Banknotes and coins grading
Banknote or coin certification process.
When a shipment of banknotes or coins arrives at our workshop, we activate a rigorous protocol to ensure that each collectible is certified with care and professionalism. First, we check that what the client has described on the delivery note (https://ncvgrading.com/orders/) is actually in the package that accompanies it and that all the banknotes or coins indicated in said document are already at NCV Grading’s facilities. Once the accuracy of the client’s description has been confirmed, we photograph each collectible in high definition.Next, we carry out an authenticity check and check the pick or km. NCV will only grade original banknotes and coins except in rare cases when a replica or a valuable document has a special appeal for the collector and requests it.
Here we carry out an initial analysis to determine its state of conservation and grade. We will repeat this analysis a second time before finally grading it.
Then, we encapsulate the banknote or coin with cutting-edge materials that will offer a guarantee of optimal protection. We also generate a label detailing all its characteristics.
Before giving it the final approval, we examine it once again and, now, we add your data and some photographs to the NCV Grading certificate registry.
And finally, after passing all these controls, the already encapsulated collectibles are carefully prepared for shipping and enjoyment.
NCV Grading Banknote Scale
We cannot conceive of certifying a banknote without using the utmost rigor. That is why at NCV Grading we go far beyond a simple analysis of the state of preservation of the banknotes entrusted to us by our clients. In our scale, based on the Sheldon scale, we take into account both the quality of the printing and the original state of the paper. Thus we give these characteristics a score of 1, 2 or 3 stars, ranging from least to most excellent.
TQP: Top quality paper. They will be assigned the letters TQP (Top Quality Paper). These are copies in all their splendor and totally original. Therefore, no type of chemical or mechanical manipulation will be observed and they will have a special appeal. Intense colors. Appreciable reliefs and finish.
1 Star: Paper with a lot of wear. The banknote has clear signs of not having been cared for. Tears, fissures and rounded points will be visible to the naked eye. It may have been manipulated.
2 Stars: It has imperfections that will make it lose the TQP. Significant visible and/or hidden stains, tiny perforations, microperforations, etc. It may have been manipulated, losing its reliefs and/or size.
3 Stars (TQP). The banknote is in its original state with no detected manipulation. It will have all its size and reliefs.
When we see a banknote that has been restored, we indicate this on the back of the label: an ‘R’ (Minor repairs) will appear in the case of professional, quality and low-intensity work, or an ‘R+’ (Repaired) if the restoration is of a large scale.
Let’s see what our scale consists of and what each grade means:
Degree 70. Uncirculated premium.
The excellence of the grade. There is no type of incidence nor can it be in better condition. Banknotes with a score of 70 will always have 3 stars in their paper quality and there will be no signs of manipulation. Focused on their design and extremely attractive. This grade is rarely achieved because it implies perfection in both design and conservation. Having a 70 is having a jewel.
Degree 69. Uncirculated premium.
Without any manipulation incidents perceptible to the naked eye and bordering on perfection. It may be slightly off-centre, being practically unnoticeable, or have a minimal incident not visible to the naked eye. Almost perfect banknote.
Degree 68. Uncirculated premium.
You can see minimal, almost unnoticeable incidents. It may be slightly off-centre. Very attractive.
Degree 67. Choice Uncirculated.
It may have some minor issues and/or its design may be slightly off-center, although it is above average in terms of preservation. Very attractive.
Degree 66 . Choice Uncirculated.
Banknote with very slight damage and/or off-centre. Demerits that cause it to lose the higher grades. It will be an attractive banknote in excellent condition.
Degree 65. Choice Uncirculated.
The banknote may have very minor incidents or accidents. It may be off-centre but it is still of exceptional quality and very attractive.
- Banknotes that do not reach 3 stars in their classification of originality and paper quality will reach a maximum grade of 65. They will have defects that make them lose the TQP such as stains, microperforations, missing reliefs, dull colors, etc….
- Banknotes that are repaired and classified with an R or R+ on the back of the label will have a maximum grade of 62 and, obviously, will lose the 3 stars of the paper rating. They will never have the TQP (Top Quality Paper).
Degree 64. Uncirculated.
Uncirculated. Banknote with 3 or more incidents of light impact. It may be off-center. No central fold or crease. It may have some damage to the edges and/or margins. It has not lost its attractiveness.
