Should I have my gold coins graded / certified?

Gold coins are an investment that has been coveted for centuries due to their intrinsic value, rarity and historical significance. As a collector or investor, you may have come across the concept of gold coin grading. PCGS and NGC are the most well-known grading companies in the world, and if you want to get your gold coins graded, you should learn more about their grading services. RareCoin is an NGC and PCGS Authorized Dealer. Contact us if you have any questions about grading. Grading involves assessing the condition of a coin and assigning a grade based on a standardized scale. This blog aims to answer the question“Should I grade/certify my gold coins?” by examining the pros and cons of grading gold coins.

Advantages of gold coin certification

Certification of coins provides an objective assessment

The grading provides an objective certification of the condition of a gold coin. An independent certification service evaluates the coin based on various factors such as wear, attention to detail, and overall appearance. Grading provides a clear picture of the coin’s condition, which can help buyers and sellers determine a fair price.

Certifications of coins increases the value

Graded coins usually have a higher value than ungraded coins. The certification is a certificate of authenticity, and the grading assigned to the coin is a crucial factor in determining its value. A higher grading means that the coin is in better condition, which makes it more valuable to collectors and investors.

Grading of coins determines the rarity

Grading also helps determine rarity. Coins in excellent condition are rarer than those in poor condition, and grading helps identify these rare coins. This identification can be especially useful for collectors who want to build a collection of rare coins.

Certifications of coins provides protection

Grading provides protection for your investment. Graded coins are enclosed in a holder that protects them from environmental damage, wear, and other factors that can affect the coin’s condition. The holder also provides an additional layer of security that prevents the coin from being tampered with or counterfeited.

Grading gold coins offers more convenience

Submitting gold coins for third-party certification and authentication will most likely give you and your heirs more peace of mind when it comes to the actual value of the gold coin collection.

Disadvantages of certification of gold coins

Costs

Gold coin certification can be expensive, especially if you have a large collection of gold coins. The cost of grading varies depending on the grading service, the number of coins to be graded, and the type of service. One example of this is conservation services: NCS, Numismatic Conservation Services™, employs a range of proprietary techniques to remove damaging residues and preserve the surface condition of your gold coins, enhancing the beauty of your valuable collection. Using such a service can be beneficial if your gold coins are not in the best condition. However, certain problems such as corrosion, abrasion, scratches and white milk stains cannot be repaired. Conservation service providers do not perform repairs and cannot reverse mechanical changes and damage.

Is it possible to clean gold coins by yourself before sorting to save costs?

Cleaning gold coins before grading is a much discussed topic among coin collectors and numismatists. While it may seem like a good idea to clean gold coins to improve their appearance and possibly increase their value, it is generally NOT recommended to clean gold coins yourself, especially if they are valuable or rare.

The main reason for this is that gold coins can be easily damaged by cleaning, which can significantly reduce their value. Gold coins are delicate and can be easily scratched or otherwise damaged if not handled carefully. Even the use of a mild cleaning solution or soft cloth can cause damage, especially if the coin has surface defects.

Aside from the risk of damage, cleaning gold coins can also remove the natural patina or toning that has developed over time. These features can add character and uniqueness to a coin, and their removal can make the coin less desirable to collectors and investors.

In addition, attempting to clean a gold coin yourself may cause you to inadvertently alter its appearance or characteristics, which may affect its grading and certification. Professional coin appraisers are trained to recognize alterations or signs of cleaning, and will usually deduct points from a coin’s grade if it has been cleaned or altered in any way.

If you still want to clean your gold coins before certification, you should first contact a professional coin dealer or numismatist. This person can advise you on the best cleaning methods for your particular coins and give you advice on how to avoid damaging them. In general, it is best to leave gold coins in their original condition and let the valuation process determine their value. If a coin has been professionally graded and certified, it will have a higher value than an ungraded coin, even if it appears to be in worse condition. In addition, a coin in its original condition can provide valuable historical and cultural information that may be lost if the coin is cleaned or altered.

In summary, it is generally not recommended to clean gold coins yourself before they are graded. Attempting to clean a coin can easily damage it, remove the natural toning and patina, and change its appearance or characteristics. It is best to consult a professional coin dealer or numismatist before attempting to clean your coins, and have them determine their value through the grading process.

NGC and PCGS use a numerical grade to describe the condition of a problem-free coin. The available numerical values range from 1 to 70 and are based on an internationally recognized scale. The higher the numerical value, the better the state of preservation of the coin.

Time

Grading gold coins can be a time-consuming process, and it can take several weeks or even months to receive your graded coins. If you need or want to sell coins quickly, coin grading may not be the best option.

Conclusion

Whether or not you want to have your gold coins graded depends on your goals as a collector or investor. Grading can provide an objective assessment of the condition of your coins, increase their value, determine their rarity, and protect your investment. However, coin grading can also be expensive and time-consuming. If you only have a small collection of high quality coins or plan to sell them in the future, a valuation may be worthwhile. However, if you have a large collection of low value coins or do not plan to sell them, a coin appraisal may not be necessary. Ultimately, you must decide for yourself if grading is the right option for your gold coins.