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Modern Coin Grading
CAC's heritage is in vintage US coins—coins minted in 1964 and prior—but with the transition to a grading service, we have opened the door to modern coins. Modern coins differ from vintage coins in a number of ways, but most importantly, they are often made with different materials and can reach grades of 68 and higher, which almost never happens with vintage coins. To this end, we have set out to apply the same stringent standards used originally in our Stickering service across all the coins we are now Grading, including our modern coins.
The result?
Hobbyists and collectors will have total confidence in a coin certified by CAC as we determine a coin's grade by quality alone. We are confident that fewer coins submitted to us will achieve the ultimate grade of 70 than historical industry standards, letting CAC modern coins speak for themselves in the market.
Turnaround Time Estimates
We strive to provide the best service possible. The turnaround times listed above are estimates but are not guaranteed. Certain submissions will, by their nature, take longer to complete.
These turnaround estimates do not apply to our Stickering service.
Modern Standard
5 to 10 business days
Modern Express
2 to 3 business days
Modern Walkthrough
1 to 2 business days
Grading Standards
Though grading is a subjective concept, we have tried to put our grading standards into words. Note that none of these standards allow for post-mint damage, so significant or discernable contact marks, such as reed marks, are unacceptable.
Grade Coin
MS or PR70
There is no such thing as a "perfect" coin. Our MS70 or PR70 coin is a coin that is nearly flawless when viewed at x5 magnification. It is exceptionally well-struck with minimal mint-made flaws.
Grade Coin
MS or PR69
A well-struck coin with very slight mint-made imperfections. These imperfections do not detract from the eye appeal of the coin.
Grade Coin
MS or PR68
A well-struck coin that has some mint-made imperfections that may detract from the overall eye appeal of the coin.
Designations
Modern coin deliveries, particularly from the US Mint, are met with much fanfare by collectors. To celebrate this, CAC grading offers several unique designations for coins submitted for certification around these deliveries. Coins receiving these designations, which include "First Delivery", "First Day of Delivery", and "Advanced Delivery", will be encapsulated with a unique label bearing the name of the designation.
The basic criteria for the Modern coin delivery designations are outlined below, but determining whether or not a submission qualifies for the requested designation is at the sole discretion of CAC Grading.
With the exception of First Delivery, Modern coin delivery designations are generally limited to use by bulk submitters.
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".

Cutoff Dates:

As mentioned, a coin(s) must typically be received by CAC Grading or a depository approved by us within the first 30 days of the coin's issue date in order to be eligible for the First Delivery designation. A list of First Delivery cutoff dates for Modern 2023 and 2024 US coins can be obtained from customer care at help@cacgrading.com.

Coin Dates:

The coin's delivery date may not be the same as the coin's date itself. For instance, a mint might issue a coin with the date of 2014 in 2015 or a date of 2017 in 2016. The criteria for the First Delivery designations are decided solely by CAC Grading. If we are unable to determine a coin's release date with reasonable certainty, we will not award the First Delivery designation.

Packaging:

Coins do not need to be shipped in sealed mint boxes or in their original government packaging, but they must arrive at CAC Grading in Virginia Beach before the deadlines listed here. A distinct stipulation could be necessary for coins that are categorized as part of a certain set that a mint has produced.

Availability:

This designation is available, for a fee, to all submitters.

First Day of Delivery

In order to be eligible for the First Day of Delivery designation, a coin(s) must be acquired within one day of the first day that a mint makes a new coin issue available for purchase. The coin(s) must also be received by CAC Grading ("us") or a depository approved by us within one week of the release date. The submitter must offer sufficient proof of the purchase date for the coins, including purchase receipts, if needed, for CAC Grading to accept the submission. As noted earlier, the criteria for the Modern Coin Delivery designations are outlined here, but determining whether or not a submission qualifies for the requested designation is at the sole discretion of CAC Grading.

Advanced Delivery

In order to be eligible for the Advanced Delivery designation, the coin(s) must be purchased by designated mint customers before the publicly announced first day that a mint makes a new coin issue available for sale. The coin(s) must also be received by CAC Grading ("us") or a depository approved by us within one week of the delivery date to be eligible for the designation. CAC Grading may require the submitter to provide proof of the purchase date that is satisfactory to us. As noted earlier, the criteria for the Modern Coin Delivery designations are outlined here, but determining whether or not a submission qualifies for the requested designation is at the sole discretion of CAC Grading.

Early Delivery

In order to be eligible for the Early Delivery designation, a coin(s) must be sealed by the US Mint on or before January 31 of the year of its issuance. Current year as well as backdate coins, those that were issued in previous years, are eligible for this designation as long as the coins are received by us in mint-sealed packaging that is verifiably sealed by January 31. Coins received by CAC Grading or a depository approved by us before their year of issuance may also be designated "Struck in [Year]", where the Year notes the year of minting.

For 1986 American Silver and Gold Eagles, bullion Gold Eagles—those without a mint mark—released by the US Mint on October 20, 1986, qualify if received in mint-sealed packaging dated on or before November 19, 1986. Similarly, bullion Silver Eagles released on November 24, 1986, qualify if sealed packaging is dated on or before December 24, 1986.

As noted earlier, the criteria for the Modern Coin Delivery designations are outlined here, but determining whether or not a submission qualifies for the requested designation is at the sole discretion of CAC Grading.

Emergency Delivery

In order to be eligible for the Emergency Delivery designation, a coin(s) must be struck by the US Mint in an unexpected or emergency situation. Depending on the specific circumstances, CAC Grading may require specific evidence supporting the request for this designation by a submitter. Below sets forth the emergency situations and related requirements for obtaining the Emergency Delivery designation.

As with the other Modern Coin Designations, determining with or not a submission qualifies for this designation is at the sole discretion of CAC Grading.

2020-(P) Silver Eagle
During the 2020 pandemic, 240,000 American Silver Eagles (ASEs) were struck at the Philadelphia mint between April 8th and 21st while the West Point Mint was shut down for COVID-19 safety precautions. These coins are physically identical to other ASEs produced at other mints but were packaged uniquely to indicate they were part of this short-term program. To be eligible for the Emergency Delivery designation, coins must be submitted in the original mint packaging (unopened monster boxes with appropriate labeling) or as crossovers from other major, third-party certification services with a label indicating the emergency production.