Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC): Quality standards for certified coins
The Certified Acceptance Corporation, or CAC for short, is one of the best-known quality authorities in the field of certified coins. Since its founding in 2007, CAC has been verifying whether previously graded coins are particularly convincing within their grade. CAC became especially well-known through the green CAC sticker, which can be affixed to NGC or PCGS slabs.
CAC is no longer solely associated with post-certification quality checks. With CAC Grading, the company also offers its own grading services. As a result, CAC is now relevant both as a quality confirmation for already certified coins and as an independent grading provider.
Updated on June 23, 2026: This article has been revised with regard to CAC, CAC stickers, CAC grading and the current importance of quality standards for certified coins.
The early years: building trust and setting new standards
Since its debut in 2011, CAC quickly cemented its reputation and increased confidence in the rare coin market by demanding a higher standard for certified coins. The company’s rapid growth was evident. Within just four years, CAC had graded over 300,000 coins valued at an incredible $1.5 billion and directly purchased over $225 million in coins. By 2012, its fifth anniversary, CAC had graded over 400,000 coins valued at $1.8 billion, with purchases exceeding $275 million, demonstrating its transformative impact on the market.
Consolidating a tradition of quality
By 2017, its tenth anniversary, CAC had firmly established itself as the universally recognized mark of a quality coin. With over 1.2 million coins graded, a team of four experienced graders, and its position as the leading market maker for emblazoned coins, CAC’s influence was undeniable. The premium that CAC-emblazoned coins commanded in the marketplace became a testament to its rigorous standards.
Expand services and increase transparency
In 2020, CAC further increased market transparency by launching a comprehensive independent Market Value Guide. This provided up-to-date prices for all CAC-stamped coins. This initiative also underscored CAC’s commitment to providing valuable resources to collectors. To date, over 1.3 million coins had been valued, with purchases approaching $650 million. Consequently, CAC once again demonstrated its leadership in the numismatic market.
The premium of quality and continuous growth
By 2021, the market had unequivocally recognized the premium associated with CAC-stamped coins, evident in live auctions, trade shows, and online sales. With over 1.4 million coins graded, purchases approaching $700 million, and a membership of over 2,550, CAC’s influence continued to expand.
A new chapter: CAC Grading and John Albanese’s vision
In 2022, a new chapter began for CAC with the founding of CAC Grading. Led by John Albanese and Ron Drzewucki, and supported by over 150 leading numismatists and a team of world-class graders, CAC Grading is committed to applying the same rigorous standards and unparalleled expertise to every submitted coin. John assembled this team to restore accuracy and consistency in grading.
Furthermore, John Albanese is now a world-renowned authority on coin grading and the rare coin market, and is America’s leading professional numismatist.
CAC’s journey is a testament to its unwavering commitment to quality and transparency, driven by the vision and expertise of John Albanese. From its founding principles to its expansion into grading, CAC continues to shape the numismatic landscape, ensuring collectors have access to the highest standards of authentication and grading.
For further information on other numismatic societies and professional coin grading services, please visit the following resources:
US Numismatic Societies and Professional Coin Grading Services
About the author: Larissa Wasserthal
Larissa Wasserthal is the co-founder of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store and specializes in modern numismatic gold coins, certified collector issues, and international grading standards. Her focus is on the objective classification of NGC , PCGS, and CAC certifications, grades of preservation, quality characteristics, market availability, and collector value.
