Registry Ranking System
How Sets are Ranked
The goal of the Registry is to provide a competitive but fun vehicle for both
serious and beginning collectors to gain recognition for the rarity of their
sets. In that regard, we've developed a ranking system that allows collectors
of any experience level to participate. Following is an explanation of how sets
are ranked in the Registry.
We place a value on each coin that is based on the relative rarity of its type,
date and grade. This value takes many factors into account such as grade,
population, market value, eye appeal and expert opinion. When a set is ranked
in the registry, its rank is judged based on the total of the individual scores
of all the coins.
As a basic guide to our system, collectors can look to the market as an
excellent method of comparing the relative rarity of one coin to another. There
is simply no better indicator of how much a coin is desired.
There is, however, no one perfect source that accounts for all the elements
needed to be considered when ranking sets in the Registry. Comparative values
of coins in the market can appear distorted (especially at the top end). On the
other hand the grades alone are a poor indicator of how much "finer" a coin is
because the grade does not reflect the rarity of a coin.
Through extensive market research, we are able to provide a ranking system that
recognizes the intelligence of the market, but offers a more true reflection of
relative rarity than does market value, because it appropriately adjusts for
market distortions.
| Q:
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What is the star designation? Do coins bearing the star designation carry more
weight in the Registry?
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| A:
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The "Exceptional Eye Appeal" designation (indicated on the NGC label with a (*)
symbol immediately following the grade) specifies a coin that NGC's graders
determined to have exceptional eye appeal, perhaps because it possesses
outstanding luster. A coin graded MS-65 with a star designation does not
suggest that the coin is of a different grade than a coin of the same type
without the star. It is simply a coin that, in the opinion of NGC's grading
team, displays superior eye appeal. The star is applied to inform both buyer
and seller of this desirable status and create a fuller picture of the coin's
appearance.
A coin with star designation is automatically assigned a Registry point premium
in order to recognize its exceptional eye appeal for the grade.
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The star designation is applicable to all USA coins except as noted:
It will not be applied to coins grading less than MS-63 or PF-63; as the
ultimate grade, any coin graded MS-70 or PF-70 will not be eligible for the
star; nor will coins graded MS-69 or PF-69 dated 1979 and later receive a star.
| Q:
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Are NGC and PCGS coins weighted the same in the Registry?
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| A:
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Yes. NGC and PCGS are the recognized leaders in coin grading. Coins of the same
type, date, grade and designation are weighted equally regardless of which
service has graded them. The intention of the Registry is to reward coins of
the same caliber equally.
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| Q:
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Are NGC Details coins weighted the same in the Registry?
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| A:
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No, NGC Details coins are given 50% of the score given to a numerically graded coin of the same condition. NGC Details coins are coins returned with a prefix indicating wear (UNC, AU, etc.) and a Details grade indicating that a detrimental surface condition has prevented NGC from grading the coin with a numerical grade (Improperly Cleaned, Scratched, etc). For more information about NGC Details grading, visit www.NGCcoin.com |
What a Registry Score Means
When a set is assigned a score in the Registry, the sole purpose of that score
is to provide a standard against which other sets in the Registry can be
compared. A Registry score is not intended to be used, and should not be used,
as a grade, certification or authentication with respect to a set or the coins
in a set, nor as a basis for determining market value.
In the Event of a Tie
The Registry system will first rank by score and in the case of a tie the
system will determine which set has the highest percentage of coin images. If
the score and percentage of images is equal between two sets, then the
percentage of coin descriptions will be considered. So to break it down,
ranking is achieved by considering in this order:
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Set score
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Percentage of coins with images
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Percentage of coins with descriptions
If all of the above items are equal between sets, then sets will be sorted by
the date the SCORE was achieved (first to achieve it will appear higher), but
they will have the same rank number beside their set.