Similar to how diamonds are graded for their cut and clarity, coins are assessed by an independent grading service that employs world-class numismatic experts to individually inspect coins in a controlled environment. During the coin grading process, each expert’s assessment is then added into a database where a consensus on the coin’s grade is reached.

According to Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), “The advent of the third-party appraisal of a coin’s physical condition… provides a dependable form of protection for rare coin collectors.” It does so by establishing the coin’s scarcity and guaranteeing that assessment.