Blanchard & Company, Inc.
Q: How can I get my coin graded by PCGS?

Q: How much does it cost to get coins graded by PCGS?

Q: Do the grading costs include shipping, insurance and handling charges?

Q: What types of coins does PCGS grade?

Q: Does PCGS grade error coins?

Q: Does PCGS grade tokens and medals?

Q: What are the PCGS Grading Standards?

Q: Can PCGS determine the value of my coins?

Q: How can I sign up for the Collectors Club?

Q: Can I send my free submissions the same day I sign up for Collectors Club?

Q: Can I submit free submissions at different times or must I submit all of them at once for grading?

Q: Can I submit additional coins on the same invoice as my free grading submissions?

Q: What happens if I forgot to send my Collector Club voucher with my submission?

Q: What is the importance of the PCGS coin number?

Q: How do I determine the Declared Value of my coins?

Q: How do I submit a coin that was graded by another company?

Q: Can I mix crossovers, regrades, and raw coins on one submission?

Q: Can I submit “GSA” Carson City Morgan dollars in for grading and keep them in their holder?

Q: What happens if I fill out my submission form incorrectly?

Q: Can I send multiple orders in the same box to PCGS?

Q: Can I pay one shipping fee to have all of my orders returned to me at the same time? Will my orders be returned to me all in one package?

Q: How should I ship my coins to PCGS?

Q: How can I check to see if you have received my coins?

Q: How can I be sure that my coins are safe?

Q: Is there the possibility of my coin getting switched?

Q: How does the grading process work and how many graders see my coins?

Q: Why don’t graders and sealers wear gloves while handling coins?

Q: How does the shipping affect the turnaround time of my order?

Q: What is a “No Grade”?

Q: Will I be refunded if my coin receives a “No Grade”?

Q: How may I ask for a second opinion on a PCGS graded coin?

Q: Where can I check the validity of my PCGS certification number?

Q: If I take a coin out of its PCGS holder is the grade still guaranteed?

Q: What should I do if my coin is labeled incorrectly?

Q: Can I drop off my coins at PCGS?

Q: In the show schedule you say you will be doing "On Site Grading". What is that?

Q: I'm out of submission forms, how do I get more?

Q: What does PVC residue do to a coin and how can I avoid it?

Q: Can my coin change appearance after being placed in a PCGS holder?

Q: How do I become an Authorized Dealer?

Q: What is the PCGS Population Report?

Q: What is the PCGS Set Registry?

Q: How can I get my coin graded by PCGS?
A: We offer 2 ways to submit your coins to PCGS:
  1. Become a member of our Collectors Club and enjoy the benefit of direct submission privileges. Once a member, please refer to your Collectors Club welcome package or the Submission Center.
  2. You may submit your coins through a PCGS Authorized Dealer.

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Q: How much does it cost to get coins graded by PCGS?
A: You must be a Collectors Club member to submit coins directly to PCGS. Once a member, grading fees vary by the type of coins, values, and turnaround time. Please visit our Submission Center to view our complete Fee Schedule for PCGS Services.
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Q: Do the grading costs include shipping, insurance and handling charges?
A: Grading costs do not include shipping and insurance to and from our facility. We recommend shipping your coins to us via Registered Mail. For shipping prices please contact the USPS. You are also responsible for return shipping; pre-calculated fees based on the number of coins and total declared value are listed on the submission form.
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Q: What types of coins does PCGS grade?
A: PCGS grades most US coinage, Mint Error coins, and World Coins from 1600 to present.
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Q: Does PCGS grade error coins?
A: PCGS does offer an Mint Error coin service. You can find more information regarding price and turnaround times in our Fee Schedule.
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Q: Does PCGS grade tokens and medals?
A: PCGS will grade medals or tokens that were officially minted by the US Mint and they must be able to fit inside the PCGS holder. Please contact Customer Service at (800) 447-8848 or info@pcgs.com for more information.
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Q: What are the PCGS Grading Standards?
A: The PCGS Grading Standard is based on the 1-70 Sheldon Scale and is the outline we use for every coin we grade. For more information please view the PCGS Grading Standards.
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Q: Can PCGS determine the value of my coins?
A: As a third-party authentication and grading company, PCGS does not buy or sell coins and does not value or appraise items sent for authentication and grading. PCGS does offer the PCGS Price Guide, a compiled price list of the average dealer asking prices for all significant, properly graded US rare coins. If you are interested in buying, selling, or simply finding the specific value of your coins you may want to contact one or more PCGS Authorized Dealers.
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Q: How can I sign up for the Collectors Club?
A: You can sign up for the PCGS Collectors Club with a credit card on our website or by calling Customer Service at (800) 447-8848, or you can mail a check or money order to:

