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.
What Is PCGS?
Professional Coin Grading Service was founded in 1985 with the goal of standardizing the practice of coin grading. Their headquarters are located 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, and 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 from PCGS.
What Is NGC?
Numismatic Guaranty Company, founded in 1987, is by far the largest competitor of PCGS. They are headquartered in Sarasota, Florida and 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 of 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. 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.
Each company also provides collectors with educational research: PCGS CoinFacts is similar to NGC Coin Explorer in that both include fascinating historical background on a catalog of coins.
So deciding which third-party grading company is right for you will come to cost-versus-reward. NGC grading costs less upfront, but coins graded by PCGS will usually garner a higher price in the marketplace.
Read more about collecting coins from the numismatic experts at Gainesville Coins:
How to Get Coins Appraised: Online & In-Person Options in 2025
How To Sell Coins (Don't Trust AI, Read This Instead)
What Are $1 Coins Worth in the United States?
Top 20 Rare Coins Wanted By Collectors
How Much Is a Gold Plated Quarter Worth?
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.