ICG Information

Independent Coin Graders (ICG) is a third-party grading service for coins, tokens, and medals. Founded in 1998, it is considered one of the major grading services alongside PCGS, NGC, and ANACS. ICG uses the standard 70-point Sheldon scale to grade coins, with grades determined by expert graders who assess the coin's strike, luster, surface preservation, and eye appeal. 

ICG's standing in the numismatic community

  • Reputation: ICG has a mixed reputation within the numismatic community. Some collectors perceive ICG as more lenient than the two leading services, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), especially at higher grades.
  • Market Value: Due to this perception, coins graded by ICG may sell for less than equivalent coins graded by PCGS or NGC, though they often command a higher price than ungraded coins. Some dealers and collectors will price ICG-graded coins at one grade lower to account for this difference.
  • Recent Changes: In 2024, ICG appointed a new president, Austin Hutto, who has experience at NGC and PCGS. He has begun implementing new initiatives, such as a "69+" grade for qualified coins, in an effort to re-establish ICG as an industry innovator. 

How ICG grades coins

ICG, like other services, grades coins based on the 70-point Sheldon scale. Here are some general factors that determine a coin's grade: 

  • Mint State (MS): For uncirculated coins, grades range from 60 to 70.
    • MS-70: A flawless, perfect coin with no visible imperfections.
    • MS-63: A "Choice Uncirculated" coin that may have a few distracting contact marks or a spotty surface.
    • MS-60: A coin with no wear, but which may have numerous contact marks and impaired luster.
  • Circulated Grades: For coins that have seen circulation, the grades range from 1 to 58.
    • AU (About Uncirculated) 50–58: Exhibits slight wear on the highest points of the design, with at least 50% of the original mint luster remaining.
    • EF (Extremely Fine) 40–45: Shows very light wear on the highest points, but most details are sharp.
    • VF (Very Fine) 20–35: Has moderate to light wear, but all major design features are visible.
    • F (Fine) 12–15: Displays moderate wear but features are clear and all lettering is sharp.
    • VG (Very Good) 8–10: Major design elements are visible, but well-worn.
    • G (Good) 4–6: Heavily worn, but major features are visible.
    • AG (About Good) 3: Only the outline of some design elements and the date are visible.
    • FR (Fair) 2: Very heavily worn, but identifiable.
    • PO (Poor) 1: The date is discernable, but the design is barely recognizable.
  • Proof (PF): For specially minted collector coins, the scale also runs from 60 to 70. 

Factors affecting grading and value

  • Eye Appeal: The aesthetics of a coin are considered during grading. Toning, strike, and luster all contribute to this.
  • Market Perception: The value of a coin in an ICG holder is ultimately determined by market trust. For high-value coins, most collectors prefer PCGS or NGC, while ICG may be acceptable for more common coins.
  • Cross-Grading: Experienced collectors sometimes "cherry-pick" coins in ICG holders they believe are undegraded and resubmit them to PCGS or NGC, hoping for a higher grade and value increase. 

 

*All info is from their website this is for quick reference