How to Read a Graded Coin’s Label: NGC, PCGS, and ANACS

When you send a coin to be graded by a professional service like NGC, PCGS, or ANACS, it comes back encapsulated in a protective plastic holder—often called a slab. On that slab is a printed label containing key information about your coin. Understanding what each part of the label means can help you evaluate authenticity, grade accuracy, and overall market value.

Let’s break down the main parts of a grading label and what they represent.

1. The Grading Company

The first thing collectors notice is the logo of the grading service.

• PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are considered the top-tier third-party graders (TPGs).

• ANACS is the oldest grading company, established in 1972 by the American Numismatic Association.

While all three are reputable, PCGS and NGC coins typically command higher resale prices, especially in higher grades.

2. Coin Description

The label identifies your coin by type, denomination, and date—for example:

1944 Lincoln Cent
Morgan Dollar 1881-S

It may also include a mintmark, such as “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco, which can dramatically affect value.

3. Grade

The numerical grade is the most important part of the label. Grading services use the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State).

Examples:

• MS-63: Mint State, average uncirculated condition.

• MS-70: Perfect coin with no visible flaws.

• PF-69: Proof coin with only microscopic imperfections.

The label may also use descriptive terms like About Uncirculated (AU) or Proof (PF) depending on the coin type.

4. Strike Type

Some labels note how the coin was made:

• MS – Mint State (business strike, meant for circulation)

• PF or PR – Proof (specially struck for collectors)

• SP or Specimen – Hybrid strike type, somewhere between proof and business strike.

Understanding the strike helps you identify how the coin was intended to look when it left the mint.

5. Special Designations

Grading companies often include special terms that describe the coin’s appearance:

• FB (Full Bands) – Fully defined bands on Mercury dimes.

• FS (Full Steps) – Sharp steps on Jefferson nickels.

• FBL (Full Bell Lines) – Clear lines on Franklin half dollars.

• Cameo / Deep Cameo – For proof coins with strong contrast between frosted design and mirrored background.

These designations often increase a coin’s market value significantly.

6. Certification Number

Every graded coin has a unique certification number (and often a barcode or QR code).
You can enter this number on the grading company’s website to verify authenticity, grade, and population data (how many coins of that type exist at that grade).

7. Additional Information

Some labels show:

• Attribution numbers (e.g., FS-101 for doubled dies).

• Special series or pedigree names (e.g., “Redfield Collection”).

• Commemorative details, like “First Strike” or “Early Releases.”

While these may not always add value, they can make a coin more desirable to collectors.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to read a grading label transforms you from a casual collector into an informed buyer. The next time you see an NGC or PCGS slab, take a closer look — the label tells a story about your coin’s history, rarity, and quality.

For an in-depth guide and tools to track your graded coins, visit CoinCollectingTools.com.