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Q: What is the revised PCGS Genuine service? Q: Is participation in the revised Genuine service required? Q: Can Genuine coins be used in the Set Registry? Q: Are Genuine coins eligible for variety attribution? Q: What information is on the Genuine holder? And what do the various no-grade codes mean? Q: Can Genuine service be applied to crossovers? Q: What submission types and types of coins are eligible for Genuine service? 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: Will I be refunded if my coin receives a “No Grade”? 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: What is the revised PCGS Genuine service? A: Starting December 1, 2008, PCGS is offering a revised PCGS Genuine service. We realize that many collections contain coins that are impaired in some way, but that the collector would very much like the coin to be authenticated and housed in a PCGS holder. We are responding in a way that satisfies that need and will greatly improve our service. Back to list Q: Is participation in the revised Genuine service required? A: Participation in the revised Genuine service is optional, although all submissions will default to the new Genuine process unless otherwise specified. A new submission form, available Jan. 1st, will provide the submitter the ability to opt out of the Genuine process. This will apply to the entire submission (there can be no mixing). Coins that are determined to be impaired will be returned in a body bag. For submissions sent in after Dec. 1 on the old form simply write on the form "do not holder Genuine coins". Back to list Q: Can Genuine coins be used in the Set Registry? A: Genuine coins will continue to be eligible for Registry sets. Coins in genuine holders will have a set value of one (1). Genuine coins are not eligible for "low ball" sets. Back to list Q: Are Genuine coins eligible for variety attribution? A: Genuine coins will be eligible for variety attribution. This should be great news for collectors of many series such as CBH or early dollar where many coins, especially the rarer varieties, have been cleaned or impaired in some way. Back to list Q: What information is on the Genuine holder? And what do the various no-grade codes mean? A: All coins PCGS holders as Genuine have the words "PCGS Genuine" printed on the obverse. In addition, on "Holed & Plugged" coins and "Rim Filed" coins the no grade reason will be printed on the front of the insert because these two impairments can be very difficult to recognize. Coins determined to be "Peeling Lamination," "Not Genuine," and "PVC Residue" will NOT be holdered. The format of the numbers printed on the obverse will remain the same. From the left - the coin number followed by a period, the "no grade code" assigned (such as 92 for cleaned), a slash and a certification number. A list of no grade codes is provided below:
The reverse of the insert will be modified on Genuine coins to print "GENUINE NOT GRADABLE". We will not net-grade coins and will not print any other grading information. The no grade code to the right of the coin number is what should be used to determine the problem that PCGS has identified. Other than what has been mentioned the labels will remain the same, i.e., same color, design, etc. Back to list Q: Can Genuine service be applied to crossovers? A: When specifying a minimum grade for crossovers you may now write the word "genuine" in the provided space. This does not affect the "any" designation which will still mean any grade, i.e., 1 – 70. So to be clear your options under the minimum grade column will be to leave it blank meaning the coin must cross at the existing grade or higher, any number 1 – 70, "any", or "genuine" (see section 4 on the reverse of the submission form). Back to list Q: What submission types and types of coins are eligible for Genuine service? A: The revised Genuine service will apply to all types of submissions as well as service levels. Coins that have been counterfeited or have peeling lamination or active PVC cannot be holdered under the Genuine service. Back to list Q: How can I get my coin graded by PCGS? A: We offer 2 ways to submit your coins to PCGS:
Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list Q: What types of coins does PCGS grade? A: PCGS grades most US coinage, Mint Error coins, and World Coins from 1600 to present. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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 As an alternative to USPS, you may ship by Federal Express using express services only (Overnight, 2-Day) to 7000 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618 HOLD FOR PICK-UP. This address will NOT accept FedEx Ground packages. No UPS shipments are accepted. 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.) Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list Q: How do I become an Authorized Dealer? A: There are several requirements for becoming a PCGS Authorized Dealer:
Back to list 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. Back to list 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. Back to list |
