New Internet Resource: "Understanding 'No Grade' Coins"

Click to visit NGC's Online Guide to Understanding “No Grade” Coins

Not all coins are eligible for grading at NGC because of detrimental surface conditions. These coins are commonly referred to as “no grades.” NGC understands that it can be a frustrating experience for a collector to discover that his or her coin is not eligible for grading, and in response has produced an Internet-based resource, “Understanding ‘No Grade’ Coins.”

It is available online as an interactive feature and can also be downloaded as a PDF.

The online resource both describes and illustrates the following types of “no grades:”

• Unnatural Coloration
• Mechanical Damage
• Environmental Damage
• PVC Contamination
• Improper Cleaning
• Mechanical Repairs
• Counterfeits
• Altered Surfaces
• Mint-Made Flaws
• Non-Eligible Types

While “no grade” coins are not eligible for certification at NGC, Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS) does offer authentication, encapsulation and details grading for coins with detrimental surface conditions. More information about these services can be found online at NCS Authentication and Encapsulation & Details Grading.