PCGS PO Box 9458 Newport Beach, CA 92658.
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Q: Can I send my free submissions the same day I sign up for Collectors Club?
A: No, you must wait for your membership kit. This will ensure you that you have been added to our database and you have the necessary instructions and materials to send in your coins for processing.
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Q: Can I submit free submissions at different times or must I submit all of them at once for grading?
A: All free gradings must be submitted at one time. Any grading not used at time the voucher is redeemed will be forfeited. However, you have one year to submit the Collectors Club free submissions; please refer to the expiration date printed on the voucher.
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Q: Can I submit additional coins on the same invoice as my free grading submissions?
A: Paid submissions must be submitted on a separate invoice from the Collectors Club free grading submissions. They can be shipped to us in the same package, but each submission requires a separate return shipping fee and will be sent back with one submission per package. Other complimentary vouchers (i.e. for missed guarantee) may be combined with paid gradings of the same service level only. Only one service level per submission.
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Q: What happens if I forgot to send my Collector Club voucher with my submission?
A: When your order arrives at PCGS without the voucher attached it will get sent to our “Problem Order” desk. A Customer Service Representative will contact you to send in the voucher. Your order is then received and will go through the normal grading process but will not ship until we receive the voucher.
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Q: What is the importance of the PCGS coin number?
A: Our coin numbering system is designed to speed up the receiving and processing of submissions. Coin numbers are also a central part of our reporting systems: the PCGS Population Reports and the PCGS Set Registry. Outside vendors (such as auction houses and software vendors) use PCGS numbers as integral parts of their offerings. Please visit the online PCGS Coin Number Lookup to locate the correct coin number to use when filling out your submission.
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Q: How do I determine the Declared Value of my coins?
A: PCGS requires that you state your declared values on your submission form. This information is used to determine your service level and return shipping fees. To determine your declared values you may use the PCGS Price Guide value for the estimated grade of your coin or you may wish to check other trade publications and price guides, auction results or contact a PCGS Authorized Dealer.
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Q: How do I submit a coin that was graded by another company?
A: The “Crossover” service is for coins previously graded by another grading service. Submit the coins in the holder and PCGS will grade the coins and put them in a PCGS holder only if the PCGS grade meets or exceeds the other grading company’s grade. If the PCGS grade is lower than the other grading company’s grade (unless a lower minimum grade is specified in the minimum grade column) we will return the coin to you in the original holder. Note: The minimum grade cannot be higher than the current grade on the holder. You will be charged the full grading fee even if your coin does not cross.
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Q: Can I mix crossovers, regrades, and raw coins on one submission?
A: No. Only one type of submission at one service level is permitted per submission form; separate types of submissions need their own separate submission forms with separate return shipping fees.
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Q: Can I submit “GSA” Carson City Morgan dollars in for grading and keep them in their holder?
A: No. GSA dollars submitted for grading will be removed from their holder and encapsulated in PCGS holders. GSA dollars can be submitted with raw coins under any service level and have to arrive in the GSA holder in order to receive the “GSA” designation on the PCGS label. Please send the coins in the acrylic holder only. External packaging or certificates of authenticity will not be returned.
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Q: What happens if I fill out my submission form incorrectly?
A: Our receivers will see the error and send it to our “Problem Order” desk. A Customer Service Representative will contact you with the options on how to correct the mistake. Once the problem is resolved your order will begin the grading process; your turnaround time will begin at this time.
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Q: Can I send multiple orders in the same box to PCGS?
A: Yes, you can send more than one submission in your package and even write one check for all submissions. However, each order must have its own return shipping and handling fees. To ensure the guaranteed turnaround times, please write the name of the fastest service you are sending clearly on the outside of your package.
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Q: Can I pay one shipping fee to have all of my orders returned to me at the same time? Will my orders be returned to me all in one package?
A: No. While you may submit multiple submissions in one shipping box, each submission is handled individually as it is received, graded, encapsulated, verified and shipped from our facility. Even if you submit multiple submissions through the same service level, each submission is handled separately.
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Q: How should I ship my coins to PCGS?
A: We ask that you send your coins in 2 ½ x 2 ½ Mylar flips. Please DO NOT send your coins in stapled holders, 2x2 flips, vinyl flips (that may contain PVC) or tubes, as doing so will cause a delay in processing. Place a white sticker on the flip and write the submission and line number that corresponds to that coin. We recommend keeping your coins together in the same order as they are written on your submission form by rubber banding them together. Package your coins with bubble wrap or Styrofoam to cushion your prized coins en route to PCGS. Be sure to seal your package securely to reduce the risk of tampering during shipping and prevent coins slipping through openings in the box (paper tape is required on Registered Mail packages). We recommend that you mail your package via Registered Mail through the USPS. Please mail packages to:

