Submitting Coins to PCGS/NGC: Costs, Turnaround, ROI Scenarios

Spending $300 to grade a $200 coin happens daily. Understanding PCGS and NGC submission math prevents expensive mistakes.

Whether you’re sitting on inherited coins wondering about grading costs or flipping collections for profit, this guide breaks down the real economics of professional coin grading.

You’ll learn when certification adds value, current pricing across service tiers, actual turnaround times, and ROI calculations that separate profitable submissions from money pits.

Breaking Down the Real Cost of Professional Coin Grading

You found grandpa’s coin collection. Local dealers mention PCGS and NGC grading. Dollar signs flash before your eyes—until you see the actual fees.

Third-party grading services transformed coin collecting. But understanding their pricing feels like decoding tax forms. Let’s simplify.

PCGS Pricing: More Than Just the Grading Fee

PCGS starts with membership. No membership, no submission. Choose from:

1. Silver ($69 annually) – Basic submission privileges
2. Gold ($149) – Includes four submission vouchers
3. Platinum ($249) – Premium perks and faster processing

Then add grading fees per coin:

1. Modern Value ($17) – For 1965-date coins worth under $300
2. Economy ($23) – Non-gold coins worth up to $300
3. Regular ($40) – All coins valued up to $2,500
4. Express ($70) – Coins worth up to $10,000

But wait. You’ll also pay:

1. $10 handling fee per submission
2. Shipping both ways ($27-$50 domestic)
3. Insurance based on declared value
4. TrueView imaging ($5 extra per coin)

NGC Pricing: Similar Structure, Different Details

NGC also requires membership:

1. Associate ($25) – Basic access
2. Premium ($149) – Includes $150 grading credit
3. Elite ($299) – Maximum benefits

Their grading tiers:

1. Modern ($20) – 1965-present coins up to $3,000 value
2. Economy ($25) – Pre-1990 non-gold coins worth under $300
3. Standard ($40) – Coins valued up to $3,000
4. Express ($80) – For $10,000 maximum value

Additional NGC costs mirror PCGS—handling, shipping, insurance. Both services nickel-and-dime you into submission.

Real-world example: Submit one Morgan dollar worth $500 through standard service. Total cost approaches $80-$100 between membership, grading, shipping, and handling. That coin better grade well.

Understanding these costs helps you make smarter choices. But costs mean nothing without considering time.

Turnaround Times: Expectations vs. Reality

Check PCGS or NGC websites. See those estimated turnaround times? Add 50% for reality.

Current Wait Times Hit Different

PCGS Modern Value claims 30-day turnaround. Members report 45-60 days. Express service promises 15 days. Usually delivers in 20. WalkThrough at 3 days? That’s actually accurate—if you pay $175 per coin.

NGC performs slightly better. Modern tier estimates 10 days, typically takes 15. Economy shows 20 days, expect 30. Express at 3 days stays true—for $80 per coin.

Why the delays? Volume overwhelms both services. TV shows glorifying rare finds created submission tsunamis. COVID taught everyone to examine their pocket change. Now everyone wants their 1964 quarter graded.

Beating the System Through Timing

Smart submitters work the calendar. Submit during summer doldrums when submissions slow. Avoid January—everyone’s spending Christmas money on grading.

Show submissions change everything. Major coin shows offer on-site grading. Same-day WalkThrough becomes reality. But you’ll pay premium prices and fight crowds.

Bulk submissions get priority. Dealers submitting 100+ coins jump ahead. Find local coin clubs organizing group submissions. Split shipping costs while gaining faster processing.

Understanding timing helps set expectations. Now let’s examine whether those fees and waits generate returns.

The Million-Dollar Question: Does Grading Pay?

You’ve calculated costs. You’ve accepted the wait. But will that slabbed coin sell for enough extra to justify everything?

Common Coins Usually Don’t Cut It

That 1921 Morgan dollar in AU condition? Raw sells for $35. Slabbed AU-55 brings maybe $55. You just lost money after grading costs.

