The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and the Professional Coin Grading Service are two examples of grading services. After the service’s coin expert grades a coin, the coin is placed in a sealed plastic capsule. Certified coins are guaranteed not to be fakes. The grading system is based on a scale from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect score.

Each coin is given an identification number to prevent counterfeiting and is blown with a stream of compressed air to remove all dust fragments. The tamper-proof core that the coin is sealed in will not damage the coin.

Of course, the certification process costs money, so the price will reflect the value that comes with the verification. When you choose to upgrade and sell the coin, it will already have the independent certification for the next buyer’s peace of mind. Certified coins take the guesswork out of the process for new and experienced coin buyers alike.