RGS Royal Grading Service

Details: Written by Super User; Category: Uncategorised; Created: 05 April 2022

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How to Get Coins Graded by RGS 2022 (The Definitive Guide)

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Contents

Is It Worth Getting Your Coin Graded by RGS?

RGS Grading Cost

How to Submit Your Coin To RGS

RGS Coin Grading Locations

How to Package Your Coin

Who to Send Your Coin to (RGS Grading Address)

How to get Coins graded for free by RGS?

RGS Grades Scale

Conclusion – You’re Ready to Have Your Coins Graded

RGS, shorthand for Royal Grading Service, is a premier brand in coin grading. It offers a wide array of valuable services including:

Single coin grading
Coin authentication
Price appraisals
More

For our purposes, we’re delving into how RGS conducts its coin grading process. The more familiar you are with this process and its benefits, the better equipped you’ll be to submit your own Coins to RGS for grades and appraisals.

Is It Worth Getting Your Coin Graded by RGS?

If you believe that you have a potential high-value coin, then it is probably worth submitting the coin to receive an RGS grade.

Having the RGS stamp of approval does the following:

Allows you to know that your coin is authentic and is in good condition
Increases your coin’s resale value
Allows you to enter your coin on the RGS Registry
Let potential buyers know that your coin is authentic
Provides an official metric for the quality of your coin
Allows you to compete with other sellers who have had similar Coins graded by RGS
Entitles you to the RGS storage case, one of the most effective ways to protect and display your coins

Do some research on the coin you are considering having. If it is a coin valuable enough and in good enough condition, having the RGS stamp of approval could be very much worth the cost

RGS Grading Cost

The cost of having your coin graded depends on the Declared Value of your coin. This is the value that you believe your coin will fetch after it receives a RGS grade. Prices are as follows:

$20 per coin for Coins valued at $499 or less, with a ten-coin submission minimum
$50 per coin for Coins valued between $500 and $999
$75 per coin for Coins valued between $1,000 and $2,499
$150 per coin for Coins valued between $2,500 and $4,999
$300 per coin for Coins valued between $5,000 and $9,999

Valuation of Coins with a Declared Value of $10,000 or more qualify for RGS’s Premium grading options. These options cost $500 + 1% of the declared value of the coin.

How to Submit Your Coin To RGS

Your first step is to visit RGScoins.com. In the upper righthand corner of the site, you’ll see a “Submit” (you can’t miss it).

Once you click the button, you’ll be brought to a Sign-In screen. If you don’t already have an RGS account, you’ll need to create one.

Following your sign in, you’ll fill out the following information:

The type of item you are submitting (Ancient, Canadian, American, British or world coin)
The service you are requesting (grading, regrading, authenticity review, appraisal or reholder)
The Declared Value of the coin(s) you are submitting
A description of each coin that you are submitting
Your shipping and billing information

And with this, you’re ready to submit your coin to RGS for an official grade, or whichever service you are seeking.

RGS Coin Grading Locations

An RGS Dealer can assist with getting your coin ready for grading or can further help you with the grading process in person.

Please visit the contact us page to find a location near you.

The RGS Grading headquarters is based at 294 Wildcat Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J 2O4

RGS Grading phone number?: 1-833-ROAYL-G-S

The RGS Grading landing page can be found at www.RGScoins.com.

Concepts to Understand Before Submitting Your Coin

RGS points out frequent points of confusion for those submitting Coins for grading. To help the grading process go as smoothly as possible, you may want to research two concepts in particular:

Minimum Grade
Declared Value

Like so many things in life, these concepts are easy enough to understand with the proper guidance. These explainers from RGS should help tremendously.

Steps to Take Before Sending Your Coin In

RGS requires you to include two copies of your completed submission form with the coin(s) that you are mailing in. Go ahead and print three copies, two to be included in the package and one for your own records.

You may also choose to utilize one of the methods for cleaning your Coins without damaging them. Doing so requires immense care, and may not be worth doing if you are concerned that you could damage the coin in any way.

How to Package Your Coin

RGS recommends storing each coin in a flexible coin pouch and then placing the coin in a tougher, semi-rigid plastic sleeve. It explicitly states that you should not use screw-down or snap cases, as doing so can delay the time it takes for you to receive a grade.

Stack your Coins (within their plastic sleeves) on top of each other. Place a piece of coinboard at the bottom of the pile. The coinboard barrier should be slightly larger than the size of your coins.

The coin at the top of the stack should correspond with the first item on your coin submission form. If your Coins are not in proper order, RGS reserves the right of shipping your items back to you without a refund for the cost of shipping.

Place another coinboard barrier on top of your stack. At this point, your stack should be encapsulated by coinboard barriers on top and bottom.

Keep the Coins in place by wrapping rubber bands around the stack. Use the Goldy Locks method—not too tight, not too loose.

