensive list of accepted token and medal types appears on NGC’s website. For a list of coins that are not eligible for NGC Ancients, click here. Coins, tokens and medals that are not eligible for NGC certification will be labeled “Ineligible Type” and not encapsulated. The full grading fee will be refunded.
In rare instances, a coin that may normally be eligible for NGC certification will be returned not encapsulated with a label that says "No Opinion." This notation is used for coins that cannot be conclusively attributed, authenticated and/or graded due to their condition, a lack of available research or other factors. When a coin is labeled "No Opinion" the full grading fee will be refunded.
On occasion, NGC will not encapsulate a coin and return it with a label that says “Not Suitable for Certification.” This notation is used for coins that are severely damaged or otherwise impaired. The surfaces of these coins are such that it is impossible for NGC to even attempt to authenticate them or assign a grade. When a coin is determined to be “Not Suitable for Certification” the grading fee will be refunded less a $5.00 processing charge.
Why do I need to pay the full grading fee if my coin is labeled “Not Genuine,” “Altered Date,” “Added Mintmark,” or with a similar notation?
NGC provides an expert opinion of a coin’s authenticity. If a coin is labeled “Not Genuine,” “Altered Date,” “Added Mintmark,” or with a similar notation, that determination has been reached as a result of NGC’s authentication process. There is at least as much, if not more, work involved in determining that a coin is not genuine or altered as there is in determining that a coin is genuine.
What are all of the reasons a coin cannot be encapsulated by NGC?
If a coin cannot be encapsulated by NGC, it is returned raw (not encapsulated) with a label that describes the specific reason why it could not be encapsulated. Below is a complete list of reasons why a coin could not be encapsulated by NGC:
ACTIVE CORROSION - The surfaces of the coin are actively being degraded by corrosion. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can stop further deterioration and make the coins eligible for NGC Details grading.
ADDED MINTMARK - The mintmark on the coin has been added.
ADDED MINTMARK - The coin's date has been altered.
ALTERED MINTMARK - The mintmark on the coin has been altered.
ALTERED SURFACE - The coin's surfaces have been extensively manipulated. For example, a Proof coin that has been altered to appear to be a Mint State coin, or vice versa. This alteration can often make authentication impossible.
BAWDY ALTERATION - The legends or devices of a coin or medal have been altered, chased or engraved in a lewd or indecent manner.
BRONZE DISEASE - A term describing a form of corrosion unique to copper or bronze coins that typically affects ancient coins. Bronze disease often makes the coins significantly more fragile, and they are therefore not encapsulated. The grading fee is refunded less a $5 handling fee.
DAMAGED TO RESEMBLE ERROR - The coin has been damaged or altered outside the mint so that it appears to be a mint error.
DETACHED APPLIQUE - Specific to modern coins, where jewels, colorization or other additives applied at the mint dislodge.
DIP RESIDUE - A coloration that results from a coin being chemically cleaned (dipped) to remove toning and not properly rinsed off afterward. This makes the coin have a cloudy or brown, unnatural look. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
ENGRAVED DEVICES – When the design elements have been engraved to add the appearance of lost detail due to wear or to add detail that was never present due to insufficient strike. This is a deceptive practice to make a coin appear to be less circulated.
GLUE RESIDUE - When the surface of a coin contains glue residue. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
GLUE RESIDUE (OBV) - When the surface of a coin's obverse contains glue residue. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
GLUE RESIDUE (REV) - When the surface of a coin's reverse contains glue residue. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
ILLEGIBLE DATE - If the exact date cannot be determined for any reason, then the coin is not eligible for grading.
ILLEGIBLE MINTMARK - If the exact mintmark cannot be identified for any reason, then the coin is not eligible for grading.
IMPAIRED - No longer used.
INELIGIBLE TYPE - A class of coin, medal or token that NGC does not certify, regardless of its condition. The grading fee is refunded less a $5 handling fee.
INSUFFICIENT DETAIL TO IDENTIFY - The coin is so extensively worn or damaged that it cannot be properly described on the NGC certification label. The grading fee is refunded less a $5 handling fee.