PCGS
PO Box 9458
Newport Beach, CA 92658

As an alternative to USPS, you may ship by Federal Express using express services only (Overnight, 2-Day) to 700 E. Alton Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, HOLD FOR PICK-UP. This address will NOT accept FedEx Ground packages. No UPS shipments are accepted. p> Note: On all packages please indicate the fastest service level you are sending on the outside of your package, preferably below the address, in all capital letters. (i.e. EXPRESS; CLUB; REGULAR; etc.)
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Q: How can I check to see if you have received my coins?
A: If we have your e-mail address you will receive an automated notification when your order has been received. You may also login to our website to se your ,a href="http://www.pcgs.com/membership/">Submission Status or call Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
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Q: How can I be sure that my coins are safe?
A: From the moment your coins arrive in our facilities until they are returned to you, PCGS takes great care to ensure the safety of your valuables. In addition to being covered by our liability insurance while on our premises, your coins are further protected by our highly-trained security personnel and state-of-the-art security systems. Each of these components reinforces our commitment to protecting your coins throughout the grading process.
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Q: Is there the possibility of my coin getting switched?
A: No. PCGS does not buy or sell coins and we do not carry any inventory at our facility. As a publicly traded corporation, such unethical activity would be damaging to our reputation and would be treated with the highest level of reprimand. Our security team keeps a close watch on our grading facility and has put in place every possible security measure to ensure the safety of your items.
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Q: How does the grading process work and how many graders see my coins?
A: Upon receipt, submissions are separated by their service level, and then placed in a queue to be graded. A minimum of two experts will examine each coin; some coins will require more graders. Coins are graded on a 70 point scale which is a part of our Grading Standard. To find out more information about our grading process, please watch the PCGS Grading Process Video.
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Q: Why don’t graders and sealers wear gloves while handling coins?
A: PCGS graders and sealers are experts in the proper care and handling of coins. While gloves offer additional protection, they reduce the tactile sensations necessary to properly manipulate coins during the grading process and could increase the chance of dropping a coin.
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Q: How does the shipping affect the turnaround time of my order?
A: Turnaround time does not include the amount of time that it takes for a package to travel to and from our facility. Please contact your shipping company for more information on travel times.
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Q: What is a “No Grade”?
A: A “No Grade” is a coin that cannot be graded by PCGS for a variety of reasons. PCGS will not grade or encapsulate coins which bear evidence of harsh cleaning, artificial toning, damaged surfaces, excessive major marks, minor planchet flaws, altered surfaces, PVC damage, or similar impairments. In the event PCGS rejects any coin for grading in accordance with the PCGS grading standard, the coin will be returned. Grading fees paid will not be refunded as the determination to reject the coin required a review by our grading experts. If PCGS cannot determine the authenticity or you have submitted a coin that PCGS does not grade you may receive a ‘No service/no grade” for which grading fees will be refunded. For more information please view our Grading Standard.
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Q: Will I be refunded if my coin receives a “No Grade”?
A: If PCGS rejects any coin for grading in accordance with the PCGS grading standard, grading fees will not be refunded as the determination to reject the coin required a review by our grading experts. However, if PCGS is unable to determine authenticity or you have submitted a coin that PCGS does not grade you will be issued a refund.
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Q: How may I ask for a second opinion on a PCGS graded coin?
A: You may submit any PCGS graded coin for Regrade. On the PCGS Submission Form check "Regrade" for Type of Submission in section A then choose a service level. The same fees and turnaround times apply. If you would like additional information about the condition of the coin, you may request Regrade with Comment under the PCGS Plus Services. Note: All Regrades will be reholdered even if the grade is not changed. Please refer to the Fee Schedule for PCGS Services for current fees and turnaround times.
