Short answer: an NGC slab label has five parts to read. They are the coin description, the grade, the certificate number, the barcode and the NGC logo. The back adds a hologram and the NGC verify address. Read them in that order, then check the cert number on NGC's website.
The front label, line by line
A slab is the sealed plastic holder NGC puts around a graded coin. The label sits at the top. Most buyers look only at the grade, but every line tells you something.
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- 1Coin descriptionDate, country and denomination. 1927 PALESTINE MIL Check it matches the coin in the window.
- 2The gradeTwo parts: a letter code and a number. MS 64 BN We decode this below.
- 3Certificate numberUnique to this coin. 8536533-008 The first group is the submission (invoice) number. The last three digits are the coin's line on that invoice.
- 4BarcodeA machine-readable copy of the label data. NGC uses it for fast processing and inventory scanning.
- 5The NGC markNumismatic Guaranty Company, the grader. Same logo, same label layout on every slab.
One detail surprises people. The cert number does not show when the coin was graded. NGC says invoice numbers are random, not sequential.
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Shop the coin store →The back of the slab
Turn the slab over. The back label is where you find the security features. It also lets you see the other side of the coin.
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- 6HologramThe shiny NGC label on the back. It should be flat, sharp and fully attached. Tilt it in the light and it should shimmer.
- 7The verify addressThe slab itself prints NGCcoin.com/verify. Type in the cert number there to see NGC's record for the coin.
- 8The other sideThe window shows both faces. Look at the reverse, not just the front.
Two more labels, two more clues
Not every label looks the same. These two show how the label changes with the coin.
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- 1Date, country, denomination: 2025 G.Britain 1Sov
- 2An extra line names the coin: First Silver Sovereign
- 3PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO. PF means Proof. 70 is the top grade. Ultra Cameo is a finish note, explained below.
- 4Cert number: 8537759-001. The coin is the first line on its invoice.
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- 11903 S $20. The letter S is the mint mark. It stands for the San Francisco mint.
- 2MS 60. Mint State, the lowest Uncirculated grade. No wear, but marks.
- 3Cert number: 8537766-001.
An MS 60 label is not a bad sign. It simply tells you the grade is at the entry level of Mint State. For a large gold coin, that still matters for price.
How to read the grade
NGC uses the 1 to 70 Sheldon scale. Higher is better. The letters tell you the type of coin or its wear.
| Code | Meaning | Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| PO / FR / AG | Poor, Fair, About Good | 1 to 3 |
| G / VG | Good, Very Good | 4 to 10 |
| F / VF | Fine, Very Fine | 12 to 35 |
| XF | Extremely Fine | 40 to 45 |
| AU | About Uncirculated | 50 to 58 |
| MS | Mint State (Uncirculated) | 60 to 70 |
| PF | Proof, struck for collectors | 60 to 70 |
NGC describes MS 60 as the lowest Uncirculated grade, with no wear but a weak or average strike and many marks. MS 64 has several noticeable marks. MS 70 is perfect, with no flaws visible at 5x magnification.
The letters after the number
These are called designations. They add detail about colour or finish.
| Code | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| BN | Brown. Less than 15% of the original red shine remains on a copper or bronze coin. |
| RB | Red-Brown. At least 15% of the original red shine remains. |
| RD | Red. At least 85% of the original red shine remains. |
| CAMEO / ULTRA CAMEO | Proofs with frosted designs against mirror fields. Ultra Cameo means stronger contrast. |
| PL / DPL | Prooflike and Deep Prooflike. Describes how reflective the fields are. |
| ★ (Star) | Outstanding eye appeal for its grade. |
Based on NGC's published grading scale and label guides, listed under sources.
Try the label decoder
Type a grade from any NGC label
Five checks before you buy a slab
- Match the label to the coin. Date, country and denomination should agree with what you can see.
- Verify the cert number. Enter it at NGCcoin.com/verify and compare the grade and description.
- Inspect the hologram. It should be sharp, flat and fully attached.
- Look at the holder. Check for cracks, gaps or signs the slab has been opened.
- Look at both sides of the coin. Ask for photos of the front and back. A grade does not replace your own eyes.
A slab is not a guarantee of value. Two coins with the same grade can sell for very different prices. Eye appeal, rarity and demand all matter. See our graded vs ungraded price guide for real auction data.
Ancient coin labels look different
The three slabs above are modern coins. Ancient coin labels use their own format. NGC grades ancient coins on strike and surface, scored out of 5, instead of a 1 to 70 number.
A label can also note a problem, such as cleaning. We covered this in our guide to the 7 mistakes that get coins downgraded. If you are weighing grading for an ancient coin, read our NGC grading service page first.
Questions people ask
What does the number on an NGC slab mean?
It is the grade on the 1 to 70 scale. A higher number means fewer and lighter marks. MS 70 is perfect.
What is the long number on the label?
It is the certificate number. The first part is the invoice number, and the last three digits are the coin's line on that invoice. Use it to verify the coin on NGC's website.
What does BN mean on an NGC label?
BN means Brown. It marks a copper or bronze coin that has lost most of its original red shine. It is normal on older copper coins.
Is a slabbed coin always worth more?
No. The slab adds a grade you can trust and a protected holder. But the coin's type and demand set most of the price.
Can I check an NGC cert number myself?
Yes. The back of each slab prints NGCcoin.com/verify. Enter the cert number there.
Want NGC-graded coins you can inspect?
Browse our stock, or ask us about grading your own coins through Pashiz as an NGC authorised dealer.
Shop the coin store NGC grading service WhatsApp usSources: NGC, NGC Coin Grading Scale; NGC, Understanding the NGC Grading Label and its Use of Supplemental Designations; NGC, Learn Grading: What are BN, RB and RD?. Slab photographs: Pashiz Coins.