ICCS Grading Explained
The International Coin Certification Service (ICCS) is Canada's premier coin grading service and the most respected authority for Canadian coins. Understanding how ICCS grading works helps you make better decisions about buying, selling, and valuing your coins.
What Is ICCS?
The International Coin Certification Service (ICCS) is a Canadian coin grading and authentication service founded in 1989 and based in Toronto, Ontario. It is widely considered the most authoritative grading service for Canadian coins, with deep expertise in the specific varieties, die characteristics, and grading standards relevant to Canadian numismatics.
ICCS grades coins on the standard Sheldon scale (1–70), with descriptive terms (Poor, Fair, About Good, Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated, Mint State) corresponding to numerical grades. The service also authenticates coins and identifies cleaned, altered, or counterfeit examples.
When a coin is graded by ICCS, it is sealed in a tamper-evident plastic holder (called a "slab") with a label showing the coin's description, grade, and a unique certification number. This number can be verified on the ICCS website.
The ICCS Grading Scale
| Grade | Description | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| P-1 | Poor | Barely identifiable. Date may be unreadable. |
| G-4/6 | Good | Heavily worn. Design visible but flat. Date readable. |
| VG-8/10 | Very Good | Main design clear but worn flat. Lettering complete. |
| F-12/15 | Fine | Moderate wear. Design details visible but not sharp. |
| VF-20/25/30 | Very Fine | Light to moderate wear on high points. Details clear. |
| EF-40/45 | Extremely Fine | Slight wear on highest points only. Nearly full detail. |
| AU-50/55/58 | About Uncirculated | Traces of wear only. Significant luster remains. |
| MS-60 to MS-70 | Mint State | No wear. Full luster. MS-65+ is gem quality. |
Is ICCS Grading Worth It?
ICCS grading fees are typically $30–$60 per coin for standard service. Whether grading is worth the cost depends on the coin's value and your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit coins to ICCS?
Visit the ICCS website (iccs.ca) for current submission instructions. Coins are typically mailed to their Toronto facility. Turnaround time varies from a few weeks to several months depending on the service level chosen.
Does an ICCS grade increase the value of my coin?
For valuable coins, yes. A certified ICCS grade provides buyer confidence and can increase the sale price by 10–30% compared to a raw (ungraded) coin of the same quality. For common coins, the grading fee may exceed the value increase.
Can I sell ICCS-graded coins to SellMyCoins.ca?
Yes. We buy ICCS-graded coins and factor the certified grade into our offer. A certified coin is easier to assess and often commands a slightly higher offer.
What happens if ICCS finds my coin has been cleaned?
ICCS will note the cleaning on the holder label (e.g., "Cleaned" or "Improperly Cleaned"). This significantly reduces the coin's value compared to an uncleaned example of the same grade.
Not Sure If Your Coin Is Worth Grading?
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This guide explains the value of Canadian coins, including key dates, silver content, and factors that affect collector value. If you believe you may have a valuable coin, you can upload photos for a free estimate.
How Coin Values Are Determined
Four key factors influence what a coin is worth. Understanding these helps you know what to look for.
Rarity
Coins with low mintage numbers or surviving in small quantities are worth more. A coin minted in the millions is common; one minted in the thousands can be scarce.
Condition
Collectors grade coins from Poor (heavily worn) to Mint State (uncirculated). A coin in excellent condition can be worth many times more than the same coin in worn condition.
Silver or Gold Content
Many older Canadian coins contain 80% silver. Even a common silver coin has a base value tied to the current silver price, regardless of collector demand.
Collector Demand
Some coins are actively sought by collectors, which drives prices higher. Key dates, varieties, and coins from popular series attract more buyers.