How to Read a Coin Grading Label

Short answer: a grading label shows the coin's year, denomination, grade on the 1 to 70 scale, any designation such as proof, and a certification number. Always check the number on the grading company's website to confirm the coin and the label match.

The parts of a label

• Coin description: year, mint mark, denomination and series
• Grade: a number from 1 to 70, where higher means better condition, with a letter prefix such as MS for mint state or PF for proof
• Designation: extra detail such as a proof finish or a special strike
• Certification number: a unique ID used to verify the coin

What the grade tells you

The grade describes wear, surface quality and eye appeal. Differences of a single point can change the price sharply for collectible coins, and matter much less for ordinary bullion coins. See the glossary entry on third-party grading.

Verify before you pay

Look up the certification number on the grading company's online database, and check that the year, grade and description match the label, and ideally the image. Mismatches are a warning sign, and fake holders do exist. Our guide to spotting a fake grading slab goes further.

When grading is worth it

Grading adds a fee and mainly pays off for rare or high-condition coins. For standard bullion coins it is often not worth the cost. See graded vs raw coins.

Record the details

Note the grade and certification number with each coin's purchase record, along with a photo of the label. See the glossary entry on slab.