In the numismatic hobby, the grading scale is the ultimate deciding factor when it comes to the quality of a coin. We all know quality equals bigger value in most cases, hence the importance of the scale in the first place. But past the raw coins and their conditions, whether it be Good or Brilliant Uncirculated, there is one verification that only comes with certified coins. Regardless of the condition listed on the holder, there is one particular sticker that takes an already valuable coin to be even more valuable in literal seconds: the “CAC” sticker.
Small, oval-shaped, green, shiny, generally placed on the right side of the coin just below the label. This description on the surface level explains the “CAC” sticker, but what else beyond those things can you determine about it? Well, we are here to answer some of the most asked questions concerning this highly regarded designation.
What does “CAC” stand for and how was it started?
In literal terms, “CAC” stands for Certified Acceptance Corporation. “CAC” was originally founded by leading members of the hobby as they were looking for an even higher level of grading than what was being offered. The sticker itself is backed by those leading members and more specifically John Albanese, a highly respected dealer across the numismatic hobby and a leading authority on coin grading.
What does the “CAC” sticker mean?
A “CAC” designated coin has been verified to the point where it meets the strict standards to which the Certified Acceptance Corporation has established within its specific grade. The addition of the sticker also guarantees its verification as they stand behind their standards. As an active bidder on a number of “CAC” designated coins, they themselves have purchased nearly $600 million worth of “CAC” verified coins.
How do they determine their verification of already certified coins?
According to the Certified Acceptance Corporation themselves, certified coins of the same grade can be vastly different in terms of quality. CAC’s belief that today’s collectors are the determining factor for wanting “premium” quality coins in their determined grade. While being the leading force on recognizing a higher standard among coins that have the same determined certification, they believe that their standards of previously graded coins are designed to meet the standards of today’s particular buyer. With their verification, a buyer’s collective confidence in their standards restores the value they have in their collection. “CAC” stickers are only assigned to coins that meet those standards.
What does CAC determine as “premium quality”?
In the numismatic community, coin dealers and those more advanced collectors have used the letters A, B, and C to describe coins. C coins are denoted as low-end for their grade, B is considered solid, and A describes high-end. In order to gain the “CAC” sticker and verification, CAC only awards those certified coins with stickers if their quality meets the A or B indication.
Are “CAC” designated coins more expensive?
Most generally, these designated coins are more expensive than their initial price in a PCGS or NGC holder. With their sticker rating system, coins with the sticker may trade for higher premiums. However, these sticker ratings also have the potential to increase in value the type of collection you are looking for. If your collection is full of graded coins that feature this designation, the value is exponential compared to a collector who does not in some cases.