AURUM BULLION PLC · COLLECTOR KNOWLEDGE
Graded Gold Coins: NGC, PCGS, PF70 & PF69
Understand graded gold coins, Proof and Mint State designations, and how to check NGC or PCGS certification before discussing an individual coin with Aurum Bullion Plc.
What is a graded gold coin?
A graded gold coin has been assessed by an independent grading service and, where certified, sealed in a protective holder. The holder connects the coin to its recorded description, assigned grade and certification number. NGC and PCGS are separate grading organisations; check the records of the service named on the holder.
PF70, PF69, PR70 and MS70 explained
| Designation | What it tells you | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PF / PR | Proof strike designations. NGC generally uses PF; PCGS uses PR. | The full grade, grading service and any additional designation. |
| PF70 / PR70 | A Proof coin at the highest numerical grade within its service's standard. | Certification, exact issue, holder and the individual coin. |
| PF69 / PR69 | A Proof coin one numerical step below 70. A lower grade does not make it uncollectable. | Condition, eye appeal and comparisons with the same issue and grade. |
| MS | Mint State grading for uncirculated business-strike coins, distinct from Proof manufacture. | The exact issue and assigned grade. |
NGC describes its grade 70 standard in terms of no post-production imperfections visible at five-times magnification. Consult the relevant service's current standard rather than treating every grading designation as identical.
How to check NGC or PCGS certification
- Read the grading service and certification number from the actual holder.
- Use the service's official verification tool and compare its description and grade with the coin being offered.
- Compare available reference photographs, including the holder and both coin faces.
- Ask about provenance, the seller and any discrepancy. A matching number alone is not conclusive proof that a holder or coin is genuine.
Verify NGC certification · Verify PCGS certification
Proof, bullion and slabbed are different concepts
Proof describes a minting method. Bullion describes a coin whose market relationship is usually closely connected with its precious-metal content. Slabbed describes certified encapsulation. A gold bullion coin can be graded Mint State and slabbed; a Proof coin can also be graded and slabbed. An ungraded Proof coin is still a Proof coin.
What matters beyond the grade?
Compare year, denomination, design, mintage where verified, surviving population, condition, presentation, provenance and demand. Population counts describe the service's recorded submissions, not the total number of surviving coins. A PF70 label does not guarantee rarity, liquidity, a future return or a resale price.
Questions before buying graded gold coins
Does Aurum grade coins itself?
Independent grading is carried out by the service named on the holder. Confirm whether the particular coin offered is certified and by whom.
Is every catalogue coin PF70?
No such blanket claim is made. Finish, certification and assigned grade must be confirmed for each specimen. A title mentioning Proof does not establish an independent grade.
Can I sell a graded Sovereign or Britannia to Aurum?
Use the Sell to Us enquiry form with the description, certification number, grade and quantity. A specialist will review the details; an enquiry does not guarantee a purchase or valuation.
How should I handle a slabbed coin?
Keep the certified holder intact. Avoid cleaning the coin or opening the slab. Ask the grading service or a specialist about a damaged holder and suitable storage.
Primary sources
NGC grading scale · NGC verification · PCGS grading standards · PCGS verification
Prepared by Aurum Bullion Plc · Updated 12 October 2026. Educational information; confirm the individual coin and its certification before purchase. Coin values can rise or fall.
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