When an independent coin grading company examines a coin under a microscope to determine its authenticity and grade and then encapsulates it in a tamper-proof hard plastic holder known as a "slab," the result is a certified slabbed coin. As you look around our website, you'll notice a few of the most recognized coin grading companies in the business, such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), ICG (Independent Coin Grading Company) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation).

In 1948, Dr. William Sheldon first established a numerical coin grading system. The "Sheldon Scale," which begins at #1 for 'barely recognizable' coins and climbs to #70 for 'perfect uncirculated mint state' coins, has been modified over the years, but still serves as the basis for the American Numismatic Association's official coin grading standards.

In the mid-1980's the first independent coin grading companies were established, providing the public with unbiased coin authentication and grading certification. Since then, millions of coins have been examined and placed in certified slabs by these numismatic experts. Each slab contains a label with the name of the grading company, the type of coin and grade, and a serial number and bar code to make for easy tracking and authentication. Thanks to these services, buyers and sellers can collect and value coins with confidence.