LACQUERED - Coins have had a coat of clear lacquer applied in an attempt to prevent tarnishing, a common practice in past decades. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the lacquer and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
LACQUER (OBV) - When the obverse of a coin has a coat of clear lacquer applied in an attempt to prevent tarnishing. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the lacquer and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
LACQUER (REV) - When the reverse of a coin has a coat of clear lacquer applied in an attempt to prevent tarnishing. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the lacquer and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
NO DECISION - When no determination of authenticity can be made, usually due to the state of preservation. The grading fee is refunded less a $5 handling fee.
NOT GENUINE - When the piece is either a souvenir replica or a counterfeit. Circulating counterfeits are contemporary with the coins they imitate and are intended to pass as money at their face value.
NOT SUITABLE FOR CERTIFICATION - Coins that are severely damaged or otherwise impaired. The surface condition of these coins makes it impossible for NGC to render a conclusive opinion about authenticity, Details Grade or both. The grading fee is refunded less a $5 handling fee.
PLATED - A coin that has been coated with a thin layer of metal outside of the mint.
PVC - The presence of PVC on a coin's surface will preclude encapsulation by NGC, as this continues to be an active contaminant and may cause further damage. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the PVC residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
PVC (OBV) - The presence of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the obverse of a coin's surface. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the PVC residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
PVC (REV) - The presence of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) on the reverse of a coin's surface. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the PVC residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
PVC, CLEANED - A coin with PVC on its surface but has been cleaned beneath prior to being subjected to PVC. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the PVC residue and make the coins eligible for NGC Details grading.
PVC DAMAGE - Indicates that a coin has been irreparably harmed by environmental reaction to the chemical plasticizer in plastic coin holders. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used thermoplastic that has many applications. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the PVC residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
QUESTIONABLE AUTHENTICITY - Indicates that there is reason to doubt the genuineness of a submitted coin, though it may be impossible to ascertain definitively. The grading fee is refunded less a $5 handling fee.
REMOVED MINTMARK - A fraudulent attempt to misrepresent the value of the coin by removing its mintmark.
RESIDUE - Surface contaminant that cannot be identified more specifically by NGC’s graders. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
RESIDUE (OBV) - When the obverse of a coin has surface contaminant that cannot be identified more specifically by NGC’s graders. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
RESIDUE (REV) - When the reverse of a coin has surface contaminant that cannot be identified more specifically by NGC’s graders. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC or NGC Details grading.
RESIDUE, CLEANED - A foreign contaminant on a coin's surface that has been cleaned beneath prior to being subjected to the residue. These coins can often benefit from NGC conservation, which can remove the residue and make the coins eligible for NGC Details grading.
UNSTABLE SURFACES - The surfaces of the coin are too fragile for it to be encapsulated.
There is a very small number of coinage types that are not eligible for certification by NGC. This list is meant as a basic guide and NGC may determine the eligibility of certain coin types on a case-by-case basis. When a coin or medal is determined to be an "Ineligible Type," the grading fee (less a processing fee) is returned. For more information on eligible world coins, contact NGC Customer Service.
Countries and Types Not Certified by NGC
Note: NGC Ancients accepts most coins struck in the Western World from the origins of coinage through c. AD 500, as well as most coins of the Byzantine Empire (AD 491-1453).
NGC Ancients will not grade coins which in our assessment cannot be verified as authentic, are meaningfully altered, appear to have unstable surfaces, lack sufficient design detail to allow a minimally acceptable attribution, or otherwise are of an ineligible type. In some cases, fees are waived; however, fees are assessed when the graders must engage in the normal examination process to determine that a coin is to be returned ungraded.
Counterfeit Coins
NGC Ancients will only grade coins it believes to be genuine. Coins considered counterfeit will be returned ungraded with the note, "NOT GENUINE." Also, NGC Ancients will not grade coins if authenticity cannot be sufficiently ascertained by our staff experts and/or our network of consultants. In such cases, coins will be returned with the comment "NO DECISION."
While we make every effort to use the best information available, due to the inconsistency of opinions on these matters among professionals in the marketplace, no guarantee is made or implied about the authenticity of coins graded by NGC Ancients.
Altered Coins
Coins with significant or deceptive surface alterations are ineligible for grading.
