Frequently Asked Questions

Why was NCS formed, and who will benefit from its services?

NCS was formed to provide professional numismatic conservation services that have been unavailable in the commercial marketplace. Potentially, all people who collect coins, medals, and tokens can benefit from NCS services.

Can you describe the facility and the technologies that NCS uses in providing their services?

The NCS facility is a secured facility. At NCS, conservation experts designed our facility and its equipment for the sole purpose of conserving your coins. Our equipment, advanced water filtration unit, and specially designed ventilation system all show that NCS has carefully invested in the ideal environment for performing numismatic conservation procedures.

How long will it take for my coins to be evaluated, and if appropriate, conserved? Is there a single or multiple tiers?

NCS uses as first-in, first-out non-tier system for evaluation and conservation. The length of time that is needed to evaluate and conserve coins will depend of the volume of coins in the system at any given point. NCS does offer an Expedite Service where, for an additional $50 fee per coin, a submission will be moved to the head of the system. The average turn-around time is four to six weeks.

What is the fee structure at NCS?

A simple two-part fee structure is in place. First, there is an evaluation fee to determine what, if any, conservation work is warranted. A charge of 1% of the fair market value of the coin with a minimum of $5 is charged for this service even if it is determined that no conservation is warranted. Conservation is charged at a fee of 4% of the fair market value with a minimum charge of $15.

What forms of payment does NCS accept?

The preferred method of payment for NCS services is by credit card. NCS accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Does NCS accept any of the risk associated with the services they perform? What is grade protection and is it available for any coin I submit?

NCS is not responsible for any loss of value or marketability of the coin resulting from any service performed. No grade protection is available for certified coins. NCS does insure your coin against mishandling or loss while on our premises.

What security measures are taken to insure the safety of my coins while in the possession of NCS?

NCS is located in a secured, state of the art facility, which employs the latest theft deterrent systems. All coins are stored in an alarmed walk-in safe and NCS has a multi-million dollar insurance policy in place.

Does NCS accept submissions directly from the public?

NCS accepts submissions from members of its authorized dealer network, active Collectors Society members and active members of the American Numismatic Association.

Where should I send my coins? Can I deliver a submission or pick up one in person?

All coins should be sent (insured) to NCS - PO Box 4750 - Sarasota, FL 34230. Additionally, coins can be delivered in person to NCS by appointment only.

Your literature mentions an approved NCS grading service. What does that mean?

An approved grading service is one that NCS is in agreement with to forward coins to after conservation for grading and encapsulation. At this time, NGC is the only approved NCS grading service. Coins with surface problems that would prevent certification with the approved NCS grading service will be certified in NCS Details Grade holders (upon request) as a compliment to the conservation work as well as to provide the best possible long-term storage option.

What type of coins does NCS accept? Does NCS accept any items other than coins? Will NCS accept any brand of certified coins as well as uncertified coins?

NCS will accept all certified U.S. coins, world coins, tokens, and medals regardless of grading company. NCS will also accept all uncertified coins, tokens, and medals. NCS may also conserve other similar items made of metal, however not all items may be eligible for certification. Click here for a list of items NCS will certify.

Will NCS use its discretion to perform the necessary conservation, or am I required to request that a specific procedure be performed?

NCS will first evaluate every coin to see if any conservation work is appropriate. Although there can be a request as to work needed to be performed, NCS reserves the right to make the final decision as to what work needs to be performed, if any.

Will NCS honor my requests on the conservation or my coin or NCS certification?

Many factors are used when NCS evaluators assess a coin for conservation. Our primary goals are to allow for the best possible outcome in terms of long-term stability and appearance when we evaluate a coin for conservation. Special requests will be considered and are encouraged to be included when a coin is submitted for professional conservation. Not every request can be honored, however, as many times these requests may be harmful to a coin in terms of either its long-term stability or appearance. NCS reserves the right to the final decision on the conservation of a coin.

My certified coin was returned to me not conserved. Why was it rejected for conservation?

A coin can be rejected for conservation for many reasons. There are many instances when a coin is best left as is where conservation is not needed or potentially harmful. When a coin is certified, it may be rejected for conservation if there is a significant risk that the current stated grade will not be maintained after conservation. There could also be an incorrect or unrecognized attribution on the current label. This could also lead to a coin being rejected for professional conservation work.

What if my certified coin will not cross into an NGC holder?

NCS personnel will contact you if this situation should arise and be made aware of our decision. Your coin has a risk to grade lower after conservation. There may even be a risk that your coin will end up a “no grade” with an NCS approved grading service and instead be encapsulated in an NCS Details Grade or Genuine Only holder. NCS reserves the right to refuse conservation if, at the discretion of NCS, a satisfactory result cannot be achieved.

How does Professional Numismatic Conservation differ from restoration and "Coin Doctoring"?

Numismatic conservation involves examination, scientific analysis, and reliance upon an extensive base of numismatic knowledge to determine the nature of a coin’s state of preservation and the extent of any damage. Conservation also encompasses appropriate procedures to protect the coin’s original appearance and to guard against future deterioration to whatever extent possible.

Professional conservation should not be confused with "Coin Doctoring", in which an attempt is made to improve the appearance and grade of a coin through deceptive means such as artificial toning and where unaccepted or unorthodox methods are employed. Also not qualifying as conservation is restoration where mechanical repairs are made such as filling holes, smoothing out scratches, and re-engraving of detail.

Does NCS rely solely on its own expertise in performing its services?

