Coin Grading Services Guide
Features, costs, and selection criteria for the major third-party coin grading services — with a focus on Japanese antique coins
Why Use Third-Party Grading?
Third-party grading (TPG) services provide objective, expert authentication and condition assessment for your coins. After a rigorous multi-grader review, each coin is sonic-welded into a tamper-evident slab holder with its grade and certification details. The key benefits are:
Authentication Guarantee
Expert verification of genuineness. Many services offer a money-back guarantee if a coin is later found to be counterfeit.
Grade Guarantee
Objective condition assessment using a standardized scale. Simplifies price negotiations when buying or selling.
Condition Preservation
The sealed slab protects the coin from oxidation, scratches, and fingerprints.
Market Liquidity
Slabbed coins trade more smoothly at international auctions; buyers can transact with confidence.
Major Grading Services
NGC
Numismatic Guaranty Company
The world's largest coin certification service. Since its founding in 1987, NGC has graded more than 50 million coins. Its robust online verification system is well-recognized at international auctions. NGC certifies Japanese coins and is the ideal choice when international resale is a consideration.
PCGS
Professional Coin Grading Service
Founded in 1986, PCGS is the industry pioneer. Known for rigorous grading standards, it is one of the most trusted services for high-value coins. The PCGS CoinFacts price database is comprehensive, making it popular with investment-oriented collectors.
JNDA
Japan Numismatic Dealers Association (日本貨幣商協同組合)
Japan's largest numismatic dealer organization. Possesses the deepest expertise in Japanese antique coins, with an extensive track record including certification of gold coins released by the Ministry of Finance. If domestic Japanese transactions are the primary focus, JNDA is the most appropriate choice. Japan-market-specific services — including catalog number assignment — are also available.
ANACS
American Numismatic Association Certification Service
Established in 1972, ANACS is the oldest third-party coin grading service, originating from the American Numismatic Association (ANA). It is particularly strong in certifying error coins and varieties, and is known for identifying die varieties that other services may overlook.
Comparison Table
| Service | Founded | Cost estimate | Turnaround | JP Coins | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NGC | 1987 | ¥3,000–15,000 | 2–4 weeks (standard) | ○ | World's largest grading service; online verification system |
| PCGS | 1986 | ¥3,000–15,000 | 2–6 weeks | ○ | Industry-leading grading standards |
| JNDA | 1966 | ¥2,000–10,000 | 1–2 weeks | ◎ | Specialized expertise in Japanese antique coins |
| ANACS | 1972 | ¥2,500–12,000 | 2–4 weeks | △ | Oldest service; specialist in error coins |
JP Coins: ◎ = Specialist expertise ○ = Full support △ = Limited support
Which Service for Which Goal?
Planning to resell internationally
NGC or PCGS
Both have high international recognition and superior liquidity at overseas auctions. PCGS tends to be preferred for high-value pieces.
Selling Japanese coins domestically
JNDA
Highest recognition in the Japanese market and most expertise in Japanese coin-specific grading standards. Best cost-effectiveness for domestic transactions.
Grading a high-value rarity
PCGS or NGC
Strict standards and international credibility maximize the realized value of premium pieces.
Certifying an error coin or variety
ANACS
Extensive knowledge of error coins and varieties; identifies characteristics that other services may miss.
Need results quickly
JNDA or NGC (expedite service)
JNDA is domestic and therefore generally faster. NGC and PCGS offer expedited services at additional cost.
Keeping costs down
JNDA
Domestic service means lower shipping and handling fees. Best suited for mid-price-range antique coins.
How to Submit Coins for Grading
Register / Create an account
Create an account on the grading service's website. NGC and PCGS also accept submissions through Japanese authorized dealers.
Complete the submission form
Provide coin details (type, estimated grade, desired service level, etc.). Declared value may affect the fee.
Package and ship
Place each coin in a 2×2 flip or the service's specified holder, then ship via a trackable method. For international shipping, insured airmail is strongly recommended.
Authentication and grading
A team of specialists evaluates authenticity and assigns a grade. You may be contacted if an issue arises.
Encapsulation in a slab holder
The coin is sonic-welded into a tamper-evident slab holder with the grade and certification details. Opening the holder voids the certification.
Return shipment and receipt
Shipped to your specified address. Grade and serial number can be verified online.
Submitting from Japan
Submitting to NGC or PCGS through a Japanese authorized dealer is the most convenient option: you ship domestically and receive Japanese-language support. For direct international submission, you will need to handle customs declarations and insured international postage yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which grading service should I choose?
A. It depends on your goal. For international resale, NGC or PCGS; for domestic Japanese transactions, JNDA. For very high-value pieces, some collectors submit to multiple services.
Q. How much does grading cost?
A. Typically ¥3,000–¥15,000 per coin. Costs vary based on declared value, service tier (standard vs. expedite), and membership status. Shipping and insurance are additional.
Q. What if I disagree with the grade?
A. You can request a regrade. A different team of graders will re-evaluate the coin; note that the grade can also go down, so proceed with care.
Q. What happens if a coin is declared not genuine?
A. It is returned labeled 'Not Genuine.' The grading fee is not refunded. The certification report can serve as evidence when negotiating a return with the seller.
Q. What if I open the slab holder?
A. The certification is voided. Slab holders are sonic-welded; opening them forfeits all authenticity and grade guarantees.
Q. Are NGC and PCGS grades equivalent?
A. Both use the Sheldon Scale, but there are subtle tendencies in how each service applies the scale. PCGS is generally considered slightly stricter, though this varies by coin type.
Q. Can I submit coins directly from Japan to overseas grading services?
A. Yes, but submitting through a Japanese authorized dealer is more convenient. This allows domestic shipping and Japanese-language support. Direct international submission requires customs declaration and insured international postage.
Q. Does grading increase a coin's value?
A. In general, slabbed coins trade at a premium over raw (ungraded) coins of the same grade, reflecting the added value of authentication and condition preservation. Whether this premium covers the grading cost depends on the original coin price.
Grading Agency Service
Finding the right grading service and handling the submission process can be daunting. Let Ittendou handle it for you — from choosing the right agency to packaging, shipping, and receiving your graded coins.