Degree 63. Uncirculated.
Uncirculated. Banknote with several incidents that make it lose the higher grades. It may be very off-centre. Visually appealing. No folds or creases in the centres. It may have incidents in the peaks and/or margins that do not allow it to be classified in higher grades. It retains its visual appeal.
Degree 62. Uncirculated.
The banknote has not entered circulation. There are some defects in the margins and/or creases that make it reach this grade. There are no significant creases or folds, but there may be minor defects.
Degree 60. Uncirculated.
A banknote with incidents that has not been circulated. There may be damage to the points, counting marks, tiny pressure marks, staples or pores. There are no folds or significant creases, but the existing incidents mean that it is classified in this grade. Without losing its attractiveness and not having circulated, it will have multiple low-impact incidents.
Degree 58. Choice About Unc.
Very attractive banknote. Often the fact that one or two very light folds are observed on the design makes it qualify in this grade. At first glance it may seem to be a higher grade but a thorough analysis shows evidence to graduate it in this level without losing its attractiveness. Excellent conservation. Consistent and very whole paper.
Degree 55. About uncirculated.
It is common in this grade to have a slightly marked crease and/or two very light creases. These are visible problems that do not stop the paper from being visually attractive, with a shiny and consistent paper. There are no serious problems that would cause it to be lowered to a lower grade. There may be some light stains or some dirt.
Degree 53. About Uncirculated.
Banknote with a medium-intensity fold and/or two light folds, and/or accidents on the edges that give it this grade. The paper may have some dirt or low-intensity stains. It is still a beautiful example with shine and consistency.
Degree 50. About Uncirculated.
Banknote with a medium-intensity fold and/or two folds that are slightly more pronounced than the higher grades. Accidents can be observed in the peaks and/or low-intensity stains. It has not lost its visual appeal and is in very good condition. It retains its shine and consistent paper. Attractive.
Degree 45. Choice Extremely Fine.
Banknote that may present several folds that are not necessarily obvious but exist. Sometimes it has a visual appeal that is not related to the grade awarded, but in the detailed analysis incidents and/or accidents have been detected. Stains or dirt may be observed. Attractive and in excellent condition.
Degree 40. Extremely Fine.
Banknotes that may have 3 obvious folds of medium intensity that make it have this grade without ceasing to be attractive. The banknote retains its attractiveness and some shine but has incidents/accidents from having been in circulation. It may have slightly rounded or folded corners, wrinkles, medium intensity stains, micro cracks and/or pores from having been in circulation that do not make it qualify for higher grades. Consistent paper that may have some dirt. It retains visual appeal.
Degree 35. Choice Very Fine.
The banknote will have some minor damage due to having been in circulation. It is obvious that any damage/damage has an impact on its original condition. Stains of moderate intensity and dirt can be observed. It may have 4 or 5 folds without losing its attractiveness. Very low-impact fissures or microcracks can often be found. Visually attractive.
Degree 30. Very Fine.
Folds and moderate, but not significant, dirt are observed, which does not allow it to have higher grades. Consistent paper. Clear evidence of circulation, while remaining attractive. Cracks or microcracks may be observed.
Degree 25. Very Fine.
Moderate dirt and numerous folds. No serious incidents or accidents. The paper may not be completely consistent and cracks may be observed. The existing incidents do not allow it to be in higher grades. They may have 6 to 10 folds of varying degrees without serious damage but obvious incidents and/or accidents.
Degree 20. Very Fine.
Light soiling and numerous creases/accidents. No very serious incidents. But it may have multiple incidents/accidents. It is very possible that it has worn corners and small cracks. The paper will have lost consistency and will have obvious signs of having been in circulation.
Degree 15. Fine.
Numerous folds, accidents and incidents of medium/high intensity. Banknote with obvious wear from having been in circulation. Paper that maintains low original consistency and hardness, making it obvious that it has been in intensive circulation. The banknote is visually attractive but may have stains and dirt. It is possible that cracks and/or missing paper may be observed.
Degree 12. Fine.
Banknote with clear signs of having been in circulation. Folds, stains, damaged edges, and cracks will be present. The paper will retain low hardness and consistency. It may have small holes without major tears or significant paper losses.
Degree 10. Very Good.
Heavy stains, multiple accidents, significant number and size of folds, weak paper, worn edges and/or creases, and small fissures or cracks. Clear evidence of heavy circulation.
