Coin grading is essential for ensuring a common language between buyers and sellers, as well as for confirming authenticity. Among the premier grading authorities, the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has introduced the star (★) designation, highlighting coins with exceptional eye appeal within their assigned grade.
What Is the NGC Star (★) Designation?
The NGC star (★) designation identifies coins that display exceptional eye appeal for their condition. Although eye appeal is subjective, numismatists recognize shared standards such as vibrant toning, intense luster, or strong cameo contrast in proof coins.
Understanding and Recognizing the Star Designation
Some coins within the same grade demonstrate greater beauty and are more attractive than others. The star designation is reserved for coins with superior eye appeal, regardless of whether they fall at the lower, mid-range, or higher end of their grade. While many labels and designations exist to sort graded coins based on specific lines, like the Full Steps strike character, star-designated coins focus solely on exceptional visual appeal.
Expanded Eligibility for Proof Coins
As of 2008, all U.S. coins except MS-70 and PR-70 graded coins are eligible for the star designation. Proof coins from 1936 to 1978 are particularly notable, as these earlier issues vary in cameo contrast. The star designation is applied to proof coins that:
- Do not meet cameo standards overall but still display noticeable cameo contrast on their obverses.
- Display matching obverse/reverse contrast that falls just short of cameo standards.
- Qualify for cameo designation but display ultra cameo contrast on the obverse.
- Qualify for ultra cameo designation but exceed NGC’s minimum standard for ultra cameo with exceptional intensity.
- Exhibit exceptionally attractive toning.
Criteria for the Star Designation
NGC evaluates all coins for Plus, Star, and strike characters during its normal grading process and assigns these designations automatically if warranted, without additional fees. Resubmission for star designation under NGC’s Designation Review service costs $10. Graders follow strict criteria when awarding the star designation:
Luster
Coins should exhibit full, vibrant luster to qualify for a Star designation. For untoned coins, there should be no distracting irregularities, spots, or blemishes on the planchet.
Toning
For coins that exhibit toning, the toning must enhance the eye appeal of the coin. Single or multicolored toning is acceptable, provided it does not obscure luster or include areas that are dark brown or black.
Cameo Contrast (Proof Coins)
Proof coins must display strong cameo or ultra cameo contrast, especially on the obverse. Coins just below the minimum threshold for contrast standard for cameo may still receive a star if they exhibit exceptional eye appeal.
Toned Proof Coins
Toned proof coins have to meet the criteria for vibrant and attractive toning. If there is any objection from graders during the quality control inspection, the coin will not receive a star designation.
Exceptional Untoned Proof Coins
Untoned proof coins may qualify for a star designation if they exhibit one or more of the following:
- Cameo contrast that is only found on the obverse.
- Subtle contrast on both the obverse and reverse that falls just short of the minimum standard for cameo.
- Ultra cameo designation with exceptional obverse contrast exceeding standard ultra cameo requirements.
Rarity and Value of Star-Designated Coins
The star designation is rare enough that fewer than 1% of eligible coins receive this designation. This rarity enhances their desirability among collectors since coins with the Star designation often command a premium—typically around 35% above their standard market value. For collectors and investors, this rarity and added appeal make star-designated coins both a visual delight and a valuable asset.
What Is the NGC Plus (+) Designation?
NGC assigns a + to coins at the high end of their assigned grade, which indicates that they approach the quality requirements for the next grade. For example, a coin graded PF-63+ Ultra Cameo is nearly equivalent to a PF-64 Ultra Cameo in quality. Coins with the + designation must also display above-average eye appeal.
What Coins are Eligible for the Plus Designation?
Coins graded from XF-45 to MS-68 or PF-45 to PF-68 may receive a +. Lower and higher-grade coins are not eligible. Additionally, this designation applies to U.S. coins from 1792 to date (excluding bullion and modern commemoratives) and to world coins struck before 1970.
Is There a PCGS Star Designation?
Professional Coin Grading Service’s (PCGS) grades and designations are often very similar to those used by NGC, except for certain strike characters and the terms used for proofs, as PCGS grades flawless proofs PF-70 instead of PR-70. However, there is not currently a PCGS Star designation, nor is there a designation used by PCGS that is equivalent to the Star designation.
