Coin Grading Explained: PCGS, NGC, ANACS, CAC & SAGCE

Coin Grading Explained: PCGS, NGC, ANACS, CAC & SAGCE

🪙 What does coin grading mean?

Coin Grading PCGS NGC ANACS CAC SAGCE – these names represent the world’s leading companies in professional coin grading. Coin grading refers to the independent testing, grading, and certification of coins according to international standards. Each coin is evaluated for authenticity, condition, and mint quality and then sealed in a tamper-evident slab with a certificate.
The result is a grading score from 1 to 70 (Sheldon scale), which is considered the standard for collectors and investors worldwide.

✅ Why is grading important?

• Authenticity guarantee: protection against counterfeiting and manipulation

• Reliable assessment: Objective quality level, internationally recognized

• Market value: Certified coins often fetch higher prices

• Trust: Collectors and investors have security when buying and selling

🏛 The most important grading services in comparison

PCGS – Professional Coin Grading Service

• Founded in 1986 in the USA

• Global leader, particularly strong in the USA

• Known for rigorous and consistent assessment

• Very high market acceptance, especially for US coins and modern gold coins
  ➡️ More about PCGS

NGC – Numismatic Guaranty Company

• Founded in 1987 in the USA

• Biggest competitor to PCGS, widely used worldwide

• Known for high transparency and user-friendly services

• Very popular with international collectors and auctions
  ➡️ More about NGC

ANACS – American Numismatic Association Certification Service

• Founded in 1972 – the oldest grading service in the world

• Known for affordable grading options

• Particularly popular in the American collector market
  ➡️ More about ANACS

CAC – Certified Acceptance Corporation

• Relatively new, founded in 2007

• Awards the well-known CAC sticker label for previously graded coins (PCGS/NGC)

• Stands for “Grading on the Grading” – additional quality confirmation
  ➡️ More about CAC Grading

SAGCE – South African Grading Company for Excellence

• Youngest provider, focusing on Africa and international collector markets

• Particularly relevant for South African coins, e.g. Krugerrand

• Builds reputation in the global grading market
  ➡️ More about SAGCE

🔍 Grading scale (Sheldon Scale 1-70)

• 1–59: circulated, signs of wear

• 60-70: Uncirculated (Mint State, Proof)

• 70: Perfect condition, no visible defects, highest collector’s rating

📊 PCGS vs. NGC vs. ANACS vs. CAC vs. SAGCE – which service is right for you?

• PCGS & NGC : Market leaders, recognized worldwide, highest liquidity

• ANACS : Rich in tradition, more attractively priced, but less internationally sought after

• CAC : Supplementary, as quality control in addition to PCGS/NGC

• SAGCE: Interesting for African collectors and developing markets

💡 Conclusion

For collectors and investors, a graded piece is far more than just a precious metal—it’s a certified cultural asset. The leading grading institutes PCGS, NGC, ANACS, CAC, and SAGCE offer different grading options. The right choice depends on the collecting area, the target market region, and individual requirements for security, transparency, and liquidity.

🔍 Learn more about Coin Grading

The topic of coin grading is exciting for collectors and investors alike, as it creates security, transparency, and often a higher market value. We’ve created several detailed blog posts on the topic, covering various aspects – from the basics to specific questions:

Grading of a coin: NGC and PCGS

What do you need to know about grading coins and what does PF/PR or MS mean in coin grading?

Facts about grading and condition of gold collector coins

Is it worth buying raw coins and hoping for a high grade?

Basics of Grading

👉 Dive deeper and discover how PCGS, NGC, ANACS, CAC and SAGCE shape the international coin market.

💡 Note: Wasserthal RareCoin.Store is an authorized dealer of NGC, PCGS, and CAC . We are happy to answer your individual questions about coin grading . Use our contact form – our experts look forward to assisting you.