PCGS vs ICCS Grading for Canadian Coins
Both PCGS and ICCS are respected grading services, but they serve different purposes for Canadian coin collectors. Choosing the right service depends on your coin, your goals, and where you plan to sell.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | ICCS | PCGS |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 (Toronto, Canada) | 1986 (Santa Ana, USA) |
| Specialization | Canadian coins — deep expertise in Canadian varieties and grading standards | All world coins — strong on US coins, growing Canadian expertise |
| Canadian Market Acceptance | Highest — preferred by most Canadian collectors and dealers | Strong — widely accepted, especially for high-value coins |
| US/International Market | Limited — less recognized outside Canada | Excellent — globally recognized and trusted |
| Fees (Standard) | ~$30–$50 CAD per coin | ~$30–$65 USD per coin (plus shipping to USA) |
| Turnaround Time | 4–12 weeks (standard service) | 6–20 weeks (standard service) |
| Variety Attribution | Excellent for Canadian varieties (Charlton catalogue) | Good but less comprehensive for Canadian-specific varieties |
| Population Reports | Available online at iccs.ca | Available online at pcgs.com — larger database |
When to Choose ICCS
You plan to sell to Canadian collectors or dealers
Your coin has Canadian-specific varieties that ICCS specializes in attributing
You want the most authoritative opinion on a Canadian coin
You prefer to deal with a Canadian company in Canadian dollars
Your coin is worth $200–$2,000 and you want a cost-effective certification
When to Choose PCGS
You plan to sell internationally or on US auction platforms
Your coin is worth $5,000+ and you want maximum market exposure
You want the largest population database for comparison
You are selling to US collectors who prefer PCGS certification
You have a coin that crosses over between Canadian and US collector markets
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PCGS and ICCS grade Canadian coins the same way?
Both use the Sheldon 1–70 scale, but there can be slight differences in how they apply standards to specific Canadian coins. ICCS graders have deeper familiarity with Canadian-specific characteristics, which can result in slightly different grades for the same coin.
Is an ICCS-graded coin worth more than a raw coin?
For valuable coins, yes. Certification provides buyer confidence and typically adds 10–30% to the sale price. For common coins, the grading fee may exceed the value increase.
Can I crack a coin out of an ICCS holder and resubmit to PCGS?
Yes, this is called "cracking out." Some collectors do this to seek a higher grade or to get PCGS certification for international sales. However, cracking out a coin removes the ICCS certification permanently.
Does SellMyCoins.ca accept both ICCS and PCGS coins?
Yes. We buy coins certified by ICCS, PCGS, NGC, and other reputable services, as well as raw (ungraded) coins.
Have Graded or Ungraded Coins to Sell?
We buy Canadian coins certified by ICCS, PCGS, NGC, and raw coins. Upload photos for a free estimate.
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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.