NGC vs. PCGS: Which Is the Best Option for Coin Grading?
The two most trusted coin grading companies are NGC and PCGS. But which of these services is better? We will compare them to help you decide which is right for you.
PCGS and NGC are by far the two most respected coin graders.What Is PCGS?
Professional Coin Grading Service was founded in 1985 with the goal of standardizing the coin grading process using the Sheldon scale. The corporate headquarters is in Santa Ana, California. Its parent company, Collectors Universe, authenticates various other kinds of collectibles.
In addition to authenticating and evaluating coins, PCGS also encapsulates the coins it grades in a protective holder (often called a "slab"). The company also offers coin conservation services. Its website has a coin price guide that includes recent auction prices.
Graded coins have become a staple of the numismatic market. These two are in PCGS holders.
What Is NGC?
Numismatic Guaranty Company, founded in 1987, is by far the largest competitor of PCGS. Located in Sarasota, Florida, they are owned by the parent company Certified Collectibles Group (CCG). NGC has patented a similar hard plastic slab to protect the coins it grades.
NGC offers all the same services as PCGS: coin authentication, grading, attribution (of errors or special varieties), and conservation. The NGC website similarly includes an extensive price guide of U.S. coins and world coins.
Pros and Cons of NGC
PROS
CONS
This coin is in an NGC holder that indicates it is a special variety, but it has also been improperly cleaned.
Pros and Cons of PCGS
PROS
CONS
Conclusion: Which Grading Service Is Right for You?
In most ways, NGC and PCGS are very similar. Each boasts a strong reputation. They both have parent companies that are also heavily involved in grading other kinds of collectibles (trading cards, comics, paper money, sports memorabilia). In addition to coin grading, both provide price guides, registry sets, and population reports. Both companies offer restoration services. Their tamper-evident holders provide special labels for specific coins. However, the terminology may differ (e.g. "Early Releases" vs. "First Releases").
Each company also provides coin collectors and coin enthusiasts with educational research. PCGS CoinFacts is similar to NGC Coin Explorer in that both include fascinating historical background on a catalog of coins. Accordingly, you will often find certified coins from both companies at your local coin shop. The Certified Acceptance Corporation recognizes exceptional examples of graded coins from both PCGS and NGC with their trademark green CAC sticker.
Deciding which third-party grading company is right for you is a personal preference. It may come down to a cost-versus-reward consideration. NGC grading costs less upfront, but coins graded by PCGS will usually garner a higher price in the marketplace. In either case, these services give the numismatic community consistent grading standards for describing a coin's condition.
Read more about collecting coins from the numismatic coinage and bullion experts at Gainesville Coins:
How to Get Coins Appraised: Online & In-Person Options in 2025
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Everett Millman
Everett has been the head content writer and market analyst at Gainesville Coins since 2013. He has a background in History and is deeply interested in how gold and silver have historically fit into the financial system.
In addition to blogging, Everett's work has been featured in Reuters, CNN Business, Bloomberg Radio, TD Ameritrade Network, CoinWeek, and has been referenced by the Washington Post.