Coin Grading 101: How Do I Get My Coins Graded?

By User_behr | April 27, 2026

Expert examining rare coins with magnifying glass for grading process, showcasing professional coin authentication by a trusted Sacramento gold buyer.

Have you ever looked at an old coin in your collection and wondered, “Is this actually worth something?”

Well, you are not alone, as this is quite common for most business owners and everyday collectors who sit on coins they have inherited.

Maybe it’s a coin passed down from your grandparents. Or something you picked up years ago and forgot about. And now you might think that they are useless. But wait! A coin value is not just about age or metal. Two coins can look similar but still have completely different prices according to condition, authenticity, and grading.

This is where coin grading comes in. If you have no idea about coin grading, this blog is for you. As a trusted coin dealer, we’ll walk you through every detail about coin grading. Stay tuned!

Get Reliable Gold Coin Grading Today! – Call (916) 602-3927

What Is Coin Grading?

The process of evaluating the condition, authenticity, and quality of the coin is known as ‘coin grading.’ For example –

When you sell a used car, the buyers are concerned about mileage, wear, and condition. The coins work similarly.

What Graders Look At?

Surface condition for scratches, marks, and wear.
Sharpness of details, such as design clarity.
Luster – shine and reflectivity
Damage or cleaning signs
Authenticity – real vs counterfeit

What’s the Coin Grading Scale?

Poor (P-1) – Hardly recognizable
Good (G-4) – Heavily worn
Fine (F-12)—Moderate wear, the details are visible
Extremely Fine (EF-40) – Light wear
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70) – No wear, highest quality

Why Is Coin Grading So Important?

The value of a rare coin is heavily tied to how well it has been preserved, so a tiny difference in grade can sometimes mean a difference of thousands of dollars. The higher the grade, the better the value you can reclaim.

In fact, two coins that look almost identical at first glance, same type, same year, and made from the same metal, can have completely different values depending on their grade.

For example, a coin graded MS-65 (Mint State) can carry a higher collector value, while the same coin graded F-12 (Fine) may be worth far less due to visible wear. That’s where grading really helps!

It establishes trust when selling
It avoids underpricing your coins
Coin grading also protects you from fraud
It makes coins easier to sell in the market

When trying to sell coins, grading is not optional; in fact, it separates guessing from knowing.

When Should You Get a Coin Graded?

Not every coin requires grading, and smart decision-making can save you lots of money.

Opt For Coin Grading If	Skip Coin Grading If
• The coin looks old and well-maintained. • It has rare dates or mint marks. • You think it may have collector value. • You are serious about selling it and want maximum value.	• The coin is heavily damaged. • It is very common among modern circulating coins. • The grading cost is higher than its value. • You’re keeping it for personal use only.

Opt For Coin Grading If

Skip Coin Grading If

• The coin looks old and well-maintained.

• It has rare dates or mint marks.

• You think it may have collector value.

• You are serious about selling it and want maximum value.

• The coin is heavily damaged.

• It is very common among modern circulating coins.

• The grading cost is higher than its value.

• You’re keeping it for personal use only.

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get a professional opinion first before spending money on grading fees.

How to Get Your Coins Graded?

Step 1: Evaluate Your Coin, the Basic Check

Before sending your coin anywhere, take a closer look to check for visible damage. Notice the year and mint mark, and research similar coins online.

Step 2: Avoid Cleaning the Coin

This is the biggest mistake that most people make. Do not clean your coin.

Cleaning can scratch the surface.
It reduces the collector value.
Professional graders may lower the grade.

It is best to leave it as is, even if it’s appearing dirty.

Step 3: Choose a Professional Grading Service

There are two globally recognized and trusted grading services – PCGS and NGC for secured coin grading.

They carefully examine your coin to confirm its authenticity and evaluate its condition.
They assign an official grade based on industry standards.
Once the process is complete, the coin is sealed in a tamper-proof protective holder that helps preserve its condition and prevent damage.

Step 4: Submit Your Coin

There are two ways to submit the coins:

Directly, if you’re a member of a grading service
Through a trusted coin dealer or a coin shop.

Most people prefer going through a dealer because it’s simpler. Professional coin dealers manage all the paperwork and guide you on whether the grading is worth it.

