So many collectors love PCGS-graded coins because they’re authenticated and encapsulated, guaranteeing the coin’s integrity and maximizing its security and value. However, when some collectors buy these coins, they often seek coins that have earned numerical grades. The numerical grade is important to many collectors, including those who build PCGS Registry Set. Such numerically graded coins might have a label declaring a grade such as F12, XF40, or MS63.
But what if you simply want a genuine coin that has the protection and guarantee you can only find with PCGS yet don’t want to break the bank when adding coins to your collection? That’s where PCGS Details-grade coins come in. A Details coin is one that has been authenticated as genuine and encapsulated by PCGS but for one reason or another didn’t earn a numerical grade.
There are a multitude of reasons why a coin may not earn a numerical grade. These issues are spelled out below along with their corresponding grade codes:
- 82 Filed Rims: Rim(s) and/or edge is filed
- 91 Questionable Color: Any artificial re-toning – dipped copper
- 92 Cleaning: Harsh cleaning or polishing
- 93 Planchet Flaw: Generally large – prominent flaw(s)
- 94 Altered Surfaces: Any applied substance (wax, putty, lacquer)
- 95 Scratch(s): Large – prominent scratch(s)
- 97 Environmental Damage: Corrosion, excessive toning, verdigris
- 98 Damage: Any metal movement
Coins with labels that carry “Details” designations such as those mentioned above often sell for huge discounts over the price of similar coins that are numerically graded. This behooves collectors who aren’t as concerned about their coins achieving certain grades yet want genuine coins in PCGS holders. PCGS Details coins are suitable for many collectors, including those building sets that ordinarily involve highly expensive coins, such as type sets, complex date-and-mintmark sets of older coin series, vintage gold sets, or elusive world sets.