Place your stack of Coins in bubble wrap, packing popcorn, or other materials that prevent movement within a coinboard box. Remember to include two paper copies of your submission form. Seal the box, apply the shipping label, and also apply the Submission ID label that RGS will provide you.

Drop the package off at your shipper of choice (use the shipping method you choose through the RGS website), and wait anxiously for your Coins to be graded.

Who to Send Your Coin to (RGS Grading Address)

RGS operates out of Toronto, Canada. At the risk of providing information that is not specific to you, you should use the shipping address and method that matches the official RGS submission page.

Addresses and shipping methods may be subject to change with time. International submissions may also require unique shipping methods. Use the most current, personalized information when shipping your Coins to RGS.

How the Grading Process Generally Works / How Long It Takes

The level of service that you select, which is generally dependent on the value of the Coins that you submit, will impact how long it takes to grade your coin.

RGS will notify you via email when it has received your coin. It will then:

Enter your order into its grading system database
Generate specific order numbers for your coins
Update your Orders page with additional details about your submissions
Notify you of any errors or issues with your order (if such issues exist)
Apply stickers to each coin, which allow RGS (and you) to track the progress of your grades
Generate an estimated due date for your order
Research each of your Coins to ensure accuracy, then send you an email confirming that each coin has been researched and confirmed as accurate
Inform you of any errors or of Coins that are not eligible for grading
Grade your coins
Generate an official RGS Certified Label for each eligible coin
Seal your coin and RGS Label in the capsule
Re-review your coin and grade for accuracy
Confirm your return shipping information
Return your coin to you

There is no way to accurately say how long it will take to grade your coin. There are several variables. Once your coin is received by RGS, order updates will be the surest way to project when the grading process will be completed.

Criteria RGS Uses to Grade Your Coin

Your coin is considered perfect until flaws come into play. Flaws that could decrease the grade of your coin include:

Numerical grades for uncirculated coins

#	Grade	Grade code	Description^[5]
60	Mint State 60	MS60	Unattractive, dull or washed-out, mint luster typify this coin. There may be many large detracting contact marks (bag nicks), or damage spots, but absolutely no trace of wear. There could be a heavy concentration of hairlines (minute scratches to a coin’s surface), or unattractive large areas of scuff-marks. Rim nicks may be present, and eye appeal is very poor. Copper coins may be dark, dull and spotted.
61	Mint State 61	MS61	Mint luster may be diminished or noticeably impaired, and the surface has clusters of small contact marks throughout. Hairlines could be very noticeable. Scuff-marks may show as unattractive patches on large areas or major features. Small rim nicks, striking or planchet defects may show, and the quality may be noticeably poor. Eye appeal is unattractive. Copper pieces will be generally dull, dark and possibly spotted.
62	Mint State 62	MS62	Impaired or dull luster may be evident. Clusters of small marks may be present throughout with a few large marks or bag nicks in prime focal areas. Hairlines may be very noticeable. Large unattractive scuff-marks might be seen on major features. The strike, rim and planchet quality may be noticeably below average. Overall eye-appeal is generally acceptable. Copper coins will show a diminished color and tone.
63	Mint State 63	MS63	Mint luster may be slightly impaired. Numerous small contact marks, and a few scattered, heavy marks may be seen. Small hairlines are visible without magnification. Several detracting scuff marks or defects may be present throughout the design or in the fields. The general quality is average, but overall, the coin is rather attractive. Copper pieces may be darkened or dull.
64	Mint State 64	MS64	Coin has good, overall average luster and even strike for the type. Several small contact marks in groups, as well as one or two moderately heavy marks may be present. One or two small patches of hairlines may show under low, (3-4x) magnification. Noticeable, light, scuff marks or defects may be seen within the design or in the field. Attractive overall quality with a pleasing eye appeal. Copper coins may be slightly dull.
65	Mint State 65	MS65	Coin shows an attractive high quality of luster and strike for the date and originating mint. A few, small, scattered, contact marks, or two larger marks may be present, and one or two small patches of hairlines may show under (5x+) magnification. Noticeable, light, scuff marks may show on the highest points of the design features. Overall quality is above average and eye appeal is very pleasing. Copper coins have full luster with original or darkened color.
66	Mint State 66	MS66	Coin has above average quality of strike and full original mint luster, with no more than two or three minor, but noticeable, contact marks. A few very light hairlines may show under (6x+) magnification, or there may be one or two light, scuff marks showing on frosted surfaces or in the field. The eye appeal must be above average and very pleasing for the date and originating mint. Copper coins display full original or lightly toned color.
67	Mint State 67	MS67	Coin has a sharp strike with full, original luster, May have three or four very small contact marks and a single, more noticeable, but not detracting mark. On comparable coins, one or two small single hairlines may show under (6x+) magnification, or one or two partially hidden scuff marks or flaws may be present. Eye appeal is exceptional. Copper coins have lustrous original color.
68	Mint State 68	MS68	Coin has a sharp strike with full original luster, with no more than four, lightly-scattered, contact marks or flaws. No hairlines or scuff marks show. Copper coins have lustrous original color. Eye appeal is exceptional.
69	Mint State 69	MS69	Coin has a sharp strike with full original luster, with no more than two small non-detracting contact marks or flaws. No hairlines or scuff marks are visible. Eye appeal is exceptional.
70	Mint State 70	MS70	The perfect coin, as minted. Has no trace of wear, handling, scratches or contact with other coins from a (5x) magnification. Coins in this grade are almost non-existent in older coins with very few examples known. Copper coins are bright with full original color and luster. Eye appeal is exceptional.

