Reading a PCGS or NGC Slab Label

Anatomy of a Slab Label

When you receive a professionally graded coin, the plastic holder (slab) contains a label packed with information. Understanding every element helps you verify authenticity, assess value, and make informed buying decisions.

Reading a PCGS Label

A modern PCGS Gold Shield label contains these elements from top to bottom:

• PCGS logo and hologram — Security feature. Modern holders include NFC chips scannable with a smartphone.
• Coin description — Year, mint mark, denomination, and variety (e.g., "1881-S Morgan Dollar").
• Grade — The numerical grade with prefix (e.g., MS65, PR69DCAM). Plus (+) grades appear as MS65+.
• Variety attribution — If applicable: "DDO" (Doubled Die Obverse), "RPM" (Repunched Mint Mark), VAM number, etc.
• Certification number — A unique number (e.g., 12345678) that can be verified at PCGS.com/cert. This is your coin's digital fingerprint.
• Barcode — Scannable barcode linked to the certification number.
• Pedigree — If the coin has a notable provenance (e.g., "Ex: Wells Fargo Collection"), it appears on the label.
• Special labels — First Strike, First Day of Issue, or commemorative event labels may replace the standard blue label.

Reading an NGC Label

NGC labels follow a similar structure:

• NGC logo and hologram — Edge-to-edge holographic stripe on modern holders. NFC chip in recent holders.
• Coin description — Year, mint mark, denomination, and type.
• Grade — Numerical grade with prefix. NGC uses "PF" for Proof (PCGS uses "PR"). Star (★) designation appears after the grade for exceptional eye appeal.
• Designation — Ultra Cameo (UC), Cameo (CAM), Full Bands (FB), Full Steps (FS), etc.
• Certification number — Verifiable at NGCcoin.com/certlookup.
• Pedigree/label type — Special labels include "Early Releases," "First Releases," or custom event labels.

How to Verify a Slab

Always verify graded coins before purchasing, especially for high-value coins or online purchases:

1. Check the certification number online — Visit PCGS.com/cert or NGCcoin.com/certlookup. Enter the cert number and confirm the grade, description, and images match the coin in hand.
2. Examine the holder — Look for signs of tampering: cracked seams, misaligned labels, bubbling plastic, or scratches around the edges.
3. Check the NFC chip — Modern holders have embedded NFC chips. Use the PCGS or NGC smartphone app to scan and verify.
4. Weight the slab — Counterfeit slabs sometimes have incorrect weights. Genuine PCGS and NGC holders have consistent weights for each size.
5. Buy from trusted sources — Purchase from reputable dealers, major auction houses, or at established coin shows.

Special Label Types

• First Strike / Early Releases / First Day of Issue — Indicates the coin was submitted to the grading service within a specific timeframe after its release (usually 30 days). These labels carry a small premium for modern coins.
• Pedigree labels — Coins from famous collections (e.g., "D.L. Hansen Collection," "Legend Collection") receive special labels. Pedigreed coins often command premiums.
• Signature labels — Labels signed by coin designers, mint directors, or numismatic personalities. Popular with modern coin collectors.
• Variety labels — Specific variety attributions like "1955 Doubled Die Obverse" or "1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo."

When to Reholder or Crossover

• Reholder — If your slab is scratched or damaged, both services will transfer the coin to a new holder for a fee without regrading.
• Crossover — Submit an NGC coin to PCGS (or vice versa) for regrading. This makes sense if you believe the coin will grade higher at the other service, or if you want a PCGS holder for market premium reasons.
• Crack-out and resubmit — Some collectors crack coins out of holders and resubmit hoping for a higher grade. This is risky — there's no guarantee of the same or higher grade.

Up Next

CAC, Plus Grades, and Star Designations — the additional quality markers that affect value beyond the basic grade.