In coin grading, a details grade is assigned to coins with significant imperfections that prevent them from receiving a standard numerical grade. This system provides transparency while allowing collectors and dealers to make informed purchasing and selling decisions.
It is essential to explore how major grading organizations like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) approach these assessments.
The Evolution of Details Grading
Coin grading has evolved over time. Initially, grading services would return problem coins to submitters without a grade, a practice known as “body bagging.” This left some collectors uncertain about their coin’s authenticity and condition. Recognizing the need for greater clarity, grading services like PCGS and NGC introduced details grading, which allows coins with certain issues to be encapsulated and certified.
By implementing details grading, they ensured that collectors would receive essential information about a coin’s flaws while still confirming its authenticity. This shift in grading methodology has improved market confidence and provided buyers with clearer insights.
Issues Leading to a Details Grade
Coins receive a details grade when they exhibit specific flaws that affect their overall condition, such as:
Cleaning
Coins that have been cleaned or polished often receive a details grade. Cleaning removes tiny bits from the coin’s surface and alters its appearance, significantly impacting its value.
Scratches and Damage
Prominent scratches, rim damage, or other physical alterations can lead to a details grade, as these imperfections detract from a coin’s historical integrity and appeal.
Environmental Damage
Exposure to corrosive environments, excessive toning, or verdigris can result in a details grade. Coins stored in high humidity or reactive materials are particularly vulnerable and neither major grading organization will grade coins with PVC damage.
Altered Surfaces
The application of substances like wax, putty, or lacquer to a coin’s surface can result in a details grade, as these treatments may be used to hide flaws or artificially enhance a coin’s appearance.
Planchet Flaws
Significant flaws in the coin’s planchet, such as cracks or laminations, can also lead to a details grade. These defects are often inherent to the minting process and impact the coin’s structural integrity.
Details Grading: NGC vs. PCGS
Both NGC and PCGS assign details grades, but they differ in their methodologies and grading scales.
NGC Details Grading
NGC assigns a details grade to coins with surface issues that preclude them from receiving a standard numerical grade. While numerical grades are not utilized, adjectival grades like VF (Very Fine) or XF (Extremely Fine) are still employed, which help collectors assess the wear of a coin. The details grade includes a brief description of the underlying issues behind the designation, as well as confirmation of a coin’s authenticity.
The details grade may be applied for the following:
- Improperly Cleaned – Harsh cleaning or polishing.
- Scratched – Prominent scratches or marks.
- Environmental Damage – Corrosion, excessive toning, or verdigris.
- Altered Surfaces – Wax, putty, or lacquer applied.
- Planchet Flaws – Structural imperfections in the planchet.
PCGS Details Grading
PCGS employs details grades for coins that exhibit issues that prevent them from receiving a numerical grade. While NGC still utilizes adjectival grades for details coins, PCGS does not. PCGS will provide a brief description of the root cause of the details grade and confirm a coin’s authenticity.
PCGS uses similar terms to describe the nature of the details designation:
- Cleaned – Harsh cleaning or polishing.
- Scratched – Prominent scratches or marks.
- Environmental Damage – Corrosion, excessive toning, or verdigris.
- Altered Surfaces – Wax, putty, or lacquer applied.
- Planchet Flaws – Structural imperfections in the planchet.
Key Differences
- Grading Scale – NGC uses adjectival grades (e.g., VG Details, XF Details), while PCGS only describes the issue.
- Terminology – Both services use similar terms but present them differently.
- Market Perception – Differences in grading scales may affect how collectors and dealers assess a coin’s value.
The details designation serves a crucial role in ensuring transparency while allowing problem coins to be authenticated and encapsulated. Both PCGS and NGC employ this system, with slight differences in grading methodology. Although details graded coins are often valued lower than their problem-free counterparts, they remain relevant for collectors and investors alike.
