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Where to get a penny graded or sold — and when it's worth it

3 min read · Updated Oct 5, 2026

What a grading service does

A grading service does three things:

1. Authenticates the coin. Experts check that it's genuine and not altered. Counterfeits are not certified as genuine. Some submissions cannot be authenticated or encapsulated.
2. Assesses condition using the 1 to 70 scale where appropriate, with copper color designations when applicable.
3. Encapsulates eligible coins in a protective holder, often called a slab, with an identification label and certification number.

A coin that has been cleaned or damaged may get a "details" label instead of a number grade. Read the service’s grading standards, guarantee terms and exclusions; a holder does not promise a particular resale price.

How to submit

Both big services have online guides:

• PCGS: pcgs.com/howtosubmit. Submit directly through a paid Collectors Club membership or use an authorized dealer.
• NGC: ngccoin.com/submit/how-to-submit. NGC accepts direct submissions from paid NGC Collector members. You can also submit through an ANA membership or an NGC Authorized Dealer.

Check current eligibility, fees, processing times and packing instructions before sending anything. Include membership or dealer charges, grading, return shipping and insurance in the total; international submissions may add other costs.

When it's worth it

• Consider it: a suspected key date or major variety when authentication or condition matters enough to justify the full cost.
• Authentication can help: coins that are often faked, like the 1909-S VDB, 1914-D, 1922 "No D", 1943 bronze, 1944 steel, 1955 Doubled Die and 1969-S Doubled Die. Professional assessment can reduce uncertainty, but may also reveal an ordinary or altered coin.
• Often uneconomic: common low-value dates, where fees can exceed likely proceeds. Personal collecting goals may still justify the expense.

Where to sell

• Local coin dealers. Ask an experienced collector or a coin club to suggest reputable ones. Get more than one offer.
• Coin shows. Many dealers in one room make it easy to compare offers.
• Auction houses. The rarest coins are often sold at auction. Ask about fees and terms before you agree to anything.
• Coin clubs. A good place to learn, trade and get honest advice.

Avoiding scams

• Be wary of anyone who rushes you. "Act now" pressure is a classic warning sign.
• Verify the business and written terms before paying. Legitimate grading and appraisal services may charge fees; an upfront fee alone does not establish fraud.
• Check the certification record on the grader’s own site and compare the coin, holder and available images. A matching number alone does not authenticate the object offered.
• Independently verify the recipient and address before mailing; agree on tracking, insurance, fees and return arrangements.

Penny Value is an Android app for now, so it isn't on the App Store. The values and checks on this page are free to use.Penny Value is an Android app. Open this page on your Android phone to check your own penny with a photo.

Coins in this guide

• 1909-S V.D.B.

  San Francisco · 484,000 made

  Key date

  $750worn

  $2,000MS-60
• 1914-D

  Denver · 1,193,000 made

  Key date

  $250worn

  $3,000MS-60
• 1922 No D Strong Reverse

  Denver · Part of the 7,160,000 1922-D cents (struck with a worn or filled die that left no D); not counted separately.

  Key date

  $630worn

  $4,800MS-60
• 1943 Bronze (error)

  Philadelphia · A handful known: about a dozen confirmed, and perhaps about 40 struck by mistake.

  ErrorTest first

  Rarely sold
• 1944 Steel (error)

  Philadelphia · A handful known: about 27.

  ErrorTest first

  Rarely sold
• 1955 Doubled Die Obverse

  Philadelphia · Roughly 20,000-24,000 are thought to exist; perhaps about 40,000 were struck during one night shift. Part of the 330,580,000 1955 total.

  Key date

  $980worn

  $1,700MS-60
• 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse

  San Francisco · Included in the 544,375,000 1969-S total; not counted separately.

  Key date

  $4,100worn

  $19,000MS-60

Related guides

• How Penny Value estimates a penny's value
• Don't clean that penny: handling and storing coins

Sources

1. PCGS, “PCGS Grading Standards” (accessed 2026-09-26)
2. PCGS, “How to Submit” (accessed 2026-10-05)
3. NGC, “How to Submit” (accessed 2026-10-05)
4. U.S. Mint, “Get Started Collecting Coins” (accessed 2026-09-26)
5. Federal Trade Commission, “Investment Scams” (accessed 2026-09-26)