Our consultants include both experts in conservation and in the numismatic industry.

I received a coin back from a grading service ungraded because of "PVC". Can NCS get my coin to grade? What other types of "no grades" might benefit from conservation?

NCS is capable of removing surface contaminants such as PVC. However, results will be dependent on the severity of the PVC and the condition of the underlying surfaces. Although NCS will most likely be able to remove the PVC, the coins may not grade due to surface damage that may have resulted or other problems that may have been concealed. Some other "no grades" that might benefit from conservation are coins returned "no grade" for artificial toning and nonspecific residues.

I've had coins returned to me ungraded from various grading services because of cleaning. If I have my coins conserved by NCS won't they be returned for the same reason?

The grading of a coin after conservation will depend on the condition of the original surfaces before conservation. Every grading service grades coins that have had residues or spots properly removed. Coins may not grade if there are other problems associated with a coin being improperly cleaned or by having irreversible surface damage due to improper handling and storage in the past. Most major grading services will not grade coins they deem have been improperly cleaned. Improper cleaning could involve the use of a hard bristle brush, mechanical methods, or use of solutions which leave a coin’s appearance unnatural. For coins that have been improperly cleaned in the past or have other surface problems that will prevent them from regular certification with a major grading service, NCS offers its Details Grade or Genuine Only encapsulation services.

I have a "problem coin" that will not grade with a major service, how could I get it authenticated and graded?

Most major certification services will not encapsulate coins that have surface problems such as improper cleaning, environmental damage, scratches, improper spot removals, and the like. NCS offers an encapsulation service for such coins in two versions, a Details Grade, and a Genuine Only service. With Details Grade encapsulation, a coin will be authenticated and given a details grade, or amount of the details that remain, with a description of the problem preventing it from being certified by a major grading company. Your coin will then be sonically sealed with a label fully describing the coin. Genuine Only service will simply identify the item as genuine. NCS encapsulation provides the best long-term storage option for a coin. Click here for a list of items NCS will certify.

What is the difference between NCS Details Grade certification and Authentic Only certification?

Under both services, your coins will be first authenticated. Under the Details Grade service, your coin will be given a grade of the details of the coin and then a description of the problem preventing the coin from being certified by a major grading service on the label. The details grade is a word description. We do not use a numerical value on the label. The Authentication Only verification will encapsulate your coins in a holder identifying them as "Genuine" and a problem description will only be included in cases of deceptive surface problems.

What are the differences between your membership tiers?

Collectors Society offers free and paid membership levels to provide options for every type of collector. Benefits that vary consist of access to online resources, direct submission privileges, grading coupons and more. Compare the full membership options and benefits here.

I have registered but still haven't received my membership packet.

Membership packets are sent out via US Mail within 10 business days of registration. Please allow up to 3 weeks to receive your packet and if it still hasn't arrived, please call us at 1.866.NCS.COIN for assistance.

Do the grading coupons I received with my membership have an expiration date?

Yes. The coupons expire one year from the day they were issued.

Is my membership refundable?

Because of the benefits received with your membership, a pro-rated refund is not available. However, if you have signed up for auto-renewal of your membership, and decide within 30 days of auto-renewal that you would like to cancel your membership, you may receive a refund of your membership dues by calling customer service.

What is my "public name"? And how can I change this?

Your public name shows up on your journal, Registry and other Collectors Society postings. You can change your public name in your profile settings,

Can I make submissions to other CCG companies?

Yes. Your membership in the NGC Collectors Society automatically gives you direct submission privileges to NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corp.), NCS (Numismatic Conservation Services), PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company). Use your same log-in information to make submissions within these other companies.

How many memberships can I have per household?

Currently, we only allow one membership per household.

Can I transfer my coupons to my friends?

No. Any coupons you received with your membership are tied to your membership account and profile.

Why do I keep having to re-log in?

If you are not logging in from a public computer, click the "Remember Me" box to save your log-in information.

What are the costs of submission?

Submission costs vary depending on the value and category of collectibles you are submitting as well as the turnaround time you desire. Note: *NGC Collectors Society Elite members receive 10% Discount on grading tiers (Not applicable to onsite grading fees at shows)

What is my login?

Your login is the e-mail address you used to sign up for your account. You can use the Forgot Password link to get the password for your account. If you continue to have problems please contact us.

How do I use my coupons for free grading to submit coins?

For convenient processing, we require that you send all coins, currency or comics on the same submission form in order to claim your free grading award. When you fill in the submission form, please indicate the use of your coupon under payment option.

Can I submit additional coins on the same invoice as my free grading submissions?

No. When using your free grading award, we ask that you submit no additional items.

How do I package my coins for shipment?

On each submission form, there is a link describing how to safely package your items. Follow these directions and be sure to accurately value your insurance coverage for delivery to our grading services, as we are not responsible for damage incurred in transit.

Can I send multiple invoices in the same box to your grading services?

Yes, but only on submissions to the same company. For example, do not send submissions for NGC in the same box with submissions for NCS.

Will one shipping fee cover the return of all my submissions if I send in multiple submission forms at the same time? Will my submissions be returned to me all in one package?

You may submit multiple submission forms to the same grading company in one shipping box. Your submissions will be returned separately. For that reason, each of your submissions is calculated alone for its return shipping and insurance.

Now that I have direct submission rights to your grading services, can I submit on behalf of my friends?

No. Your membership is valid for submissions of your collectibles ONLY. You may not submit on behalf of any third party.