Common date coins need exceptional grades to profit. MS-65 or better for most series. Even then, population reports might show thousands already graded. Supply drowns demand.

Modern coins prove trickier. Yes, that MS-70 Silver Eagle brings $75 versus $30 raw. But achieving MS-70 requires perfection. Most grade MS-69, worth $35. Another loss.

When Grading Transforms Values

Key dates sing different songs. Take the 1916-D Mercury dime. Raw Good-4 sells for $900 with authenticity questions. Slabbed and verified? $1,200 all day. The slab removes doubt.

High-grade examples multiply returns. Raw MS-65 Morgan might bring $100. In a PCGS MS-65 holder? Try $150. Jump to MS-66 and watch it hit $400. One point pays for everything.

Variety coins benefit most. That 1955 doubled die cent? Raw examples face constant authenticity challenges. Slabbed examples command 20-30% premiums. Buyers pay for peace of mind.

Real ROI Scenarios with Actual Numbers

Let’s run the math on real submissions:

Scenario 1: Common Date Morgan Dollar

1. Raw MS-63 value: $65
2. Grading cost total: $85
3. Slabbed MS-63 value: $85
4. Result: Lost $65

Scenario 2: 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent

1. Raw VF-20 value: $700
2. Grading cost total: $85
3. Slabbed VF-20 value: $850
4. Result: Profit $65

Scenario 3: Modern Silver Eagle

1. Raw MS-69 value: $35
2. Grading cost total: $65
3. Slabbed MS-70 value: $75
4. Result: Lost $25 (MS-70 unlikely)

The pattern emerges clearly. Grade coins worth over $300. Focus on key dates, varieties, and genuinely high grades.

[Insert table: ROI calculation examples]

Alt text: Coin grading ROI calculation table with real examples

Knowing what to submit matters. But maximizing your success requires strategy.

Insider Strategies for Submission Success

Smart collectors and dealers don’t just throw coins at grading services. They plan, prepare, and profit.

Pre-Screen Like the Pros

Buy a quality loupe. Inspect every coin under magnification before submitting. Look for:

1. Hidden scratches that drop grades
2. Cleaning hairlines that trigger details grades
3. PVC residue requiring conservation
4. Rim damage that kills value

Compare your coins to CoinFacts images. PCGS provides thousands of graded examples online. Match yours against their photos. Be brutally honest—optimism costs money.

Join online forums before submitting. Post photos asking “What grade would you give this?” Experienced collectors provide free reality checks. Listen when five people say AU-58 but you hoped for MS-63.

Timing Your Submissions for Maximum Value

Both services run quarterly specials. PCGS offers free TrueView imaging promotions. NGC discounts bulk modern submissions. Track these deals religiously.

Variety attribution adds value for specific coins. PCGS VarietyPlus costs $20 extra but can triple values for cherry-picked varieties. Research your coins thoroughly.

Submit similar coins together. Five Morgan dollars ship as efficiently as one. Spread fixed costs across multiple coins. Solo submissions rarely profit unless the coin exceeds $1,000 value.

Strategic planning separates profitable submissions from expensive lessons. Let’s ensure you avoid the common pitfalls.

7-Step Submission Success Checklist

Print this checklist. Follow it religiously. Thank yourself later.

1. Calculate total costs including membership, grading, shipping, and insurance
2. Research recent sold prices for your exact coin in expected grade
3. Check population reports to gauge scarcity in that grade
4. Examine coins under 10x magnification for problems
5. Photograph everything before shipping for documentation
6. Choose appropriate service level based on value and urgency
7. Track your package and submission number obsessively

This checklist prevents 90% of submission disasters. But mistakes still happen.

Avoiding Expensive Submission Mistakes

Learn from others’ pain. These errors cost collectors thousands annually.

Mistake 1: Submitting Cleaned Coins

Grandpa’s baking soda special won’t grade. Period. That polished 1921 Morgan returns in a details holder worth $40 instead of $150.

Fix: Study cleaning detection guides. When uncertain, ask dealers for opinions. Natural toning beats artificial shine.

