Certified Rare Coins

A certified rare coin is a coin that has been authenticated, graded, and encapsulated (“slabbed”) by a professional third-party grading service such as NGC, PCGS or CAC. Certification confirms the coin is genuine, assigns it an industry-standard grade, and seals it in tamper-evident plastic, helping buyers know the exact quality and value of the coin they are purchasing.

Certified coins offer trusted authentication, consistent grading, stronger resale value, and greater market liquidity. Uncertified coins require expert judgment and come with higher risk of counterfeit or misgraded pieces. Certification provides transparency and confidence for both buyers and sellers.

You can verify authenticity by entering the certification number on the official PCGS or NGC website. Each coin has a unique certification ID that links to photos, grade details, and metadata. Always ensure the slab has intact seals and no evidence of tampering.

Both PCGS and NGC are industry leaders. Ultimately, coins certified by either company are trusted, and the choice often comes down to collector preference.

Value is influenced by:

Rarity and mintage
Condition/grade
Demand in the current market
Historical significance
Metal content
Provenance (ownership history)
Higher-grade certified coins generally command the highest premiums.

Start by identifying your goals, whether you want long-term collection pieces, historic coins, precious-metal coins, or key-date rarities. Set a budget and focus on reputable certification (PCGS/NGC). Beginners often start with popular categories like Morgan Dollars, American Gold Eagles, or early 20th-century U.S. coins.

Some of today’s top-collecting categories include:

Morgan & Peace Dollars (high grades)
Early U.S. gold coins
Key-date Lincoln Cents
Buffalo Nickels and Barber coinage
Modern limited-edition NGC/PCGS graded coins
Demand varies, but these categories consistently attract collectors.

Bullion Shark adds new coins to its inventory daily, with fresh certified pieces listed regularly. Many items are limited and sell quickly, so checking the website or joining email alerts ensures you don’t miss rare additions.

Bullion Shark offers a 14-day return policy on certified rare coins. If you’re not satisfied, you may return the coin in its original, unopened certified holder. Certain rare and high-value coins may have special terms, so reviewing your order confirmation is always recommended.

Certified rare coins are shipped securely, fully insured, and include tracking. Packaging is designed to protect certified slabs from damage during transit. High-value orders may require signature confirmation for added security.

Certified coins are much easier to resell because authenticity and grade are professionally verified. You can sell to:

Bullion Shark
Reputable coin dealers
Auction houses
Online platforms like eBay (though fees apply)
PCGS and NGC certification improves transparency, attracting more buyers.

Look for:

Reputable dealers
Clear images
Certification numbers
Return policies
Transparent pricing
Positive customer reviews
Avoid sellers who provide blurry photos or no certification verification.

Yes. A coin can be resubmitted for regrading. In rare cases, coins may receive a slightly higher or lower grade depending on evaluation. However, the grade remains stable as long as the encapsulation is intact and the coin is not exposed to environmental damage.

Modern certified coins (e.g., American Eagles) are graded primarily for strike quality and preservation.
Vintage or historical certified coins often derive value from rarity, survival rates, and historical importance.
Both types benefit from certification, but market behavior differs.

Bullion coins are valued mostly for their precious-metal content, while certified rare coins are valued for collectibility, grade, and historical significance. Certified coins may command substantial premiums over their metal value.

Tax laws vary by state and country. In many areas, collectible coins may be subject to capital gains tax when sold. Your local tax authority or accountant can provide guidance. Bullion Shark cannot offer tax advice but encourages customers to research local regulations.

Bullion Shark can assist in locating rare or hard-to-find certified coins through its nationwide collector and dealer network. Simply contact customer service or use the request form to submit your desired coin.

Yes. High-value collections should be insured through a specialty insurer or added to a homeowner’s policy. Updated appraisals and certification records make the process easier and more accurate.

Keep certified coins in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight. Store them in secure cases, safe-deposit boxes, or display cases designed for encapsulated coins. Avoid touching slabs unnecessarily to prevent scratches.