PCGS Security
MAXIMUM VALUE | MAXIMUM SECURITY | MAXIMUM LIQUIDITY
A quick look at how to use this new anti-counterfeiting and security technology.
Industry Leading Suite of Security Features
COIN SECURITY
All PCGS coin and banknote holders are formed using a specially engineered plastic that contains an inert additive. This additive is detectable only by a hand-held reader developed exclusively for PCGS. These readers have been provided to select PCGS Authorized Dealers to aid counterfeit detection in the marketplace.
BANKNOTE SECURITY
Get the Gold Shield For As Low As $18
Collectors Club members can upgrade PCGS graded coins to the Gold Shield Security holder for only $18 for Gold Shield Reholder service level.
READY TO SUBMIT?
If you are not a Collectors Club member, gain direct submission privileges in order to upgrade the PCGS coins in your collection.
A Better Weld for Improved Durability
The PCGS holder features reformulated plastic and a new design that creates a much stronger weld. The result is a holder that is more difficult to chip, holds up better to drops, and more readily reveals tampering.
GET BEHIND THE GOLD SHIELD
Look Closely - this is no ordinary shield. Microtext makes the PCGS Gold Shield uniquely secure. Learn more about Gold Shield
VERIFY AUTHENTICITY ON THE GO
Hold your NFC enhanced device up to the slab for coins featuring new NFC technology or scan the front barcode to verify its authenticity with PCGS Cert Verification.
PCGS NFC Technology FAQs
Q: Do I Need to Download an App?
A: If your device has an active NFC reader, putting the phone in proximity of the holder will automatically launch the PCGS Cert Verification app if it is already installed. If you do not have that app, it will open a web browser to display the information about the slab and the coin or banknote within.
To take full advantage of this security and anti-counterfeiting technology, we recommend downloading the PCGS Cert Verification app (https://www.pcgs.com/apps).
Q: Will This Work on My Device?
A: Android phones as of 2012 and iPhone XS (or newer) phones already have NFC readers available. You may need to turn on this feature in settings. On models iPhone 7 through iPhone X, the inserts can be read by downloading an NFC reader app. Meanwhile, iPhones 6SE and older as well as pre-2012 Android phones are incompatible with NFC technology in our holders.
Q: How Close Does My Device Need to Be?
A: The range can vary, but NFC readers usually have a maximum range of approximately four inches.
Q: Can I Use the Barcode?
A: Yes, the barcode will still work with the PCGS Cert Verification app, however the QR code will not appear on labels going forward.
Q: Is There an Extra Cost?
A: As of October 2020, NFC technology will be included in all PCGS coin and banknote holders at no additional cost.
Q: Are the NFC anti-counterfeiting technology inserts Secure?
A: Yes, when used in conjunction with the PCGS Cert Verification app, this technology is the most secure anti-counterfeiting technology available in our market. The NFC technology insert contains a uniform resource locator (URL) generating a unique, cryptographic one-time password (OTP) that changes every time the insert is tapped. This password is validated by the HID Trusted Tag® Cloud Authentication service to prove that it is the exact same tag that was issued with the slab. Our integration with this system allows Cert Verification to confirm the authenticity of the insert and flag any potential issues.
Q: How Can I Tell if a Holder has NFC Technology?
A: As of October 2020, all PCGS holders with NFC technology can be identified with the new NFC symbol featuring a shield with three bands above it on the reverse of the slab and/or in the bottom left corner in the holder itself located within the plastic. Note that some coins with special labels may only feature the symbol in the bottom left obverse of the holder.
Q: What if Mine Doesn’t Work?
A: The first step we recommend is ensuring your coin includes an NFC insert by looking for the NFC symbols on the reverse and/or obverse of the coin holder. Next, we recommend checking your device compatibility and settings to assure that your NFC reader is on and that you have a reliable connection to the internet. If you find that the feature is still not functioning correctly, please contact PCGS Customer Service at 1-800-447-8848.
Q: How Long Does NFC Technology Last?
A: NFC inserts are solid-state and have no moving parts, do not contain any sort of battery, and will be encased in the same industry-leading holder that keeps your coins and banknotes safe. Therefore, without the risk of exposure to the elements and damage, we expect NFC technology to last beyond the general expected lifespan of 100,000+ scans and 40+ years.
Q: Can I add additional non-PCGS provided NFC technology from other services to my holders?
A: Applying any secondary NFC tag to a PCGS NFC-enabled holder will cause interference between the tags and will most likely cause both tags to not function at all. Please avoid outside NFC services to retain the full benefit of your PCGS NFC-enabled Holder.