Initial IDC Examination
Selected products receive an initial examination by IDC Coin & Bullion. The review considers authenticity, identifying characteristics, and suitability for the program.
What is IDC Verified?
IDC Coin & Bullion | Authentication & Certification
What Is IDC Verified?
IDC Verified is an authentication and preservation program from IDC Coin & Bullion, combining independent evaluation by Independent Coin Graders (ICG) with additional review by IDC.
When purchasing collectible coins, historic currency, or precious-metal products, authenticity matters. Buyers want to understand what they are purchasing, how an item has been evaluated, and what its certification means.
The IDC Verified program was developed to provide an additional layer of examination and identification for selected collectibles offered by IDC Coin & Bullion, part of International Diamond Center.
Participating products undergo an authentication and evaluation process involving Independent Coin Graders (ICG) and IDC's own review procedures. Eligible items are identified by the IDC Verified Diamond Label.
The program includes selected historic American coins, world coins, bullion, natural gold nuggets, paper currency, and other collectible products.
The IDC Verified Authentication Process
IDC Verified uses a multi-stage review process designed to bring together independent third-party evaluation and IDC's additional examination.
Independent ICG Evaluation
Participating items are submitted for applicable independent authentication or grading through Independent Coin Graders (ICG). The resulting designation depends on the type and condition of the item.
Additional IDC Review
IDC performs an additional authenticity review as part of its verification program. This review is separate from the independent opinion provided by ICG.
IDC Verified Diamond Label
Eligible products receive identification through the IDC Verified Diamond Label, distinguishing their participation in the program.
Important: IDC Verified is not a separate third-party coin grading company. ICG provides the independent grading or authentication opinion. IDC Verified represents IDC's additional review process.
Who Is Independent Coin Graders (ICG)?
Independent Coin Graders (ICG) is a third-party numismatic authentication and grading service.
Professional grading services examine submitted coins to assess authenticity and, where applicable, assign a condition grade or other designation.
Certified coins are commonly encapsulated in protective holders displaying identifying information about the coin.
Depending on the product, that information may include its denomination, date, mintmark, variety, grade, authentication designation, and certification identifier.
Why Does Independent Evaluation Matter?
An independent grading or authentication opinion provides buyers with information from an organization separate from the retailer offering the item.
It can help collectors compare coins with similar characteristics, document identifying information, and understand the assigned condition designation.
However, certification does not guarantee a coin's rarity, market price, or future investment performance.
What Is the IDC Verified Diamond Label?
The IDC Verified Diamond Label identifies eligible products participating in IDC's verification program.
The label connects the product with the IDC Verified process while preserving the distinction between ICG's independent evaluation and IDC's additional review.
When reviewing an IDC Verified product, buyers should examine the complete holder information, including the ICG designation and any relevant product details.
What to look for: Confirm that the product description, photographs, and holder information agree on the item type, date, mintmark, grade, purity, or other relevant characteristics.
Authentication vs. Grading: What's the Difference?
Authentication and grading are related but different processes.
Authentication concerns whether an item is genuine. Grading evaluates the condition of a collectible according to an established grading system.
| Evaluation | Primary Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | Determine whether an item is genuine | ICG Genuine |
| Numerical Grading | Assess a coin's condition | ICG MS-63 |
| Details Designation | Identify authenticity with a relevant condition issue | XF Details, Cleaned |
| Descriptive Quality | Describe general condition without an exact numerical grade | AU Quality or BU Quality |
| IDC Verified | Identify participation in IDC's additional review program | IDC Verified Diamond Label |
A coin can be genuine without receiving a numerical condition grade. Similarly, a coin with a high numerical grade is not necessarily rare.
Understanding Coin Grades on the Sheldon Scale
Many collectible coins are graded using the 70-point Sheldon grading scale.
Numerical grades generally range from 1 for heavily worn coins to 70 for coins meeting the highest applicable grading standards.
| Grade Range | Designation | General Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 to G-6 | Good | Heavy circulation wear with major design elements remaining |
| VG-8 to VG-10 | Very Good | Considerable wear with additional visible detail |
| F-12 to F-15 | Fine | Moderate to heavy wear with recognizable detail |
| VF-20 to VF-35 | Very Fine | Moderate circulation wear |
| XF-40 to XF-45 | Extremely Fine | Light wear on prominent design elements |
| AU-50 to AU-58 | About Uncirculated | Slight circulation wear |
| MS-60 to MS-64 | Mint State | Uncirculated with varying marks and surface quality |
| MS-65 to MS-70 | Higher Mint State | Increasingly strong preservation under the grading standards |
What Does ICG Genuine Mean?
An ICG Genuine designation indicates an authentication opinion. It is not equivalent to a numerical grade such as MS-65 or MS-70.
