Every coin and banknote on our website has been certified by an independent collectables authenticator. Independent grading and authentication mean more accurate grades, improved saleability, and greater confidence in every coin and banknote we sell.

We certify our coins with PCGS
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) was founded in 1986 and has since become the world leader in coin and banknote authentication. With more than 60 million coins or banknotes graded, PCGS is the global standard trusted by collectors, dealers, and investors. Drake Sterling and its affiliates hold no stake in PCGS; we simply choose them because Australian collectors overwhelmingly prefer PCGS-certified coins.

A typical PCGS certificate, specifying the coin's date and mintmark, denomination, grade, country, catalogue number, and variety.

What a certified coin or banknote looks like
PCGS charges a fee to authenticate and grade your coin or banknote. Each coin or note receives an NFC-enabled certificate linked to the PCGS database, along with a unique barcode. The certificate and item are sealed inside a tamper-evident holder, known throughout the industry as a slab. These slabs then trade on the market with the full backing of PCGS’ reputation.

PCGS does not grade counterfeits
PCGS only certifies genuine coins. Counterfeits, as well as genuine coins altered to mimic rare dates or mintmarks, are rejected outright. No authentication certificate is issued for these items.

PCGS does not grade counterfeits.

PCGS does not grade cleaned or damaged coins
While PCGS will confirm authenticity on a cleaned or damaged coin, they will not assign it a numerical grade. These pieces are labelled genuine only and do not receive a condition rating.

Ask for PCGS-graded coins
When you’re offered a valuable coin or banknote that isn’t certified, always ask the seller why. If the answer feels vague or dismissive, or the seller attempts to undermine PCGS itself, walk away. Good coins belong in PCGS holders.

You can get your coins certified too
Drake Sterling was one of Australia’s first PCGS-authorised dealers, and has been submitting coins to PCGS since 2007. Over that time, the company has helped thousands of collectors certify their coins. If you’d also like to have your coins certified, click this link for more information.