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Q: Where can I check the validity of my PCGS certification number?
A: The PCGS website offers Certification Verification which allows our customers to enter their certification number to see if the information on their PCGS label matches the information we have in our grading database.
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Q: If I take a coin out of its PCGS holder is the grade still guaranteed?
A: The PCGS grade guarantee is only valid if the PCGS holder is intact. If the holder has been broken open or tampered with the guarantee is void.
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Q: What should I do if my coin is labeled incorrectly?
A: PCGS will correct, free of charge, any mislabeled coins. Please fill out a submission form, mark "Other" as the service level, write in "Mechanical Error" and include a short note on the form describing the mistake. Be sure to write in the Declared Value for your coin. If you are not a Collectors Club member, please contact Customer Service at (800) 447-8848 or info@pcgs.com to have a submission form mailed to you. Please mark the outside of your shipping box “Mech. Error". PCGS will fix the label and reholder your coin in approximately 10 business days and ship the coin back to you free of charge.
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Q: Can I drop off my coins at PCGS?
A: PCGS accepts public drop-offs one Friday per month from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The date for the next Public Friday can be found on our Show Schedule. For more information contact Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
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Q: In the show schedule you say you will be doing "On Site Grading". What is that?
A: During major shows throughout the year, PCGS will grade coins at the show. PCGS brings their processing staff so you can have your coins graded, and returned to you within approximately 24 hours. Check with a PCGS representative at the show for current turnaround times.
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Q: I'm out of submission forms, how do I get more?
A: Collectors Club members can print a submission form from the Submission Center or contact Customer Service at (800) 447-8848 or info@pcgs.com to request some forms be mailed to you.
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Q: What does PVC residue do to a coin and how can I avoid it?
A: PVC (or Poly-Vinyl Chloride) is a chemical used to soften plastic so that it may be formed into a variety of vinyl coin holders. PVC can leach out of the holder and onto the surface of your coin, leaving a greenish film or residue that will eventually etch the surface of your coin, thus reducing or destroying its value. PCGS recommends using PVC-free, mylar flips.
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Q: Can my coin change appearance after being placed in a PCGS holder?
A: It is extremely unlikely that your coin will change appearance within a PCGS holder. The PCGS holder was designed specifically for the long-term storage and protection of your coins. The holder itself is made of inert materials that keep your coin safe. The sealed holder inhibits the entrance of atmospheric gases and contaminants that might harm your coin. Even so, common sense practices should keep your PCGS graded coins safe for a lifetime. Avoid humidity and excessive temperature swings by keeping your coins in a dry environment, preferably at a constant room temperature. If you have a coin that you think has changed in the holder contact PCGS customer service and we can arrange to examine the coin for you.
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Q: How do I become an Authorized Dealer?
A: There are several requirements for becoming a PCGS Authorized Dealer:

  1. Applicant must have been a full-time dealer for at least three years.
  2. Applicant and key employees must not have been convicted of a felony in the past five years.
  3. Applicant must have capitalization of $100,000 or more including inventory.
  4. Minimum of three credit references.
  5. Minimum of three PCGS Authorized Dealer references.
If you feel you meet these requirements please contact Customer Service at (800) 447-8848 or info@pcgs.com to request an application.
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Q: What is the PCGS Population Report?
A: The PCGS Population Report is a compendium of all coins graded by PCGS. The Pop Report (as it is known popularly) shows the number of coins graded in all condition levels and is useful in interpreting rarity.
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Q: What is the PCGS Set Registry?
A: The PCGS Set RegistrySM is a program that allows collectors to showcase their collection(s) online and to rank their coins against other collectors. You may want to look over the Rules and Benefits of the Set Registry to learn more.
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Featured Dealers

Blanchard & Company, Inc. O'Connor Numismatic Rarities Teletrade