About
CAC Grading (Certified Acceptance Corporation Grading) is a premier coin grading and certification service renowned for its stringent, collector-friendly standards. Unlike other leading grading services, CAC is owned and operated by over 150 top numismatic collectors and dealers, including industry veterans John Albanese and Ron Drzewucki, ensuring accountability to the hobby at large. CAC offers two core services: professional coin Grading, where each coin receives an expert grade and encapsulation in a tamper-evident CACG-labeled holder, and Stickering, where already-certified coins are evaluated for quality within their current grade. Both services result in coins that command premium prices in the marketplace due to the market's trust in CAC's exacting standards. Collectors can join the CAC Grading Club to gain access to submission privileges, member-only pricing, and exclusive events. The platform also features a robust suite of resources including a Population/Price Report, Certificate Lookup, Authorized Dealer directory, Coin Registry, Marketplace, and an active community Forum. The streamlined online Submitter Portal simplifies what was once a complex process, even for first-time submitters. CAC's dedicated Customer Care team further enhances the experience. Whether you are a casual collector, seasoned numismatist, or coin dealer, CAC Grading provides the highest assurance of coin quality and authenticity available in the market.
Key Features
- Professional Coin Grading: Expert grading and encapsulation of coins in tamper-evident CACG-labeled holders, evaluated to rigorous collector-friendly standards.
- Stickering Service: Quality verification for coins already certified by other services — coins that pass receive a CAC sticker confirming they meet the grade standard.
- Population & Price Report: Comprehensive pop/price report database giving collectors insight into coin rarity and market values across grades.
- Online Submitter Portal: A streamlined digital portal that simplifies the submission process for both first-time and experienced submitters.
- Collector Community & Registry: An active forum, events schedule, coin marketplace, and personal registry system for tracking and showcasing collections.
Use Cases
- Collectors submitting valuable coins for professional grading and authentication to establish verified market value.
- Numismatists crossing over coins from other grading services to CACG holders to access the CAC premium in the marketplace.
- Coin dealers using CAC stickering to verify the quality of inventory and boost buyer confidence.
- Investors researching coin rarity and pricing using the CAC Population/Price Report before making purchasing decisions.
- Hobbyists building and showcasing personal coin collections through the CAC Registry and community forums.
Pros
- Collector-Owned & Accountable: Owned and operated by 150+ top numismatic collectors and dealers, ensuring grading standards align with what collectors actually value.
- Premium Market Value: CAC-certified coins consistently command premium prices at auction and in private sales due to widespread market trust.
- Comprehensive Resources: Offers an extensive suite of tools including a pop/price report, cert lookup, marketplace, registry, and active collector community.
- Simplified Submission Process: Intuitive online portal and strong customer care make submitting coins accessible even for first-time users.
Cons
- Membership Required for Submission: Collectors must join the Grading Club (fee applies) before they can submit coins directly, adding an upfront cost barrier.
- Service Fees Apply: Grading and crossover services carry per-coin fees that can add up, particularly for large or low-value collections.
- Physical Coin Submission Required: Coins must be physically mailed in for grading, introducing wait times and shipping risk compared to digital-only services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAC Grading?
CAC Grading is a professional coin grading and certification service owned and operated by over 150 leading numismatic collectors and dealers. It provides grading and stickering services to authenticate and certify coins to the highest standards in the hobby.
How do I submit coins to CAC Grading?
You need to join the CAC Grading Club and then use the online Submitter Portal to initiate a submission. The portal walks you through the process step by step, and CAC's Customer Care team is available to assist.
What is the difference between Grading and Stickering?
Grading involves CAC experts assigning an official grade to a raw or crossed-over coin and encapsulating it in a CACG holder. Stickering is a service for coins already in third-party holders — CAC reviews them and applies a sticker if they meet the quality standard for their existing grade.
What is the Crossover Special?
The Crossover Special allows collectors to transfer coins graded by other services into CACG holders. If a coin meets CAC's standards, it crosses over; if it doesn't, the fee can be as low as $0 during promotional periods, reducing the risk of submission.
How much does it cost to join the CAC Grading Club?
Membership in the CAC Grading Club is available for $25 through promotional periods. Membership grants access to submission privileges, member-only pricing, and exclusive community features.
