Quality Markers Beyond the Grade
The numerical grade is the foundation of a coin's value, but additional quality markers can significantly affect price. Three stand out: CAC stickers, PCGS Plus grades, and NGC Star designations.
CAC: Certified Acceptance Corporation
Founded in 2007 by John Albanese (who also co-founded NGC), CAC provides an independent quality review of coins already graded by PCGS or NGC.
The Green Sticker (Green Bean)
A green CAC sticker means CAC's experts agree the coin is solid for the assigned grade — it's on the higher end of acceptable quality for that grade. About 60–70% of coins submitted to CAC receive a green sticker.
Market impact: Green-stickered coins typically sell for 10–25% premiums over non-CAC examples of the same grade.
The Gold Sticker (Gold Bean)
A gold CAC sticker is much rarer — it means CAC believes the coin is undergraded and would likely grade higher if resubmitted. Only about 2–5% of submitted coins receive gold stickers.
Market impact: Gold-stickered coins can sell for 30–100%+ premiums, sometimes approaching the price of the next grade level up.
CAC as a Grading Service
In 2023, CAC launched its own grading service using green holder labels with a 1–70 scale. Early market reception has been positive, with CAC-graded coins trading at premiums similar to PCGS. CAC's grading tends to be conservative, which appeals to quality-focused collectors.
PCGS Plus (+) Grades
PCGS introduced the Plus designation in 2010 for coins that are at the top of their grade range but don't quite make the next full grade. For example, an MS-65+ coin is better than a typical MS-65 but doesn't quite reach MS-66.
Plus grades are available from MS/PF-60 through MS/PF-69 (not at 70, which is perfect).
Market impact: Plus-graded coins typically sell for 15–40% premiums over standard coins of the same grade — a meaningful discount from the next full grade.
NGC Star (★) Designation
NGC assigns the Star designation to coins with exceptional eye appeal for their assigned grade. This is purely about visual impact — the coin must stand out from its peers with superior luster, toning, or overall beauty.
Star designations are available on all Mint State and Proof coins. They're relatively scarce — NGC is selective about which coins receive the star.
Market impact: Star-designated coins sell for 10–30% premiums, with higher premiums on coins where eye appeal is especially important (like toned Morgan dollars).
Can You Stack Designations?
Yes. A coin can have multiple designations:
- PCGS MS-65+ with a CAC green sticker — Top of MS-65 range AND independently verified quality. Strong premium.
- NGC MS-66★ with a CAC gold sticker — Exceptional eye appeal AND likely undergraded. Extremely desirable.
These combinations command the highest premiums because they represent multiple independent experts confirming exceptional quality.
How These Affect Your Buying Strategy
- For investment — Prioritize CAC-approved coins. The CAC sticker provides liquidity and buyer confidence that makes coins easier to sell.
- For value — PCGS Plus grades offer a way to get near-next-grade quality at a discount.
- For beauty — NGC Star coins deliver visual impact. If eye appeal matters most to you, seek starred examples.
- For budget collecting — Standard (no CAC, no Plus, no Star) coins are the most affordable and still excellent coins. The designations add premium, not inherent quality.
Up Next
This guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on December 8, 2025 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Official references and further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a CAC sticker mean on a coin?
A green CAC sticker means the coin is solid for its assigned grade (10–25% premium). A gold CAC sticker means the coin is likely undergraded and would grade higher if resubmitted (30–100%+ premium). CAC provides independent quality verification of coins already graded by PCGS or NGC.
What is a PCGS Plus grade?
A PCGS Plus (+) grade indicates a coin at the top of its grade range that doesn't quite reach the next full grade. For example, MS-65+ is better than typical MS-65 but not quite MS-66. Plus coins sell for 15–40% premiums over standard same-grade coins.
What does the NGC Star designation mean?
NGC assigns the Star (★) to coins with exceptional eye appeal for their grade — superior luster, toning, or beauty. It's relatively selective and carries 10–30% premiums.
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