Cast Coins
Ancient cast coins are ineligible for the services of NGC Ancients. Though the vast majority of ancient coins were struck, some issues were manufactured through a casting process. Distinguishing between original cast ancient coins and modern castings is often difficult, and for this reason cast coins are ineligible for NGC Ancients grading, even if we believe them to be genuine. It was a common practice for ancient coins to be struck on cast planchets, and sometimes indications of that casting survives the striking process; this, of course, does not affect the eligibility of struck coins for grading.
Fragile Coins
Fragile or unstable coins (and those suspected of being fragile) are not eligible for encapsulation. Where possible, fragile coins will receive Photo Certificates in lieu of encapsulation.
Byzantine Scyphates
Though NGC Ancients grades gold, electrum and silver scyphate (cup-shaped) coins of the Byzantine Empire and its related empires, we do not grade the copper or billon scyphates.
Eastern Coinage
NGC Ancients grades coins of Persia (Achaemenid), Mesopotamia, Parthia, Persis, Elymais, Characene, Arabia, Nabataea and Bactria (including Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian and Indo-Parthian). However, currently we do not grade coins from ancient India (including Kushan and its related or derivative coinages) or from any region further east. The lone exception in the Kushan series is the 'Soter Megas' bronze coinage, which at present we grade. Though we grade coins of Tabaristan, we do not grade Sasanian coins unless they are submitted in large groups or constitute a specialized collection; the eligibility of any Sasanian coin will be determined solely at our discretion on a case-by-case basis, and we recommend contacting our department prior to submitting any Sasanian coin for grading.
Due to US sanctions, the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG), which includes NGC, PMG, CGC, CSG, ASG and CAG, will not accept collectibles either (a) issued by the following countries/regions if submitted to CCG’s offices in London, Munich or Hong Kong; or (b) submitted to any CCG location by a customer located in one of the following countries/regions:
If collectibles from the above-listed countries/regions are already in the US and are owned by a US-based customer, they may still be eligible for grading by a CCG company in the US. If collectibles from the above-listed countries/regions are already in Mainland China and are owned by a Mainland China-based customer, they may still be eligible for grading by CCG’s Mainland China affiliate, NGC Shanghai Business Information Consulting Co., Ltd.
In addition, special handling applies for the following countries:
At this time, there are no sanctions affecting collectibles issued by Russia or submitted by customers in Russia. However, shipments containing collectibles issued by Russia may be subject to significant delays due to customs processing times.
Submitters to NGC are required to list a declared value for each coin in their submission. By submitting a coin and listing a declared value, the submitter agrees that the declared value represents the current fair market value (FMV) of the submitted coin. The declared value must represent the FMV of a genuine coin of that same issue and variety in the same approximate condition.
If you do not know the coin’s current fair market value, you can assign a declared value based on the price you paid for the coin (if purchased recently), a value you found in a price guide (such as the NGC Price Guide), the price a dealer offered to pay you for the coin or other reasonable determining method.
NGC does not assign values to coins. If NGC determines that a coin is undervalued and does not qualify for the tier or services selected, it may adjust the tier and charge the appropriate difference in conservation, grading and/or services fees based on its determination of the coin’s current Fair Market Value. (Note: NGC will adjust the tier even if the coin is later determined to be not genuine, altered or otherwise ungradable.) NGC will not, however, change the declared value originally assigned by the submitter.
The declared value is used to insure a coin while it is at NGC’s facility and, for USPS Mail shipments within the United States, purchase insurance when coins are returned to the submitter. In addition, in the extremely rare event that a coin is lost or damaged while at NGC’s facility, the submitter will be compensated based on the coin’s current Fair Market Value (as defined below) in the condition in which it was received by NGC; provided that in no event will the compensation exceed the declared value listed by the submitter on the NGC Submission Form. It is therefore very important that the declared value listed by the submitter represent the coin’s current fair market value.
