Terms And Initials Used For Coin Collecting Grading

Just like with any hobby, the coin collecting world has a vocabulary all its own.

The many terms, organizations and grading standards used in coin collecting grading can be confusing at first.

If you’re interested in getting involved, you’ll have to know what all the initials mean to carry on a coherent conversation!

Below are few coin collecting grading terms and initials.

The Grading Agencies

Coin collecting grading is a big part of the collecting business, because the grade dictates the selling price. Having a standard coin collecting grading system is crucial to being able to value coins and give them a fair market value. Several agencies are generally recognized by coin collectors the world over.

Here are a few coin collecting grading systems:

ANACS – American Numismatic Association Certification Service

An offshoot of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the ANACS offers unbiased grading services for coin collectors. They offer a “per coin” price, and even provide an express two-day service for an extra charge.

ICGS – Independent Coin Grading Service

This coin evaluation service offers a collectors club for its customers, with lots of resources on coins.

NGC – Numismatic Guarantee Corporation

Since 1987, NGC has been offering coin collecting grading services with the aim of consistency and impartiality. Coin collecting grading is based on both its rarity and its overall condition.

NTC – Numistrust Corporation

Independent coin collecting grading service that is available to both dealers and private collectors and hobbyists.

PCGS – Professional Coin Grading Service

One of the first independent coin collecting grading services, their website also offers a wealth of useful information for serious investment collectors and hobbyists alike.

PCI – Photo-certified Coin Institute

PCI offers grading services for both United States and foreign coins, as well as a special service for damaged corroded coins.

SEGS – Sovereign Entities Grading Service

Specializing in rare coin collecting grading, this firm offers a pre-screening service as well as a resubmission service for grading verification.

The Collectors and Dealers

Some of the big players in the coin collecting world are:

ANA – American Numismatic Association

EAC – Early American Coppers, Inc.

FRNS – Fellow of Royal Numismatic Society

PNG – Professional Numismatists Guild

RNS – Royal Numismatic Society

The Coin Conditions

Here are some terms that are used in describing various coin conditions and mintages:

AGW – Actual Gold Weight

ASW – Actual Silver Weight

BM – Branch Mint (any U.S. mint besides Philadelphia)

BV – Bullion Value

DC or DCAM – Deep Cameo (a proof of high grade)

DMPL – Deep Mirror Proof-Like (having shiny fields much like a proof coin)

FDC – Fleur-De-Coin (without any scratches or wear; perfectly flawless)

N/D or ND – No Date (on coin or note)

NC – Not Collectable (almost completely unique coin)

US Mint Marks

All coins minted in the US, with the exceptions of some historic errors, will contain a Mint Mark that designates which US Mint produced that particular coin. There are four US Mint Marks:

P – Philadelphia Mint, which went into production in 1792

D – Denver Mint, commissioned into service in 1906

S – San Francisco Mint, which often produces proof sets

W – West Point Mint, from which US gold coins are minted

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