Top Coin Grading Services
Introduction to Grading Services
The five major third-party grading services each serve distinct purposes when grading pennies. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) are the industry's top two services, offering the strongest market acceptance and typically commanding the highest premiums for certified coins—use either for valuable pennies like Indian Head cents, early Lincoln cents, or high-grade modern rarities where maximum resale value matters. CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) has evolved beyond its original sticker verification service and now offers its own coin grading to the strictest standards in the industry; consider CAC grading for premium pennies where you want the most conservative, stringent grading that appeals to quality-conscious collectors willing to pay top dollar for coins that meet rigorous standards. ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service) offers lower grading fees and is ideal for mid-tier pennies, common dates, or coins you want authenticated but don't need maximum market premium for. ICG (Independent Coin Graders) typically charges the lowest fees and provides adequate protection for common pennies, bulk submissions, or coins primarily being graded for personal collection rather than resale. For most valuable pennies, stick with PCGS, NGC, or CAC depending on whether you prioritize market liquidity or strictest grading standards; for budget-conscious authentication of common material, consider ANACS or ICG; and for truly exceptional pennies already graded by PCGS/NGC, you can still pursue CAC stickers to verify they meet higher quality thresholds.