The Importance of Coin Grading
If rare coin dealers only dealt with other rare coin dealers, there would be no need for coin grading. The two would simply decide on the value of the coin and conduct business accordingly. However, the coin market has expanded far beyond dealer to dealer transactions.
When the rare coin market was limited to a small number of numismatists trading with each other, three broad definitions were enough to determine grade: "Good" -- a coin with most of the detail intact; "Fine" -- a coin with clear detail and some luster on its surfaces; and "Uncirculated" -- a coin which had never been in general circulation and therefore retained its Mint State condition.
As the market grew, collectors realized that some "fine" coins were finer than others. Even some uncirculated coins rose above the rest in detail, luster, and general appearance.
Soon terms such as "very fine" and "extra fine" began to emerge, as collectors sought to further define the condition of their coins -- and increase their value. In 1948, Dr. William Sheldon, a renowned numismatist, developed the Sheldon Scale, assigning grades from "one" through "70" to coins on the theory that a "70" would be worth seventy times as much as a "one".
Although coin collectors agreed on the scale, they could not agree on the standard -- and assigning a Sheldon Scale grade to any given coin was still a matter of subjective opinion.
Contact Professional Coin Grading Service
PCGS Customer Service
You can reach the PCGS customer service department Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:00pm Pacific Time.
In the United States call toll free at 800-447-8848. Outside the United States call 949-833-0600.
Mail us at:
PCGS, Professional Coin Grading Service
P.O. Box 9458
Newport Beach, CA 92658
Or e-mail us at info@pcgs.com
Our Customer Service representatives will make every effort to answer your email within 12 hours of receipt, but
because of shows, weekends, and holidays, please wait at least 72 hours before contacting us a second time. If you
do not receive an email response within 72 hours, please call our Customer Service Department at 800-447-8848.
