CAC was founded to combat the inconsistencies in coin grading and to put a stop to over-grading coins. The CAC Stickering service made an impact on the hobby, but John Albanese and Ron Drzewucki wanted to do more (learn more about Our Team to understand why these names matter). So in 2022, they assembled over 150 leading members of the numismatic community with a purpose to reclaim accuracy and consistency in grading. After all, why merely appraise and evaluate a previously certified coin (our Stickering service) when the same stringent standards can be applied within the context of a grading service?
Boasting the highest quality grading team in the industry—including John Albanese, Ron Drzewucki and John Butler—CAC is committed to applying an unparalleled level of expertise to every submitted coin so that hobbyists, collectors, dealers, and investors can have total confidence in a CAC-graded coin.
Turnaround Time Estimates
We strive to provide the best service possible. The turnaround times listed above are estimates but are not guaranteed; pricing adjustments will not be made if submissions are not processed within these estimates. Certain submissions, such as those requiring variety or error attribution, will take longer to complete.
These turnaround estimates do not apply to our Stickering service.
Economy
30+ business days
Standard
5 to 7 business days
Express
2 to 3 business days
Walkthrough / Rarities
1 to 2 business days
Features of the secure CAC Holder
Security and beauty designed and manufactured in the USA.
Date and Mintmark
Grade
Internal Tracking Number
GSID Coin Number
Certification Number
Holder assembly
Produced from a robust, scratch- resistent material that provides maximum security and optical clarity.
Denomination
Designed and manufactured in the United States of America
Integrated security hologram with several covert security features
Label with covert security
QR code with link to comprehensive coin data and details
Submission Types
These submission types are available to all submitters, including Grading Club members.
Coin Grading
Our world-class team of graders authenticates coins submitted to CAC and assigns them a grade based on their lasting condition. CAC utilizes the Sheldon Scale, a numerical scale from 1-70. If you wish to submit your coins for authentication, grading, and encapsulation, this service is for you.
Crossover
This service is reserved for coins that are currently encapsulated by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC). Our grading team will review the coin, and if our grade meets or exceeds your minimum grade, we will "cross" it into a CAC holder.
Entering a minimum grade—which can be higher, lower or the same as the current grade—allows you to ensure we don't remove the coin from its current holder unless it meets your minimum acceptable grade.
Legacy coins: Coins that were previously stickered by CAC may receive a Legacy designator on the holder. Click here for more details.
A damaged CAC holder can always be reholdered for a nominal fee. For good measure, one of our graders will verify the coin to ensure it is genuine before it is returned to you.
Reconsideration
If you believe we have mis-graded a coin, it may be resubmitted, still in its CAC holder, for a second review.
Our Coins Sell for More
Anyone can make data say what they want, but every collector knows that CAC coins bring more money.
2.6 Million
Coins evaluated
$8.7 Billion
Estimated value of coins evaluated
2007
CAC was founded and our reputation took off
What are you waiting for?
Begin submitting today!
Additional Services
These additional services are available for many submissions.
Variety Attribution
CAC attributes varieties recognized by the Red Book at no added cost. For other varieties attributed on the holder (FS Number, VAM, Overton, Cohen, etc.), there is an additional fee. However, if the submitter correctly identifies the variety on the submission form, the additional fee is discounted by 50%.
We respect our submitters’ knowledge and want to reward you/them appropriately. We also intend for our variety attribution program to be consistent and directed with the collector in mind. For a list of the varieties that we currently accept, click here.
Mint Error
The Mint does a good job of minimizing mistakes in producing coinage. However, a small percentage of defective coins find their way into circulation despite being unfit for commercial use. For years, collectors have been interested in these “error” coins. CAC Grading offers a specialized Mint Error service to certify these coins for an add-on fee of $15 per coin.
A mint-made error can come in many forms such as clipped planchets, off-center strikes, brockages, die caps, and many more. Because of the daunting list, we do not have a reference for customers to see what we encapsulate. Feel free to contact us with any questions regarding our Mint Error program!
Hi-res Imaging
Image Secure features high-resolution photos of the coins we encapsulate. We believe this service protects the coin's security while providing a lasting digital image that can be accessed by the submitting member and the public.
Submissions to our Standard tier and higher (up through Ultra Rarity) will receive Image Secure photos as part of the service. Economy tier submissions and submissions on the Modern tiers do not include Image Secure photos, but the submitter may add this service to their submission for an additional fee.
First Delivery
We offer the First Delivery designation for specific Modern coins that are received by us or a depository that has been approved by us within 30 days of the first shipment of a new coin issue. The CAC label will have a description of the coin that includes the words "First Delivery". For more information on this and our other Modern designations, click here.