Degree 8. Very Good.
In this grade, the banknote will have soft and/or dirty paper. It may have cracks, rounded corners and considerable stains. Numerous accidents and/or incidents.
Degree 6. Good.
Serious circulation incidents. Numerous folds. Banknotes with little visual appeal. Heavily circulated. Cuts, cracks, fissures, microfissures, worn points and intense stains. Weakness in the paper. This grade will be assigned to banknotes that cannot reach Vey Good due to their numerous incidents/accidents.
NCV Grading Coin Scale
As with the certification of banknotes, the rigor of our operating protocol is essential for us. Therefore, when we receive a shipment of coins to be certified, the first thing we check is that what the client has described on the delivery note is exactly what has arrived at our facilities. Then, we proceed to photograph each collectible in high definition. Next, we carry out an authenticity check. In a first examination, we will grant the state of conservation and, after a second analysis, we will grade the coin definitively. Afterwards, we encapsulate it with all the guarantees using cutting-edge materials and technology, providing it with optimal protection. The label we generate will contain all the details of the grading. Once the capsule has been sealed and the coin has been protected, we will check it once more to ensure that everything is in order. This is when we will add it, along with its photographs and relevant information, to the NCV Grading certificate register. Finally, the encapsulated coins are carefully prepared for shipment.NCV Grading scale for coins
The thorough analysis of each coin and our scale based on the internationally recognised Sheldon scale allow us to work with the utmost guarantee and rigour. We do much more than an analysis of the state of conservation. We also analyse both the quality of the minting and the state of the original shine.NCV Grading reserves the right to refrain from encapsulating and/or grading coins sent for the following reasons:
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Manipulation.
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Incidents.
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Alterations.
When any type of incident is detected on the coin being studied, an “I” will be indicated on the label and a grade may or may not be awarded depending on the case.
MS 70. Uncirculated premium.
The excellence of the grade. There is no type of incidence nor can it be in better condition. Coins with a grade of 70 will be without any signs of circulation, marks or scratches and with a minimum of 90% of their original brilliance. This grade is rarely achieved because it implies perfection. Having a grade of 70 is like having a jewel.
MS 69. Uncirculated premium.
No more than two/three minor incidents of very low intensity. Original brightness almost complete, minimum 85%. Condition bordering on perfection. It may have very small scratches or almost imperceptible marks. Coin bordering on perfection. Exceptional visual appeal and minting.
MS 68. Uncirculated plus
Some very small incidents can be observed, which are practically invisible to the naked eye. Maximum 6 and of very low intensity. No significant incidents are shown. Very attractive and showy. Sharp angles and above average minting. Complete and original shine of at least 85%.
MS 67. Uncirculated plus
It may have a number of minor incidents. No more than 8 of very low impact. Very attractive. Its angles will be sharp and the minting excellent. The original shine will also be one of its characteristics, being at least 80%. It will be above average in visual appeal.
MS 66 . Uncirculated plus.
The coin has excellent minting quality, a minimum of 70% luster and sharp edges. Some very small scratches. Very attractive and eye-catching.
MS 65. Uncirculated plus.
There may be very light scratches and marks, no more than 10 of very low intensity. Not visible to the naked eye. The shine will be of high quality and at least 60% original. The quality of the minting will be above average. Its profiles are sharp.
MS 64. Choice Uncirculated.
The shine of the coin is at least 50%. It may have marks or scratches without being serious incidents. Visually attractive. Very sharp edges.
MS 63. Choice Uncirculated.
Uncirculated coin with subtle defects that make it lose its higher grades. It may have small scratches and/or light marks. Very attractive to the eye. The shine may be dull.
MS 62. Uncirculated. Sin circular.
The coin has not entered circulation. There are some defects on the edge or relief that make it reach this grade. There are no major dents or scratches, but there may be minor defects. The shine may be dull.
MS 61. Uncirculated. Sin circular.
The coin has not circulated. There are some incidents that make it reach this grade. There may be minimal marks on the edge, field or legends or minimal scratches. There is no wear and it retains its original luster, although it may be poor.
MS 60. Uncirculated. Sin circular.
A coin with no signs of wear. There may be minor edge damage or tiny scratches. The existing incidents cause it to be classified in this grade. It may have a poor luster.
