PCGS

Professional Coin Grading Service, commonly known as PCGS, is a company that authenticates and grades collectible coins. Founded in 1985, PCGS provides a standardized system for evaluating the condition and authenticity of coins, assigning a numerical grade from 1 (poor) to 70 (mint state). This grading process is crucial for collectors and investors in the numismatic market, as it influences a coin's value and desirability.

PCGS employs a team of expert graders who meticulously examine each coin for its condition, strike, luster, and eye appeal. Coins that meet PCGS's standards for authenticity and grade are encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder, often referred to as a "slab," along with a label detailing the coin's specific information, including its denomination, date, mint mark, and assigned grade. This encapsulation protects the coin and provides a verifiable record of its condition.

The establishment of PCGS and its grading system significantly contributed to the professionalization and growth of the coin collecting hobby. By offering a trusted and consistent grading service, PCGS has helped to build confidence among buyers and sellers, leading to increased liquidity and market transparency. The company also offers a variety of other services, including coin verification, counterfeit detection, and the PCGS Set Registry, which allows collectors to track and compare their coin collections.