COINS NGC WILL NOT GRADE AT ALL

NGC lists within its Service Guide the categories of coins, tokens and medals that it will certify. These include nearly all coins of the United States, a wide range of World and Ancient issues, and a few specific categories of tokens and medals. Certain types and periods, however, are excluded. To be certain that your coins, tokens and medals are eligible for grading, first visit Coins We Grade.

INELIGIBLE TYPE describes a class of coin, medal or token that NGC does not certify, regardless of its condition.

Other coins NGC will not grade include those that are not fully identifiable or have been altered in some manner so as to simulate pieces of some other date and mint.

ADDED MINTMARK indicates that the coin’s mintmark has been applied fraudulently to enhance its value.

ALTERED DATE describes a coin which has had its date changed by any means in an attempt to increase its value.

ALTERED SURFACE is a general term used to describe a coin whose surfaces are clearly not natural but whose exact treatment is uncertain. Among the deceptive processes that fall into this category is the application of pastes to either hide contact marks or to simulate Cameo frosting or Prooflike brilliance.

ILLEGIBLE DATE is self-explanatory. If the exact date cannot be determined for any reason, then the coin is not eligible for grading.

ILLEGIBLE MINTMARK may be due to wear, damage or extreme die erosion and will not be graded.

INSUFFICIENT DETAIL TO ID applies mostly to Ancient coins, but this restriction is in effect for all coins, medals and tokens that are of indeterminate identity.

NOT GENUINE means that the piece is either a souvenir replica or a counterfeit. Circulating counterfeits are contemporary with the coins they imitate and are intended to pass as money at their face value. Numismatic counterfeits are intended to deceive collectors and typically are made years after the originals.

QUESTIONABLE AUTHENTICITY indicates that there is reason to doubt the genuineness of a submitted coin, though it may be impossible to ascertain definitively.

REMOVED MINTMARK, like its counterpart Added Mintmark, is a fraudulent attempt to misrepresent the value of the coin.

COINS NOT SUITABLE FOR CERTIFICATION indicates coins that are severely damaged or otherwise impaired. The surface condition of these coins makes it impossible for NGC to render a conclusive opinion about authenticity, Details Grade or both. When a coin is determined to be NOT SUITABLE, NGC will refund the grading fee, less a $5.00 processing charge.

This struck counterfeit 1916-S $5 gold piece is identified as not genuine by its “S” mintmark, seen above, which is the wrong shape and in the wrong position.