How to spot fake NGC slabs

Numismatic Guaranty Company. Text-only guide, no grader logos. Every tell links to its public source.

Community and public-source information only. This is not an authentication. Slab Watch is independent and not affiliated with PCGS, NGC, PSA, Beckett (BGS), SGC, CGC or any grading service. Always verify on the grader's official site and contact the grader directly.

Step 1: official cert lookup

https://www.ngccoin.com/verify/

Type this address yourself. A matching cert is step one, not proof.

Reported tells

Cert lookup + images

Nearly every coin NGC graded since Oct 2008 was imaged in the holder; compare coin, label and holder to those images.

Source

Verify alerts

Results can show "Possible Counterfeit Holder", "Reported Stolen", "Mechanical Error" or "Contact Customer Service".

Source

Copied certs that scan

Reported fakes used copied certs whose barcodes scanned correctly; a working barcode is not proof.

Source

Holder details

A reported tell on fake NGC-style holders was the size of the prongs.

Source

Pedigree holders under UV

NGC found counterfeit Redfield cores glow red under UV; genuine cores do not.

Source

Scams & guarantee

NGC does not buy or sell coins. Its guarantee does not cover counterfeit or tampered holders.

Source

Alerts for NGC

Counterfeit large cents reported in fake NGC-style holders (Reported (third-party publication); certs flagged by NGC per source)
NGC: nearly 30 counterfeit Redfield Hoard holders in one submission (Confirmed by grader (NGC article))
Counterfeit gold Eagles and Buffalos reported in fake NGC-style holders (Ohio) (Reported (press))
NGC verify can flag "Possible Counterfeit Holder" (Published by grader)

Run the coin checklist Report a suspected fake NGC slab