Step 5: Wait for Grading Results

The grading time depends on the service you choose. Premium options may take just a few days, while standard submissions can take a few weeks.

Turn Your Coins into Certified Value – Schedule Your Appointment Today!

What Does Coin Grading Cost?

At this stage, you need to think practically regarding the following:

Typical Costs

$20 to $100+ per coin: According to the value of the coin and the service speed of the grading agency.

Additional Costs

Shipping
Insurance
Membership fees in case of direct submissions.

Note – Do not grade a coin worth $50 if the grading costs $80. Always compare the estimated value of a coin with its grading cost first.

Can I Grade Coins Myself?

Yes, you can, but not officially.

DIY grading can help you get a rough idea of your coin’s condition and decide whether it’s worth sending for professional grading. However, self-grading has its limits. It doesn’t add any real market value, buyers won’t rely on it, and it’s easy to make mistakes without proper experience.

If you’re planning to sell your coins or want to know their true worth, choose professional grading.

How Does Coin Grading Impact Selling Price?

Coin grading directly affects how much money you can actually get for it.

For example, if someone wants to invest a good amount in gold coins, they won’t just rely on guesses. They would like to know the actual value with some proof. That’s why graded coins sell faster and at better prices.

A professionally graded coin indicates –

It has been officially verified
Its condition is accurately assessed
What you see is what you get

Grading also helps you avoid lowball offers. Without certification, buyers may assume the worst and offer less. But a graded coin has a verified value, which justifies your price and attracts serious buyers who are willing to pay fairly.

Sell or Hold: What Should You Do After Grading?

After your coin is graded, you have two options.

Sell If:

The market demand is strong.
You need cash immediately
The coin has reached its peak value

Hold If:

It has historic significance.
Value can increase in the future.
You wish to own a collection.

A good coin dealer assists you in making the right decision according to the market trends.

Quick Questions from Our Customers

Can coin grading increase the value of my coin? ▼

Grading by itself does not increase the coin value; instead, it reveals the true value. However, a professionally graded coin is valued more as the buyer trusts its authenticity and condition. Without grading, the buyers might assume it to be risky and offer much lower prices. So, you see, while the grading does not change the coin physically, it can still impact its selling rate manifold.

How long does it take to get a coin graded? ▼

This depends greatly on the grading service and the level of the services you choose. While the standard submissions can generally take a couple of weeks, the expedited services can offer return results within a few days. It is advised to opt for faster grading options as delays can occur during peak submission periods.
If you contact a reputable coin dealer in your area for coin grading, they simplify the process for you and sometimes even reduce delays by handling the submissions for coin grading quickly.

Is it safe to send coins for grading? ▼

Yes! But only if you use a reputable grading service. Trusted companies have secure handling, tracking, and insurance to keep your coins safe during shipping and evaluation.
If you have any doubts, you can also contact a trusted coin dealer in your area. They can handle the submission process for you and help reduce the risk of errors or damage.

What happens after the grading process? ▼

After grading, the coin is sealed in a protective holder where its grade is clearly labeled. At this stage, you can keep it as a part of your collection or sell it in the market. Graded coins sell easily as the buyers do not question their authenticity. Most sellers tend to receive better offers once their coins are officially graded.
If you choose to sell, make sure you visit a trusted coin shop in your area that is transparent about pricing and will offer you the honest price for your coin.

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Need Coin Grading Guidance? – Call Now (916) 602-3927

Final Thoughts!

Coin grading is not as complicated as it sounds. It helps you know the true value of your coins, build trust with buyers, and make smarter selling decisions.

However, you need to be careful about making false assumptions that can get expensive. You could be holding onto a small collection or considering selling; grading offers you better clarity, control, and confidence about your next move.

Looking for a Sacramento Gold Buyer or Coin Grader? Trust BEHR Gold Coins & Jewelry

If you are looking for a reliable Sacramento gold buyer or a coin dealer, BEHR Gold Coins & Jewelry can help! We have an experienced team that understands both coin grading and real market value.

Whether you’re looking to get cash for gold or you want to sell your precious inherited coins at a fair price, our team provides the honest evaluations you deserve.

As one of the most trusted coin shops, we can look at your collection and give you a professional opinion on whether professional grading is the right move for you.

Call us at (916) 602-3927 to know the true value of your coins before you sell!

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