A "PCGS Genuine" coin is a coin that has been placed in a PCGS grading service holder (usually called a "slab",) without a grade attached to it. The coin has no grade because it is a "problem coin" of some sort, which can be identified by the code on the label in the PCGS holder. Coins designated as Genuine were formerly returned to the collector ungraded and non-holdered, in so-called body bags. Now, PCGS puts these coins into holders without a grade, just the designation that they are genuine along with a code explaining why the coin failed to grade.
The PCGS Genuine label, shown in the photo to the right, has three numeric codes on it. The first code is 7194. This part of the code tells us what kind of coin is in the holder, in this case, an 1889-S Morgan Dollar (not shown.) The second part of the code (following the period) tells you the grade the coin received on the 70-point coin grading scale. For coins that did not get a grade, this number will be in the range from 91 to 98. The number on the other side of the slash is the certificate number (or "cert") and is unique for each coin.
PCGS Genuine Problem Codes
When PCGS rejects a coin for full grading because it has problems (and therefore slabs it only as Genuine), the code will reveal the primary reason. The list below explains what the codes mean.
- 91 Artificially Colored
- 92 Cleaned
- 93 Planchet (Coin Blank) Flaw
- 94 Altered Surface
- 95 Scratched or Rim Dented
- 97 Environmentally Damaged
- 98 Other Damage
PCGS will not encapsulate coins that are judged to have the following issues:
- 90 Not Genuine
- 99 Active PVC
Code 96 is reserved for items that are completely rejected for service, such as tokens and other non-coin items. PCGS also doesn't holder coins that have plugged holes. More information about the PCGS Genuine program is available on the PCGS Web site.
Learn more about why PCGS implemented this "Genuine" program. Was it their low stock price? Complaints from customers about rejected coins? Or was it some other reason entirely? Check out why the PCGS Genuine service was expanded.
