What Happens to Your Coin After Handover: The 30–60 Day Journey
After you hand your coin over, we complete the paperwork, ship it insured to NGC, and NGC authenticates, grades and seals it. On most standard tiers NGC estimates 30 to 60 working days. You pay after grading, and the coin comes back in a sealed holder with its own certificate number.
Handing over a coin you love takes a little trust. You leave it with us, and then it seems to vanish for two months. Where does it go? Who looks at it? What is happening in all that time?
Here is the whole journey, told from the coin's point of view. Nothing is hidden, and there are no surprises at the end.
The big pictureSix stages from handover to holder
Only a few stages involve you. The rest is our job, then NGC's. The longest stretch by far is the wait for grading.
The coin's diaryWhat happens at each stage
Handover
“Someone is looking at me very carefully. I hope I pass.”
You bring or send the coin to us. We give you an honest, free assessment. We tell you whether grading makes sense for this coin and which tier it is likely to fall into.
This is also the moment to be open about the coin's history. Has it ever been cleaned? Does it have any damage? Telling us now avoids a disappointing result later.
Paperwork
“They are writing everything down about me.”
The submission form lists each coin: country, year, denomination, metal, weight and declared value. You choose the tier, and the declared value sets the insurance cover while the coin travels and is examined.
A handling fee of £13.20 applies per NGC coin form. It is NGC's own fee, and it is the same whether you submit through us or directly. You also choose how you want the coin back: collect it from our gallery, or have it returned insured.
Packed and on its way
“I am wrapped up safe and sent off.”
As an authorised NGC dealer, we handle the whole submission through our dealer account. We prepare the paperwork, pack the coin and ship it to NGC. You do not need to register as an individual member or work through their systems.
Check-in and the long wait
“I am in the queue. It is a big queue.”
NGC logs the coin and it waits its turn. This is the stage that takes the time. Standard tiers generally run around 30 to 60 working days, according to NGC's own estimates. Express and WalkThrough tiers are the faster options if you have a deadline.
Turnaround depends on the tier and on how busy NGC is. We cannot speed up the queue, but we will tell you what we know.
Grading and sealing
“Trained experts are studying every detail of me.”
NGC's graders examine the coin, check it is genuine and assign a grade. The coin is then sealed in a tamper-evident holder with a label and a certificate number.
Home again
“I am back, and I look rather smart.”
Once the coin is graded, we calculate and invoice the fees. You pay after grading, not before. The coin is released when the balance is cleared. You then collect it from our London gallery or receive it by insured shipping.
Return shipping costs from £15 for items up to £2,000 by Royal Mail Special Delivery. For items above £10,000, insured FedEx costs £45.
What you get backAnatomy of a graded coin
The holder is more than a case. Every part of the label tells a future buyer something about your coin.
The certificate number is the key. Anyone can look it up on NGC's online verification page and confirm the details. That is why graded coins sell with more confidence, especially online.
The resultThree ways it can end
| Result | What it means | Effect on value |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric grade | Genuine, graded on condition | Usually raises buyer confidence |
| Details grade | Genuine, but cleaned, damaged or otherwise altered | Often sells for less |
| Not graded | Could not be authenticated | No grade is given |
The waitWhat to do while your coin is away
Thirty to sixty working days can feel long. These keep the time useful.
- Plan the sale. If you want to sell, decide between our shop, an auction or a consignment while you wait.
- Keep your records. Save your receipt, the form copy and any past invoices for the coin.
- Write down what you paid. Add it to your My collection catalogue so the record is ready when the coin returns.
- Do not chase every week. Grading takes time. Message us if you are worried and we will share what we know.
- Prepare the next batch. If other coins are worth grading, we can group them on one form to share the handling fee.
Before you hand overFive things that keep the journey smooth
- Never clean the coin. Cleaning is the most common reason for a Details grade.
- Be honest about its history. We can only advise well if we know everything.
- Agree the declared value. Too low risks poor insurance. Too high can push you into a costlier tier.
- Pick the right tier. Match the tier to value and urgency.
- Choose how it comes home. Collect it, or pick insured delivery.
QuestionsFrequently asked questions
How long does NGC grading take?
NGC's own estimates for most standard tiers are around 30 to 60 working days. Express and WalkThrough tiers are faster. Exact times depend on the tier and NGC's workload.
Do I pay before sending the coin?
No. Fees are calculated and invoiced after your submission has been graded. The coin is released once the balance is paid.
Is my coin insured while it is away?
The declared value sets the insurance cover while the coin is in transit and being examined. That is why we agree the figure with you first.
Can I collect the graded coin in person?
Yes. You can collect from our London gallery, by appointment, or choose insured shipping.
What is a Details grade?
It means the coin is genuine but has a problem, such as cleaning or damage. Details coins usually sell for less than coins with a numeric grade.
Can I check my coin's certificate number?
Yes. Every graded coin has a unique certificate number that can be verified on NGC's website.
Ready to start your coin's journey?
Bring or send us the coin for a free assessment. We will tell you honestly whether grading is worth it.
NGC submission form (PDF) Ask us about grading