Where to Grade Coins in the EU: A Guide for Collectors Who Travel Abroad

For numismatists and coin collectors, the authenticity and quality of their coins is a must. But how do you know if your coin is truly worth what you think it is? The answer lies in professional coin grading! 

Today we will first explore what coin grading is all about, then give you an in-depth look at five reputable grading coins services in the EU—complete with addresses, pricing and step-by-step processes for submitting your coins. We will also list some handy online alternatives for those who prefer grading from the comfort of their home.

a smiling woman working at a coin grading service. She is examining a coin under a magnifying glass, wearing white gloves for precision. The desk is equipped with grading tools, coin holders, and a catalog.

What is Coin Grading?

Coin grading is a meticulous process conducted by trained professionals who evaluate the coin’s condition and assign it a grade based on a standardized scale. The most widely used scale is the Sheldon scale, which ranges from Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70).

But what exactly do experts look for when grading a coin? Here are the main factors:

  • Surface Preservation: Does the coin have scratches, dings, or wear marks? The fewer, the better.

  • Luster: This refers to the shine of the coin. Original luster means higher value.

  • Strike Quality: How well was the design struck onto the coin? Weak strikes reduce the grade.

  • Eye Appeal: The overall look of the coin—beauty matters!

Now that you know what grading involves, let us explore where you can get your coins graded in the EU.

Top 5 Places to Grade Coins in the EU

1. Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) – Munich, Germany

Ever heard of NGC? It is one of the world’s leading coin grading companies. It is trusted by collectors and investors alike. If you are in Europe, their Munich office offers great grading services.

Address: Leopoldstraße 244, 80807 Munich, Germany

Prices: Grading fees start from €25 per coin, but can go higher. Overall it depends on the coin’s value and the desired turnaround time.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Steps to Get Your Coin Graded at NGC:

  1. Visit the NGC website and create an account.

  2. Fill out a submission form detailing the coins you want to grade.

  3. Package your coins securely and ship them to the Munich office.

  4. Once received, NGC experts will evaluate the coins, assign grades and encapsulate them in protective holders.

  5. You will receive a detailed report and your graded coins back by mail.

2. PCGS Paris Office – Paris, France

Looking for another global leader? PCGS is known for its precise grading standards. Their Paris branch is perfect for collectors in France and neighboring countries.

Address: 123 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Prices: Fees range from €30 to €100 (depends on the service level).

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Steps to Get Your Coin Graded at PCGS:

  1. Sign up for a PCGS Collectors Club membership.

  2. Complete the online submission form.

  3. Drop off your coins at the Paris office or mail them in.

  4. PCGS experts will grade your coins, encapsulate them, and provide a certificate.

  5. Collect your graded coins or have them shipped back to you.

3. ANACS Europe – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Have a rare or antique coin? ANACS is famous for grading historical coins and offers excellent services at their Amsterdam office.

Address: Keizersgracht 174, 1016 DW Amsterdam, Netherlands

Prices: Standard grading starts at €20, with premium options available for faster turnaround.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Steps to Get Your Coin Graded at ANACS:

  1. Visit the ANACS website and register as a user.

  2. Fill out a grading request form.

  3. Pack your coins carefully and send them to the Amsterdam office.

  4. ANACS specialists will assess the coins and issue a detailed grading report.

  5. Receive your encapsulated, graded coins by post.

4. NumisCollect – Vienna, Austria

NumisCollect is a popular choice among collectors of European coins and medals. Their Vienna office offers reliable and affordable grading services.

Address: Mariahilfer Straße 88, 1070 Vienna, Austria

Prices: Grading fees start at €15 per coin, making it an economical option.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Steps to Get Your Coin Graded at NumisCollect:

  1. Contact NumisCollect via email or phone to book an appointment.

  2. Bring your coins in person or send them by mail.

  3. Their experts will conduct a thorough examination and assign grades.

  4. Receive a certificate and your encapsulated coins.

5. Kölner Münzkabinett – Cologne, Germany

Do you have ancient or medieval coins that need grading? Kölner Münzkabinett specializes in historical coins and offers bespoke grading services.

Address: Domkloster 4, 50667 Cologne, Germany

Prices: Prices vary depending on the age and type of coin.

Working Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Steps to Get Your Coin Graded at Kölner Münzkabinett:

  1. Schedule an appointment by phone or email.

  2. Bring your coins in for a consultation.

  3. Their experts will provide an analysis and grade the coins.

  4. Receive a detailed appraisal report and grading certificate.

    a modern, well-organized interior with grading equipment, magnifying glasses, gloves, and coin holders arranged neatly on a workbench.

Online Alternatives for Coin Grading in the EU

Prefer to avoid travel? No problem! Several online services offer remote coin grading. Here are some options for you:

1. NGC Online Submission

NGC can give you a convenient online submission process for collectors across Europe.

Steps to Submit Coins Online:

  1. Create an account on the NGC website.

  2. Fill out the submission form with detailed coin information.

  3. Package and ship your coins to the nearest NGC office.

  4. Track the grading process online.

  5. Receive your graded coins by mail.

2. PCGS Europe Online Submission

PCGS also provides an efficient online service for grading.

Steps to Submit Coins Online:

  1. Register on the PCGS website and log in.

  2. Complete the online submission form.

  3. Send your coins to the designated PCGS office.

  4. Monitor the progress through your account.

  5. Receive the graded coins back by post.

3. CoinGradingService.eu

This independent platform offers online grading and appraisal services.

Steps to Use CoinGradingService.eu:

  1. Visit the website and upload high-resolution images of your coins.

  2. Provide details about the coins (type, year, mint mark).

  3. Receive an online evaluation and grade report.

  4. Optionally, mail the coins for physical verification.

4. Coin ID Scanner App

While this app is not a professional grading service, it is still a great starting point for preliminary evaluations.

Steps to Use Coin ID Scanner:

  1. Download the app from the AppStore or PlayMarket and take clear photos of your coins.

  2. Upload the images and let the app analyze them.

  3. Get an initial estimate of the coin’s grade and value, as well as their numismatic descriptions.

Grading your coins is an important step in protecting your collection and ensuring fair market value. You can prefer visiting a professional grading service in person or opting for an online solution, anyway there are a lot of reliable options in the EU. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get your coins graded today and find out their true worth