What Are "Certified" Coins?

A “certified” coin is one that has had its condition graded and its status authenticated by the Professional Coin Grading service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). The coins are given a serial number following verification and sealed in plastic slabs to protect the condition. Certified coins are issued a grade on the Sheldon numeric scale between 1 and 70, with 70 representing a coin in perfect condition.