What Are Slabbed Coins?

Slabbing is a term that’s becoming increasingly common in the numismatic world, but if you’re unsure what it means, and what the advantages of slabbing are, this short guide explains the process in more detail.

Independent third-party certification and encapsulation originated in the United States and has become popular with collectors all over the world and has become known as ‘slabbing’. Slabbing is a simple way to refer to coins offered for sale in sealed holders that have been assessed by an independent coin grader such as the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

The appraiser’s professional opinion on the condition of the coin is expressed according to the Sheldon coin grading scale. This numbered system runs from 1 (Poor) through to 70 (Mint State) and forms the basis of the American Numismatic Associations grading standards.

In this example of slabbed coin, you can clearly see the numbered grade on the packaging.

Unlike the British grading system which creates broad price ranges for each subdivision, the Sheldon scale is able to account for minute differences in quality between coins. Tiny variations separate the very best coins, making them highly appealing to serious numismatists.

For collectors buying sight unseen by mail order or in an online auction, a slabbed coin provides reassurance. It has been confirmed as authentic and carries an accurate grading from an independent third-party. This is advantageous when it comes to resale as a slabbed coin can be presented confidently and command its true worth based on its condition.

Slabbed coins also benefit from enhanced security as hermetically sealing a coin in a scratch-resistant holder helps to protect it. Designed for long-term storage, the casing can safeguard against accidental damage or mishandling, providing additional peace of mind for any numismatists storing valuable coins at home. In the case of newly minted commemorative coins, slabbed coins carry a number that indicates the order in which they were struck, while providing a guarantee of perfect Proof 70 condition, the highest score on the Sheldon scale.

The Royal Mint offers a range of historic and commemorative coins slabbed by NGC. Collect with confidence knowing the condition and quality of the coins we offer for sale has been independently graded and certified by one of the world’s leading coin appraisers.

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