What are NGC and PCGS?

The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), running since 1987, and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), running since 1985, are popular numismatic grading services. Both of these companies are well-regarded throughout the industry in America and worldwide. NGC and PCGS grade their coins on the Sheldon Scale from 1-70.

In 2023, The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is set to launch a new grading system, the NGCX scale, to run alongside its existing 70-point scale. The NGCX scale is designed to make grading more accessible for collectors of items like comic books, video games, and trading cards. Although it appears to range from 10 to 1, the NGCX scale offers a more detailed grading system within that range, including grades such as 10, 9.9, 9.8, 9.7, and so on down to 8, and then half-grades from 7.5 to 1. A coin graded 10 is a flawless specimen with no post-production imperfections visible at 5 times magnification, while a 9.9 coin is fully struck with almost imperceptible imperfections. The NGCX program will certify all modern bullion coins minted from 1982 onwards, including popular coin programs like the American Gold Eagle and the American Silver Eagle. The Sheldon numerical scale will still be used alongside the NGCX scale, and both certification scales will coexist in NGC’s library. Labels such as First Day of Issue, Early Release, and Ultra-Cameo will continue to feature on graded BU and proof coins. The quality of grades on the NGCX scale is equivalent to those on the Sheldon scale, with a 10 on the NGCX scale equating to a 70 on the Sheldon scale, and a 9.9 on the NGCX scale equating to a 69 on the Sheldon scale. NGCX coins are expected to be available at online precious metals retailers from January 2023 onwards, and collectors can learn more about the new grading system and its scale.