Fair Market Value: For the purposes of this Policy, the “current Fair Market Value” is the value of the coin if it were to be sold, as determined by NGC in its sole reasonably exercised discretion. NGC will determine the current Fair Market Value of a coin based upon what NGC believes, in its sole reasonably exercised opinion, to be reliable current market information. NGC may use actual pricing and sales information available to it, including prices in the actual transaction history of the coin in question. However, due to the volatile nature of the coin market and Internet auctions/sales as well as the differences in buying habits of different individuals, such information may not necessarily represent the accurate current Fair Market Value of any particular coin, which again, will be determined by NGC in its sole reasonably exercised discretion. NGC reserves the right to use the declared value listed by the submitter on the NGC Submission Form as the current Fair Market Value, and in no event will NGC’s determination of current Fair Market Value exceed the declared value listed by the submitter on the NGC Submission Form. NGC’s determination of the current Fair Market Value will be absolute and binding on all parties.
Please note that this policy also applies for submissions to Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS), an affiliate of NGC, if NCS conservation services are selected on the NGC Submission Form.
Certain coins, tokens and medals may be more susceptible to damage due to certain reasons (for example, their era, method of manufacture, or condition) (collectively, “Fragile Collectibles”).
Examples include:
NGC will accept submissions of Fragile Collectibles and will use reasonable care to protect them from damage. However, it is possible that even with such care these Fragile Collectibles may be damaged during or after’s NGC normal grading and encapsulation process.
As a result, NGC will only be responsible for damage or loss to a Fragile Collectible in the event that NGC determines that such damage or loss was due to NGC’s negligence while the Fragile Collectible was in its possession, in which case the Submitter’s sole remedy will be compensation based upon NGC’s good faith determination of the fair market value of the item, in light of what NGC believes to be reliable current market information. The amount of compensation will not necessarily be based upon, but in no event will exceed, the Submitter’s stated declared value of the item on the NGC Submission Form.
NGC will accept submissions of coins with additive applications (such as embedded jewels or enamel) only if they are accompanied by NGC Release for Coins with Additive Applications Form.
While NGC will use its best efforts to protect coins and any additive applications, it is possible that the additive applications may become dislodged or the additive applications or the coin may be become damaged during or after NGC normal grading process. As a result, NGC will not be liable for any damages associated with additive applications. The grade of these coins is also not covered by the NGC Guarantee.
NGC will accept submissions of PCGS-holdered coins for CrossOver service. This service enables submitters to send their PCGS-holdered coins and have them graded by NGC only if the coins will receive an NGC grade that is the same (or higher) as the grade the PCGS holder.
NGC will not accept CrossOver submissions that request a minimum grade that is higher than the grade listed on the PCGS holder. The “CrossOver Minimum Grade” section of the NGC submission form may only be used if the minimum desired grade is the same or lower than the grade on the PCGS holder.
Due to the special verification required, NGC does not recognize designations or pedigrees assigned by other grading services if NGC requires that the coins be submitted in the sealed mint shipping box. For example, NGC requires 25th Anniversary Set American Silver Eagles be received by NGC in the sealed US Mint shipping box. Therefore, a PCGS-holdered American Silver Eagle with the 25th Anniversary Set pedigree cannot receive the 25th Anniversary Set pedigree at NGC if submitted for CrossOver because NGC did not have the opportunity to open the sealed US Mint shipping box to confirm the coin's pedigree. While these coins can still be submitted for NGC for CrossOver, they will not receive the set designation or pedigree assigned by PCGS if NGC requires that the coins be submitted in the sealed mint shipping box.
For complete CrossOver instructions, click here.
In addition, NGC will not accept CrossOver submissions of coins holdered by companies other than PCGS. These coins may still be submitted to NGC only if they are accompanied by NGC’s Consent to Remove Coin(s) from Holder(s) Form. The coins will be treated by NGC as raw (ungraded) submissions.
NGC does not provide grade protection or any type of grade guarantee for coins submitted for NGC conservation. Coins are guaranteed by NGC only after they are graded and encapsulated by NGC.
NGC evaluates every coin submitted for NGC conservation services to determine whether it believes the coin will benefit from conservation. Special handling, detailed below, applies to submissions of NGC and PCGS-certified coins.