AU 58. Choice About Unc.
A striking coin. Often the fact that there are some signs of wear or minor damage on the upper parts causes it to be classified in this grade. At first glance it may seem to be a higher grade, but a careful analysis shows evidence that it should be graded in this grade without losing its appeal. Nice original shine, but it can be seen as poor. Extraordinary sharpness in the details. Excellent state of conservation. Some corners may be sharp.
AU 55. About uncirculated.
Very slight wear on the upper parts of the coin's reliefs. Excellent sharpness in its details. Incidents that do not make it lose its attractiveness. It retains its original shine and excellent minting. It does not have serious incidents that would make it drop to lower grades.
AU 53. About Uncirculated.
Coin with slight wear in various parts and/or incidents. Minimal scratches, very low intensity impacts or tiny marks may be present. Very good preservation and sharpness in details. It retains at least 50% of its original shine. Attractive.
AU 50. About Uncirculated.
This coin may show slight wear in various parts and/or slightly more pronounced marks than in higher grades. Minimal scratches, very low intensity bumps or tiny marks may be present. It has not lost its appeal and is in very good condition. It retains at least 50% of its original shine. It is attractive and has very good sharpness in the details.
XF 45. Choice Extremely Fine.
Coin with wear mainly in the upper parts of its reliefs. Sometimes it has an attractiveness and showiness that is not related to the grade awarded, but in the detailed analysis slight wear and minor incidents have been detected. Scratches, tiny bumps and light marks can be observed. With excellent conservation all its details are clear. It may retain part of its original shine.
XF 40. Extremely Fine.
A coin with all its details sharp, which may have 3 obvious medium-intensity incidents that give it this grade. It is still attractive and very visually appealing. Marks, scratches and blows of medium intensity may be present without being too pronounced. It may retain some of its original shine.
VF 35. Very Fine.
The coin will have obvious damage from having been in circulation. It is obvious that its accidents/incidents impact its original state of conservation, but all parts of the coin are visible and its details are clear. It has not lost its appeal. It is still in very good condition and may retain traces of its original shine.
VF 30. Very Fine.
Moderate but significant incidents are observed, which do not allow it to have higher grades. All parts of the coin will be visible. Clear evidence of circulation and wear, while remaining attractive. It may have traces of original shine.
VF 25. Very Fine.
No serious incidents or accidents. The existing incidents do not allow it to be in higher grades, but all parts of the coin are visible. The design is mostly complete. It may have scratches, bumps and marks, but they are not too pronounced. It retains some sharpness in its details.
VF 20. Very Fine.
It may present multiple incidents/accidents of varying severity. The metal will have completely lost its original shine and will have obvious signs of having been in circulation. Scratches, marks and bumps may appear visible to the naked eye. Reliefs are evidently worn.
F 15. Fine.
Numerous incidents of medium/high intensity. Coin with clear wear from having been in circulation and incidents. The metal has lost its original shine and it is obvious to the naked eye that it has been in intensive circulation and may have marks, scratches and bumps. Low sharpness in details.
F 12. Fine.
Areas of the coin are shown with a lot of wear but are faintly visible or have disappeared. Some details have disappeared. Scratches, marks and dents may be visible. Lacks luster.
VG 10. Very Good.
Clear signs of having been used intensively. Wear and tear that do not allow it to be placed in higher grades. Scratches and dents are common in this grade. Lacks shine and some reliefs may have disappeared or may not be sharp.
VG 8. Very Good.
At this grade, the coin will have numerous wear and/or incidents. Numerous accidents. Smooth areas with a lot of wear. No shine.
G 6. Good.
Serious circulation marks and wear. Unattractive. Very circulated with completely smooth areas without any relief, bumps and scratches can be observed. This grade will be assigned to coins that cannot reach Very Good/BC- due to their numerous marks and wear. Lacks original shine.
G 4. Good.
Numerous incidents and/or wear on the coin. The design is visible but has disappeared in some areas. Completely smooth areas can be observed due to wear, scratches and knocks that do not allow it to exceed this grade in its grading. Visually unattractive. It does not show any shine.
When it comes to copper coins NCV Grading will grade their color with RO, RM or RP.
RO = A coin with red mint shine.
RM = A coin with a mix of red luster and brown patina.
RP = A coin with complete or almost complete brown patina.