Grading Process

Our grading process involves numerous steps within several specialized departments. Each step is performed with the goal of accurately and safely grading each coin.

RECEIVING

PCG's Receiving Department opens newly-arrived packages each morning and immediately verifies that the number of coins in each package matches the number shown on the submission invoice. A more detailed comparison is then made to ensure that the descriptions by coin type, series, and denomination correspond to the actual coins. The information is entered into a computer so the coins will be tracked throughout the grading process by invoice number. Each coin's temporary holder receives a label bearing the invoice and line item numbers, information which is duplicated on the label in a bar-code inscription for quick reading by the computer. The coins are placed in labelled and bar-coded plastic boxes, dated, and are arranged in the order received, so that they will be graded on a "first in-first out" basis.

GRADING

Upon receipt, submissions, coins 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 (International Scale) which is a part of our Grading Standard. The grading process is a team effort, with a minimum of three professional grading experts examining each coin. PCG's graders come from diverse backgrounds, though all were coins dealers at some time in their careers. In becoming familiar with market standards for grading, experience in the commercial sector is an essential ingredient.

Once the first grader has viewed all the coins in a particular box, that box is then routed to the next grader and the process repeated. Only after three or more graders have examined each coin is its final grade determined. Occasionally the graders may confer with one another on a particular coin . When this happens, a consensus is ultimately reached which reflects their collective experience as coin experts.

Assessing, grading, determination of the category level, the conservation status of numismatic (coins).

ENCAPSULATING

Once the grading process is complete, the coin is sonically sealed by ultrasonic machine inside a clear, transparent coin capsule that protects the coin and allows optimal viewing of both the obverse and reverse.

Then, the newly-printed labels are matched with the coins to be encapsulated with them. The coins are now ready to be placed securely inside the transparent holder. The PCG holder is made of inert material that won't adversely affect the coin holds.

When all the coins have been inspected, they're either held in PCG's compartment." The label goes in the upper compartment and the coins in the lower compartment.

SHIPPING

After encapsulation, all coins are returned briefly to the Grading Department for final inspection. An experienced grader examines each encapsulated coin vault for in-person pick-up by the submitter or delivered to our Shipping Department for packaging. As in all steps of the grading process, the coins are counted and their labels checked against the original hand-written or typed invoice to make certain that no mistakes have occurred. A Shipping Department employee then verifies the method of transport as selected by the submitter on the invoice and prepares the coins for delivery. Properly registered and insured, the coins are safely shipped and are soon in the hands of their owners.