Important: Conservation services performed by NGC do not necessarily improve a coin’s grade. In rare instances, NGC conservation may reveal additional issues that were previously hidden by residue or other surface contaminants. None of the techniques used by NGC will cause such issues. It is important to understand that coins conserved by NGC may still receive a lower grade or no grade from a coin grading service. By submitting a coin to NGC, the submitter waives any right to assert any form of legal claim against NGC (and any affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries or other entities related to NGC and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and assigns) with respect to a lower grade or no grade subsequently being assigned to such coin by a coin grading company.
NGC conservation can help coins with unattractive toning, copper spots and other surface issues. Customers may submit a coin already certified by NGC for a service that includes NGC conservation and an NGC ReGrade (NGC conservation+ReGrade). If NGC declines to conserve a particular coin under this combined service, then NGC will not perform the ReGrade. If the customer wants the NGC ReGrade regardless of the NGC conservation determination, then the customer should write on their submission form: REGRADE REGARDLESS OF NGC CONSERVATION DECISION.
NGC will return capsules and other packaging (such as original mint boxes) to submitters who check the “Return Packaging” service on the NGC Submission Form. There is an additional $5 fee per submission form for this service, plus any additional shipping costs that may apply.
NGC will attempt to return packaging at the same time as graded coins. If the packaging is not returned at this time (e.g. the submitter does not accept the returned packaging or it cannot be delivered to the submitter), the packaging will be held by NGC for an additional 14 calendar days. After this time, unclaimed packaging will be discarded. NGC will not be liable for packaging discarded if unclaimed for more than 14 calendar days after the date graded coins are returned to the submitter.
In addition, while NGC will use its best efforts to preserve capsules and other packaging in the best possible condition, it is possible that capsules and packaging may be damaged when coins are removed. NGC will not be liable for damaged packaging.
Please note that if the “Return Packaging” service is not selected on the NGC Submission Form, NGC will discard the packaging once the coins have been removed. NGC will not be liable for any discarded packaging.
Many collectors of modern silver bullion coins are familiar with the occurrence of white spots, or “milk spots” as they are often called in numismatic vernacular. These white spots can sometimes develop on a variety of modern silver bullion coins from around the world including American Silver Eagles, Chinese Silver Pandas and Canadian Maple Leafs.
What causes white spots to develop on modern silver coins?
Planchets, the round disks that are struck into coins, are usually washed after they are made. This helps to remove any contaminants and give the planchet a brighter appearance.
It is believed that if the planchets are not completely rinsed, the remnants of the solution used to wash them will cause white spots to develop over time. This has not been proven, however, and world mints do not seem to be able to prevent these white spots from developing.
How do I know if my modern silver coin will develop white spots?
There is no known method to determine whether a modern silver coin will develop white spots, or how large these spots will be. Some modern silver coins never develop white spots. Others develop white spots immediately after they are struck. The development of white spots appears to be entirely unpredictable.
Can white spots develop after the coin is encapsulated in NGC’s holder?
It is possible that white spots can still develop after a modern silver coin is encapsulated in NGC’s holder. Many collectors and dealers claim that modern silver coins spot less frequently after they are encapsulated in NGC’s holder and that the NGC holder is the best for preventing the development of white spots. These claims have not been scientifically verified, however, and any such evidence is purely anecdotal.
Do white spots affect the NGC grade?
NGC will factor white spots into its grading of modern silver coins just as it does for black spots on copper coins and red spots on gold coins. Larger and more distracting spots will result in lower grades. Heavily spotted coins may receive an NGC Details Grade with an Environmental Damage notation.
The development of white spots after a coin is graded by NGC is not covered under the NGC Guarantee because these white spots occur unpredictably and through no fault of NGC’s. If an NGC-certified modern silver coin develops white spots, NGC will leave it in its original holder or reholder it with the original grade.
Click here to see the NGC Guarantee >
Do white spots affect the value of modern silver coins?
NGC does not buy or sell coins and does not track the difference in prices paid for spotted and unspotted modern silver coins, if any. Prospective buyers of modern silver coins are encouraged to research prices, consult with market experts and determine their own comfort level for coins that have or may develop white spots.
Can professional conservation from NGC remove white spots?
NGC has conducted extensive research but has been unable to determine a conservation technique that can prevent or remove white spots without damaging the coin. In some cases white spots can be minimized, but they cannot be removed.