What Does BU Quality Mean?
BU means Brilliant Uncirculated. When used as a descriptive quality designation, it should not be interpreted as a specific numerical Mint State grade.
What Does AU Quality Mean?
AU means About Uncirculated. An AU Quality designation should not be treated as a precise numerical grade unless one is explicitly assigned.
Explore IDC Verified Coins, Bullion & Collectibles
IDC Verified encompasses multiple collecting categories. Browse the collections below to explore available products.
Does IDC Verified Increase a Coin's Value?
Certification and authentication can provide useful information to collectors, but they do not automatically increase an item's market value.
The value of a coin or precious-metal collectible depends on several factors.
Authenticity
Buyers need confidence that an item is genuine and correctly identified.
Condition
Wear, marks, luster, originality, and preservation can influence demand.
Rarity
Scarce dates, mintmarks, varieties, and limited surviving populations may affect collector value.
Market Demand
Comparable transactions, precious-metal prices, and collector preferences help determine market value.
IDC Verified does not guarantee future appreciation, investment returns, or a particular resale price.
How to Buy IDC Verified Coins & Bullion
Begin by selecting the type of collectible or precious-metal product that interests you.
For numismatic coins, examine the date, mintmark, denomination, variety, grade, and certification information.
For bullion products, compare manufacturer, weight, fineness, authentication designation, and market premium.
For natural gold nuggets, review the gross weight, stated karat purity, appearance, and independent evaluation.
Always examine available product photographs and the specific holder designation.
Preserving Certified Coins & Collectibles
Proper storage helps protect collectible coins and precious-metal products from unnecessary handling and environmental exposure.
Whenever practical, keep certified coins in their original protective holders.
Avoid polishing, abrasive cleaning, or attempts to improve a coin's appearance.
Cleaning can permanently alter original surfaces and reduce numismatic desirability.
Store important purchase records, certification information, and photographs alongside collection records.
IDC Coin & Bullion: Clearwater, Florida & Nationwide
IDC Coin & Bullion is part of International Diamond Center, a jewelry and precious-metals business serving customers across Florida and Georgia.
IDC Coin & Bullion is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, with 11 retail locations across Florida and Georgia.
The company's online store serves coin collectors, bullion buyers, and precious-metal enthusiasts throughout the United States.
Customers in Clearwater, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, and the greater Tampa Bay area can explore IDC's collectible inventory online.
Does IDC Buy Coins & Precious Metals?
IDC purchases qualifying gold, silver, coins, bullion, and other precious-metal products.
Customers interested in selling a coin collection, historic gold coins, silver dollars, or bullion can contact IDC to discuss their items.
Frequently Asked Questions About IDC Verified
What does IDC Verified mean?
IDC Verified identifies selected products participating in IDC Coin & Bullion's authentication and preservation program, incorporating independent ICG evaluation and additional IDC review.
Who grades IDC Verified coins?
Independent Coin Graders (ICG) provides the independent grading or authentication opinion.
Is IDC Verified a coin grading company?
No. IDC Verified is IDC's additional verification program. ICG is the independent grading and authentication service.
What is the IDC Verified Diamond Label?
The Diamond Label identifies eligible products participating in the IDC Verified program.
What is ICG coin grading?
ICG is a third-party grading and authentication service that evaluates submitted numismatic items.
What does ICG Genuine mean?
Genuine is an authentication designation. It is not a numerical condition grade.
What is the Sheldon grading scale?
A 70-point numerical system widely used to describe collectible coin condition.
What does MS-63 mean?
MS-63 is a Mint State grade describing an uncirculated coin under the grading service's standards.
What does AU Quality mean?
AU Quality is descriptive About Uncirculated terminology, not necessarily a precise numerical grade.
Are IDC Verified products guaranteed to increase in value?
No. Collectible values depend on market conditions, rarity, condition, metal content, and demand.
Does IDC Verified include gold bullion?
Yes. Selected gold bars, historic gold coins, and natural gold nuggets are included in the IDC Verified collections.
Does IDC Verified include silver coins?
Yes. Eligible silver coins, rounds, and collectible silver dollars are included.
Can I buy IDC Verified products online?
Yes. Available IDC Verified products can be purchased through IDC Coin & Bullion's nationwide online store.
Does IDC buy collectible coins?
IDC purchases qualifying coins and precious metals. Contact IDC to discuss a specific item or collection.
Where is IDC Coin & Bullion headquartered?
IDC Coin & Bullion is headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and operates retail locations across Florida and Georgia.
Explore the IDC Verified Collection
Discover selected certified coins, historic American gold, collectible silver dollars, authenticated bullion, and specialty collectibles.
Review independent ICG authentication or grading information and learn more about IDC's additional verification process.
