I am trying to figure out the process and actual total cost for submission of an ancient coin to NGC. I recently bought an Roman provincial coin worth at least $1000 if it is genuine. I will not show it here. It is a very interesting type. It looks great and is not obviously cast (I know how to check the edge and I did under high magnification--there is no casting seam or sprue), but it weighs only 9.04 grams (It has no corrosion to cause weight loss), whereas the eleven of the type I found on acsearch weigh 10.93 to 15.53 grams. The light weight worries me. By appearance alone it looks good. I wonder if someone can confirm, from actual experience, how to work with NGC to get it "authenticated" and especially how much it actually costs after all is said and done. The NGC site has a "standard" category for ancient coins worth up to $3000 https://www.ngccoin.com/submit/services-fees/ngc-ancients/ where the fee per coin is $45. But also "A $10 handling fee applies to all submissions." And, I have to send it to them, presumably insured (for $1000 that costs $25.50). Also, I have to become an NGC member, another $25. On this page: https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/8447/ngc-return-shipping-fees/ it looks like the return shipping fees would be $28. So, should I expect to spend $45+$10+$25+$25+$28 = $133 if I send it to NGC? Are there other costs I have not included? Can I ask them for just a photo certificate and not have it slabbed? Does that cost more? (Or less?) I would prefer answers from people who have actually sent in an ancient coin to NGC. Thank you in advance for your help.
it cost me 45.00 per coin, with the services that I want; which usually include photos. I am a certified NGC dealer, so I get discounts and your mileage will vary. The more coins you send in, the better a deal it is. I usually send at least 10 at a time. Be prepared for long turn around times ...six months and longer.
How can you post this without a picture. I haven't sent anything in to NGC yet, but I am a member and I've looked into it some. It's a little confusing (at least was for me.) Hope you get it all sorted out satisfactorily.
As far as I know, NGC Ancients does not offer 'authentication' as a service. Their guarantee states that they will only grade coins that they believe are authentic but that's not quite the same thing: "NGC Ancients is committed to grading only genuine coins, but it does not guarantee authenticity, genuineness or attribution, nor is any guarantee of these aspects implied. NGC Ancients will only holder coins it considers genuine at the time of submission, but it cannot guarantee the authenticity, genuineness, type, attribution or date of any coin it holders." https://www.ngccoin.com/specialty-services/ancient-coins/guarantee.aspx
I know they don't guarantee authenticity. But, their opinion is as close as I can get. I'd like to have an expert look at in hand with the light weight in mind. If it is genuine, it might be worth it to me to pay the fees (which is why I asking what they are), and if it is not genuine, I'd like to have the expert opinion to back me up when I ask for a refund. I'm sure the seller, a well-known firm, would not want to take it back for a refund without a strong reason. Plus, I don't want to send it back if it is genuine.
@Valentinian If you're a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) you have NGC submission privileges, you don't need to pay for a separate NGC membership. If not, you might consider joining. A digital membership to the ANA is $30/year, which includes a monthly magazine with a lot of great content. https://info.money.org/join