Proof coins

Like circulated grades, proof coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70. Proof coins graded 60 to 70 are mirrored to those of Uncirculated grades with the difference that the coin was not made for circulation. Proof coins with the grade of PR-63 are sometimes called "Choice Proofs".^[26] Proof coins that are below the grade of 60 and show signs of circulation or mishandling have been classified as Impaired Proofs, these are not included alongside circulated coins as they were never issued or intended for circulation in the first place.^[27]

#	Grade	Grade code(s)	Description
1 - 59	Impaired Proof	PR-45	Grades for impaired proofs mirror those for circulated grades.
60	Proof	PR, PR-60	Grade mirrors uncirculated grade. (See chart in above section)
63	Proof	PR-63	Grade mirrors uncirculated grade.
65	Proof	PR-65	Grade mirrors uncirculated grade.
67	Proof	PR-67	Grade mirrors uncirculated grade.
70	Proof	PR-70	Grade mirrors uncirculated grade.

Detracting coins

The following table shows coins that have detracting features. Coin dealers will normally grade these coins at or below the ones shown for that respective type, the grades here depend on how bad the issue or issues are.^[28] Grading services typically label these coins as "authentic" with x grade "details" (ex: "EF details"). Coins that are uncirculated as mentioned above can not go below an MS-60 grade.

Type^[28]	Grade usually given^[28]	Description
Adjustment Marks	MS66 and lower	These include mostly early coins, excess metal (such as silver and gold) was cut from overweight coins to conform to weight laws.
Planchet defects	MS65 and lower	Planchet defects are caused by flaws in a coin's metal before it was struck. Some examples include; die cracks or lamination.
Striking defects	MS64 and lower	Examples include coins that are struck off center, have porosity, color impurity, or are weakly struck. The issue or issues are dependent on severity, and the resulting grade is caused by the "reality of the market".^[7] (see entry below)
Unattractive toning	MS64 and lower	Depending on conditions. Coins that have very low eye appeal will be affected as the market value of these coins cannot warrant a higher grade.^[29]
Carbon streaks	MS64 and lower	Carbon streaks are a flaw caused by environmental conditions. Some contributing factors include coin storage in a damp place, or exposure to cigar or cigarette smoke.^[30]
Fingermarks	MS63 and lower	Oils exist in human fingerprints which can leave marks on the surface of a coin. These marks are usually the result of mishandling.
PVC damage	MS63 and lower	Improperly stored coins in vinyl 2x2 flips, older albums, and coin holders. Green and gray streaks and/or spots appear on the surface of an affected coin.^[31]
Black spots	MS63 and lower	Also known as sulfur spots, these coins are given dark brown to black spots by sulfur in the environment. These black spots have also been incorrectly dubbed as carbon spots, but carbon does not contribute to oxidation.^[32]
Slide marks (aka "rub")	MS63 and lower	Slide marks are caused by improperly placing a coin into an album that contains plastic strip slides. The marks are given as the plastic slides or rubs across the surface of a given coin.
Overdipping	MS62 and lower	These coins were dipped into a dilute acid solution too many times which stripped the coin's surface of luster.^[33]
Cleaning marks	MS62 and lower	See: Cleaning (coinage)
Corrosion spots	MS62 and lower	Copper coins can turn green, while silver coins turn black from oxidation.
Wear	AU58 and lower	By definition an uncirculated coin will show no trace of wear.
Whizzing	AU50 and lower	These coins were gone over with a metal or wire brush to "enhance" the uncirculated details. Whizzing causes wear to the surface of the coin which lowers the grade to "circulated" status.

These are the primary criteria that RGS uses to grade coins, including any that you submit.

Conclusion – You’re Ready to Have Your Coins Graded

Should you choose RGS as your coin grading service of choice, you now have the information you need to get the process started.

Details: Written by Super User; Category: Uncategorised; Created: 28 April 2015

Details: Written by Super User; Category: Uncategorised; Created: 28 April 2015

Details: Written by Super User; Category: Uncategorised; Created: 28 April 2015

Details: Written by Super User; Category: Uncategorised; Created: 28 April 2015