Mistake 2: Wrong Service Tier Selection

Submit a $5,000 coin through Economy service? Returned ungraded. Submit a $50 coin through Express? Profit evaporates.

Fix: Read tier requirements carefully. When borderline, choose higher tier. Better safe than sorry.

Mistake 3: Poor Packaging Causes Damage

Loose coins rattle during shipping. Scratches appear. Grades drop. Hearts break.

Fix: Use proper flips. Tape coins securely. Follow PCGS and NGC packaging guidelines exactly.

[Insert image: Proper coin packaging example]

Alt text: Proper coin packaging for safe submission to grading services

Mistake 4: Ignoring Bulk Savings

Submit coins individually? Pay maximum prices. Smart collectors coordinate submissions.

Fix: Join local clubs organizing group submissions. Find online submission groups. Share shipping costs.

Mistake 5: Chasing Grades on Common Coins

That 1964 Kennedy half won’t become valuable just because it’s slabbed. MS-65, MS-66, MS-67—still worth melt value plus $5.

Fix: Research actual sales data. Focus on coins where grades create real premiums.

Understanding these pitfalls helps you navigate profitably. But questions always arise.

Submitting Coins for Grading FAQ

Q: Which is better, PCGS or NGC?

A: PCGS generally commands 5-10% higher prices for US coins, while NGC excels at world coins. Both provide equal authentication quality. Choose based on your coin types and target market.

Q: How long do coins really take to grade?

A: Economy service runs 20-60 days currently despite posted estimates. Express delivers in 5-10 days reliably. Show submissions offer same-day service at premium prices. Plan accordingly.

Q: Should I join as a member or use a dealer?

A: Members submitting 4+ coins annually break even on membership costs. Occasional submitters save money using authorized dealers despite small upcharges. Dealers handle logistics smoothly.

Q: What’s the minimum coin value worth grading?

A: Generally $300 or more, though rare varieties or VAMs may justify lower values. Calculate total costs around $50-$80 minimum per coin.

Q: Can I crack out and resubmit for better grades?

A: Profitable for experienced graders only. Most resubmissions grade identically or lower. Each attempt costs full fees regardless of outcome. Consider CAC approval instead for premium coins.

These answers guide your decisions. Time to take action.

Your Next Move in the Grading Game

You understand the costs. You know the timelines. You’ve calculated potential returns. Now execute intelligently.

For Collectors Ready to Submit

Follow graded values in your specialty series. Set price alerts on specific coins worth pursuing. Join upcoming TPG-sponsored shows for on-site grading opportunities. Download our pre-submission checklist to evaluate coins properly.

Master coin photography before submitting. Clear images help you spot problems others miss. Study population reports obsessively. Know exactly how many MS-66 examples exist before hoping for MS-67.

For Dealers Maximizing Profits

Verify your authorized dealer status for bulk submission discounts. Schedule monthly submission batches to spread costs efficiently. Use dealer software tracking individual coin ROI. Access wholesale grading rates through dealer programs.

Build relationships with both services. Regular submitters receive priority during backlogs. Your business depends on quick turnaround.

Resources for Everyone

Explore pre-screening techniques through our Authentication 101 guide. Compare show versus mail-in submission logistics. Study detailed population analysis before investing. Master variety attribution to find hidden value.

Remember: Professional grading serves specific purposes. Authentication for expensive coins. Liquidity for dealers. Protection for rarities. Recognition for varieties.

Not every coin deserves a slab. But when certification makes sense, you now possess the knowledge to maximize returns while minimizing costs.

The coin market rewards informed decisions. Whether you’re protecting family heirlooms or building inventory, these principles guide profitable submissions.

Start small. Track results. Refine your approach. Success in coin grading comes from experience, not luck.

Your coins await. Time to decide which ones deserve the journey to PCGS or NGC. Make those submission dollars count.

Note: This guide provides educational information about coin collecting and market dynamics. It is not financial or investment advice. Coin values fluctuate, and past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consult with qualified professionals before making significant numismatic purchases or investments.