How to Interpret the NGC Label

Did you know that the NGC label is not even 1-inch tall? That's right, it is 1.8227" x 0.9842" to be exact. And NGC uses every bit of available space to distinguish and enhance graded coins. Read on to learn all about interpreting the NGC label.

Definitions

The image above shows the various information that may be included on an NGC label. Not every label includes all of this information, and not every coin requires all of these descriptors. Also note that any quantity or number listed on the label is for numbering purposes only and DOES NOT indicate any actual limitation on the coin mintage or the quantity of the label, grade or designation.

Coin Description

NGC-certified coins receive an accurate description that includes at least the coin’s date, mintmark (if any), denomination and country of origin (except for US coins). The coin’s type may also be identified if necessary to distinguish it from other issues.

Variety

A variety is a coin that has characteristics specific to the die pair that struck it. Some varieties are attributed automatically by NGC for no additional fee. Others require a special request and an additional fee. Learn more >

Releases Designation

NGC offers a number of special designations to recognize coins received for certification within a specified timeframe or at a particular event. Releases designations typically require a special request and an additional fee. Learn more >

NGC Grade

NGC grades most coins using the internationally recognized Sheldon scale of 1 to 70. Coins with detrimental surface conditions may receive an NGC Details Grade instead. By request for select bulk submissions, NGC may use an adjectival grade or an NGCX 10-point grade.

Pedigree

Traditionally, a pedigree indicates the prior ownership of a coin. In certain cases, NGC may also use a pedigree to indicate something else about the coin or label where applicable, such as any number on the edge of the coin, any number on its Certificate of Authenticity, or the quantity of coins encapsulated with that particular label stock. Note: Pedigrees are not guaranteed by NGC, and any quantity or number provided as a pedigree is for numbering purposes only and does not indicate any actual limitation on the coin mintage or the quantity of the label, grade or designation.

Label Stock

NGC offers a wide variety of label designs to enhance the appeal of an NGC-certified coin. NGC also works with many NGC Authorized Dealers to create exclusive custom label designs.

The NGC Label vis-à-vis the NGC Guarantee 

In general, NGC guarantees that NGC-certified coins, tokens and medals are genuine and not overgraded. “Genuine” means that the encapsulated coin matches the NGC-assigned coin description. (Note: The genuineness of NGC Ancients-graded coins is not guaranteed.) “Not Overgraded” means that the NGC-assigned grade of the encapsulated coin is not higher than the NGC grading standards.

NGC does not guarantee variety attributions, most designations, pedigrees or label stocks. However, authentic hand-signed NGC labels are guaranteed to have an authentic autograph of the person indicated.

To read the full NGC Guarantee, including important terms, conditions and limitations, go here.

The NGC Guarantee supersedes all other definitions and disclosures on the NGC website or in any other NGC materials.