Founded
Early 2000s
Headquarters
South Africa
Cost per coin
R100–300
Turnaround
2–4 weeks
SANGS Grading Service
The local alternative for certifying South African coins – cost‑effective, quick turnaround, and expert knowledge of local series.
Key Benefits
Overview
SANGS (South African Numismatic Grading Service) was established in the early 2000s to provide a local alternative to international grading services. It addresses the barriers faced by South African collectors: high shipping costs, customs delays, currency exchange, and long turnaround times.
SANGS uses the same 70‑point Sheldon scale as NGC and PCGS, ensuring compatibility with global grading standards. It offers authentication, grading, and encapsulation specifically for South African coins, banknotes and tokens.
Grading Standards
SANGS follows the Sheldon scale (1–70) with standard adjectival grades. Color designations: BN, RB, RD. Problem designations: Cleaned, Polished, Rim Damage, Ex‑Mount, etc.
️ Notable Certifications
- 1902 Veldpond contemporary forgery – graded as "High 'A' Forgery" (Noble Numismatics Lot 4039). Useful for counterfeit study.
- 1923 Half Penny – MS63 BN, MS64 BN, MS65 BN examples graded (Randburg Coin 2016).
Submission Process
- Prepare coins – select, handle by edges, package securely.
- Complete submission form – coin descriptions, requested service.
- Submit – in person at coin shows, via participating dealers, or direct mail.
- Wait – standard service 2–4 weeks, express available.
- Receive graded coins – in SANGS holders with grade, certification number.
Many South African dealers (Randburg Coin, Southern African Coin Co., Cape Coin) offer submission services.
Fees (Approximate)
| Basic grading (per coin) | R100–300 |
| Authentication only | R50–150 |
| Variety attribution | R50–100 |
| Encapsulation | Included |
| Return shipping (SA) | R50–150 |
SANGS vs. NGC/PCGS
| Factor | SANGS | NGC/PCGS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per coin | R100–300 ($5–15) | $23–40 + shipping |
| Shipping | Local (R50–150) | International ($50–100) |
| Turnaround | 2–4 weeks | 4–12 weeks |
| Customs risk | None | Possible delays |
| Market acceptance | High in SA, limited internationally | Worldwide |
Choose SANGS for: mid‑range coins (under $500), local collections, quick turnaround.
Choose NGC/PCGS for: high‑value rarities, international resale, registry sets.
Contact
Visit the website of participating dealers or inquire at coin shows. No direct public contact details are widely published; submissions are typically handled through dealers.
Sources
- Randburg Coin. "Coin Grading" (reference to SANGS graded 1923 half pennies).
- Noble Numismatics. Lot 4039 – 1902 Veldpond forgery in SANGS slab.
- South African Coin Dealers – submission information.