Eight Stages of Expert Evaluation
Every coin submitted to IGA passes through a rigorous eight-stage workflow. No coin skips a step. No grade is assigned by a single person. This is how we protect the integrity of every certificate we issue.
Intake & Registration
Your submission is received, logged, and assigned a unique tracking ID. Every item is inventoried against your submission form and any discrepancies are flagged immediately. You receive a confirmation email with your tracking ID.
Authentication
A senior authenticator examines the coin for signs of counterfeiting, tooling, or alteration. Modern authentication uses a combination of die-study reference, weight, specific gravity testing, and visual examination under magnification.
Independent Grading
Two senior graders independently assess the coin against the IGA grading standards — evaluating strike, lustre, surface preservation, and eye appeal. Neither grader sees the other's assessment until both are complete.
Grade Consensus
The two independent grades are compared. If they agree within one point, the grade is finalised as the consensus. If they differ by two or more points, a third senior grader is called for a tie-breaking review.
Encapsulation
The coin is placed in its individually-sized insert and the tamper-evident polycarbonate holder is sealed under controlled pressure. The serial number, grade, and description are printed directly onto the permanent security label.
Quality Control
A QC reviewer inspects every sealed holder before it leaves the grading room. They verify the grade matches the coin, the label information is accurate, the holder is properly sealed, and the NFC chip is functioning correctly.
Imaging
High-resolution images of the obverse and reverse are captured and linked to the certificate record in our database. Images are publicly accessible via the IGA Verify tool using the certificate number.
Secure Dispatch
Certified slabs are packaged in protective foam inserts and dispatched via tracked, insured courier. You receive a shipment notification with tracking information the moment your order leaves our facility.