What is a hand-signed coin label?

It is the paper insert in a PCGS or NGC holder, signed in ink by a notable person such as a former Treasurer of the United States or a U.S. Mint engraver. The coin is graded and sealed in the holder with the signed label, under the same certification number as any other graded coin.

Does the signature change the grade?

No. The grade is set by the grading service and is the same with or without a signature. The signature is part of the label, not the coin.

How do I know a signed label is genuine?

Look up the certification number at pcgs.com/cert or ngccoin.com/certlookup. The record should match the coin, the grade and the label type. Labels are signed under the grading service's program, so a holder that has been opened and resealed is a warning sign.

Are signed labels worth more?

Collectors disagree, and we won't promise that any label will hold or gain value. Buy a signed label because you want that piece of Mint history, and judge the coin on its own merits.

Signers library

Who signs the labels

Treasurers, Mint directors, engravers and the founders of the grading services sign PCGS and NGC labels by hand. Here is who they are, what they did and which labels they sign. Facts are sourced from the U.S. Mint, the Treasury, PCGS and NGC.

Treasurers of the United States

Mint directors & Treasury officials

Mint engravers & sculptors

Coin designers

Grading & hobby leaders

Signed labels, explained

What is a hand-signed coin label?: It is the paper insert in a PCGS or NGC holder, signed in ink by a notable person such as a former Treasurer of the United States or a U.S. Mint engraver. The coin is graded and sealed in the holder with the signed label, under the same certification number as any other graded coin.
Does the signature change the grade?: No. The grade is set by the grading service and is the same with or without a signature. The signature is part of the label, not the coin.
How do I know a signed label is genuine?: Look up the certification number at pcgs.com/cert or ngccoin.com/certlookup. The record should match the coin, the grade and the label type. Labels are signed under the grading service's program, so a holder that has been opened and resealed is a warning sign.
Are signed labels worth more?: Collectors disagree, and we won't promise that any label will hold or gain value. Buy a signed label because you want that piece of Mint history, and judge the coin on its own merits.