ICCS, PCGS & NGC Grading
Professional coin grading services authenticate coins, assign an official grade, and seal them in tamper-evident holders. For valuable Canadian coins, certification can significantly increase buyer confidence and realized value.
The Three Main Grading Services
ICCS is the Canadian grading service and the preferred choice for most Canadian coins. Based in Toronto, ICCS graders have deep expertise in Canadian coinage, including varieties, die characteristics, and the nuances of Canadian mint production.
- Deep Canadian coin expertise
- Recognizes Canadian varieties
- Lower fees than US services
- No cross-border shipping required
$30–$60 per coin for standard service. Bulk submission discounts available. Turnaround typically 4–8 weeks.
PCGS is the largest and most recognized coin grading service in the world, based in the United States. PCGS-graded coins command strong premiums in the international market and are widely accepted by collectors and dealers globally.
- Highest international recognition
- Strong resale premiums
- Extensive population data
- Best for high-value coins
$50–$150+ per coin depending on service level. Cross-border shipping adds cost and complexity. Best for coins worth $500+.
NGC is the second-largest US grading service and a strong competitor to PCGS. NGC-graded coins are widely accepted and respected. NGC has a specific Canadian coin program and recognizes many Canadian varieties.
- Strong international recognition
- Canadian coin program
- Competitive fees vs. PCGS
- Good for world coins
$40–$120+ per coin. Similar cross-border considerations as PCGS. Good choice for coins worth $300+.
When Is Professional Grading Worth It?
| Coin Value | Recommended Service | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Under $100 | Not recommended | Grading fees exceed potential benefit. Sell as-is. |
| $100–$300 | ICCS (if Canadian) | Lower fees make it marginally worthwhile for key dates. |
| $300–$1,000 | ICCS or NGC | Certification adds meaningful buyer confidence and value. |
| $1,000–$5,000 | ICCS, PCGS, or NGC | Strongly recommended. Certification can add 20–40% to realized value. |
| $5,000+ | PCGS or NGC | International recognition maximizes realized value at auction. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SellMyCoins.ca buy ICCS, PCGS, and NGC graded coins?
Yes. We actively buy certified coins in all grades. A certified coin gives us confidence in the grade and authenticity, which often allows us to make a stronger offer.
Will getting my coin graded always increase its value?
Not always. If the coin grades lower than expected, or if the grading cost exceeds the value increase, you may not come out ahead. For coins under $100, grading is rarely worthwhile.
What does "problem coin" mean on a grading label?
A "problem coin" designation (also called "details grading") means the coin has been cleaned, repaired, or has environmental damage. Problem coins are worth significantly less than problem-free examples of the same grade.
Can I submit coins directly to ICCS, PCGS, or NGC?
Yes, all three accept direct submissions from the public. ICCS is the most straightforward for Canadians. PCGS and NGC require membership and cross-border shipping, which adds complexity and cost.
Not Sure If Your Coin Is Worth Grading?
Upload photos and get a free purchase estimate. We can advise whether professional grading makes sense for your specific coins before you spend money on certification.
Get Your Free EstimateMost photo submissions reviewed within 24–48 hours · No obligation to sell
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.