When buying gold and silver coins online, certification matters just as much as the coin itself. Whether you are investing in Pre-1933 gold, modern bullion coins, or collectible silver, professional grading protects your purchase and ensures long-term value.

At LCR Coin, we work exclusively with the most respected grading services in the industry—PCGS, NGC, and CAC—because certification provides transparency, trust, and confidence for collectors and investors alike. This guide explains the differences between these services and helps you decide which certification best fits your goals.

What Is Coin Certification?

Coin certification is the process of having a coin authenticated, graded, and encapsulated by a professional third-party grading service. Once certified, the coin is sealed in a tamper-evident holder that displays:

• The coin’s grade

• Its authenticity

• Key identifying details such as date, mint, and designation

Certified coins reduce risk for buyers and provide consistent, industry-recognized standards.

Why Certification Matters When Buying Coins Online:

Buying uncertified coins—especially online—can expose buyers to unnecessary risk. Certification helps ensure:

• Authenticity: Protection against counterfeits

• Accurate grading: Independent evaluation of condition

• Liquidity: Easier resale in the secondary market

• Confidence: Clear understanding of what you’re buying

For historic and high-value coins, certification is not optional—it’s essential.

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PCGS Explained:

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is one of the most respected grading companies in the world.

Why collectors trust PCGS:

• Consistent grading standards

• Strong market recognition

• Widely accepted by auction houses and dealers

PCGS-certified coins often carry strong premiums, especially in Pre-1933 gold, key-date coins, and high-grade modern issues.

NGC Explained:

Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) is another top-tier grading service with global recognition.

Why NGC is popular:

• Excellent consistency and accuracy

• Strong presence in both U.S. and international markets

• Extensive variety of collectible labels and designations

NGC-certified coins are widely traded and trusted, making them a strong choice for both collectors and investors.

What Is CAC and Why It Matters:

Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC) began as a quality verification service and has since evolved into a full-service grading company known as CAC Grading (CACG)—now recognized as one of the most stringent grading standards in the numismatic industry.

Founded by John Albanese, who also played a founding role in both PCGS and NGC, CAC was created to address a long-standing concern among collectors: quality variation within the same numerical grade.

Today, CAC operates in two important ways:

CAC Grading (CACG):

CACG now grades and encapsulates coins directly, applying exceptionally strict standards that many collectors consider among the toughest in the industry. Coins graded by CACG are highly sought after for their consistency, accuracy, and market confidence.

CAC Verification (Green & Gold Stickers):

CAC also continues its original role of evaluating coins already graded by PCGS or NGC:

• Green sticker: Solid or premium quality for the assigned grade

• Gold sticker: Undergraded coins that may merit a higher grade

Coins bearing CAC approval frequently command 20–30% higher premiums, particularly in Pre-1933 gold and rare coin markets, where quality within a grade can significantly impact long-term value.

Why CAC Matters to Collectors and Investors:

• Identifies coins that meet elite quality standards

• Enhances buyer confidence and market liquidity

• Often results in stronger resale demand and premiums

• Especially important for historic and high-value coins

At LCR Coin, CAC-certified and CAC-graded coins play a key role in our inventory because they represent the highest level of confidence available to today’s collectors.

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PCGS vs NGC vs CAC: Key Differences:

Today’s top-tier coin certification landscape includes three elite authorities—PCGS, NGC, and CAC (including CAC Grading / CACG)—each serving a distinct role in the market.

PCGS and NGC remain the two most widely recognized grading services, offering strong consistency, global acceptance, and excellent liquidity across gold and silver markets.

CAC, founded by John Albanese, adds an exceptionally strict quality layer—both through CACG grading and CAC approval of PCGS/NGC coins—making CAC-certified coins some of the most trusted and premium examples available.

Which Certification Is Best for Investors?

For investors focused on liquidity and long-term value, both PCGS and NGC are excellent choices. Coins certified by either service are widely accepted and easy to resell.

For investors seeking top-quality examples, CAC-approved coins often offer an additional layer of confidence and premium stability.

Which Certification Is Best for Collectors?

Collectors often choose based on:

• Series preferences

• Label styles or signatures

• Population data

High-grade coins, key dates, and historic issues often benefit most from PCGS or NGC certification with CAC approval.

Common Myths About Coin Grading:

“One grading service is always better than the others.”
Not true. PCGS and NGC are both elite services; CAC adds an additional quality filter.

“Certification guarantees profit.”
Certification protects value—it does not guarantee price appreciation.

“Uncertified coins are cheaper and better deals.”
Lower prices often reflect higher risk.

Why LCR Coin Sells Only Certified Coins:

At LCR Coin, we focus on certified gold and silver coins to ensure our customers receive exactly what they expect—no surprises, no pressure, no uncertainty.

• Over 30 years of experience

• Trusted relationships with PCGS, NGC, and CAC

• Transparent pricing and detailed descriptions

• No brokers, no aggressive sales tactics

Whether you’re buying Pre-1933 gold, Rare Coins Gold Eagles, Gold Buffalos, Platinum, Palladium or Silver Eagles, certification ensures confidence, consistency, and long-term value.

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