Stacking Certifications: The Maximum Value Formula
In today’s market, a raw coin is worth significantly less than a certified coin. A certified coin is worth less than a CAC-approved certified coin. And certain combinations of certifications, designations, and pedigrees can multiply values exponentially. Understanding how to stack these elements creates maximum resale value.
The Certification Hierarchy
Not all certifications are equal. The market recognizes a clear hierarchy:
Tier 1: PCGS and NGC
These two services dominate the market. PCGS generally commands a 5-15% premium over NGC for classic U.S. coins, though this varies by series. For world coins and ancients, NGC often leads.
Tier 2: ANACS and ICG
Respected services with accurate grading, but coins in these holders typically sell at 10-20% discounts to PCGS/NGC equivalents. Many collectors crack and resubmit to Tier 1 services.
Tier 3: Other services
Numerous smaller services exist. Their coins often trade at raw-coin prices or require professional verification.
The CAC Multiplier
Adding CAC approval to a PCGS or NGC coin typically adds:
- Common dates: 10-15% premium
- Better dates: 15-25% premium
- Key dates: 25-40% premium
- Conditionally rare coins: 40-100%+ premium
A PCGS MS65 coin worth $500 becomes worth $575-$625 with CAC. A key date worth $10,000 might reach $13,000-$14,000 with the green bean.
Special Designations That Add Value
Strike designations:
- Full Bands (FB) on Mercury Dimes: 3-50x premium depending on date
- Full Head (FH) on Standing Liberty Quarters: 3-10x premium
- Full Bell Lines (FBL) on Franklin Halves: 2-5x premium
- Full Steps (FS) on Jefferson Nickels: 2-10x premium
Color designations (copper coins):
- Red (RD): Full original red color, maximum value
- Red-Brown (RB): Partial red, moderate premium
- Brown (BN): Fully toned, minimum premium
Cameo/Deep Cameo (Proof coins):
- Regular Proof: Base value
- Cameo (CAM): 50-100% premium
- Deep Cameo (DCAM)/Ultra Cameo: 100-300% premium
Plus Grades and Stars
PCGS + grades: Coins that grade slightly above their numeric grade receive + designation. An MS64+ is better than MS64 but didn’t quite make MS65. Premium: 20-40% over the base grade.
NGC Star designation: Recognizes exceptional eye appeal. Premium: 15-30% over non-star examples.
Pedigrees That Command Premium
Certain collection pedigrees add 10-100%+ to values:
- Eliasberg Collection: The most complete collection ever assembled
- Norweb Collection: Generations of careful curation
- Simpson Collection: Modern trophy collection with finest-known examples
- Battle Born Collection: Famous Carson City Morgan set
Even regional or specialized pedigrees can add value within their niches.
The Maximum Value Stack
The optimal certification stack for a classic U.S. coin:
- PCGS holder (premier service)
- Plus grade (+) if applicable
- Full strike designation (FB, FH, etc.) where applicable
- CAC green or gold sticker
- Notable pedigree
- Registry Set inclusion (finest known or top 10)
Example: A 1916-D Mercury Dime as “PCGS MS65+ FB CAC, ex-Simpson Collection” commands the absolute maximum market premium.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis
Building the stack costs money:
- PCGS grading: $30-$150+ per coin
- CAC submission: $10-$15 per coin
- Special designations: Often included in grading fee
- Pedigree: Purchased at acquisition
For a $100 coin, spending $50 on certification may not make sense. For a $10,000 coin, full certification potentially adds $2,000-$4,000 in value—excellent return.
When to Certify
Certification makes sense when:
- Coin value exceeds $100-$150
- You plan to sell within 5-10 years
- Coin may qualify for special designations
- You’re building a registry set
Skip certification when:
- Coins are common and low value
- You’re holding for personal enjoyment only
- The coin has obvious problems that will result in Details grade
The Market Reality
Today’s coin market heavily rewards certified, stickered, designated coins. A raw coin identical in every way to a PCGS MS65 CAC coin might sell for 40% less. This reality shapes buying and selling strategies for every serious collector.
Stack your certifications wisely, and your coins will command maximum value when it matters most.
