PaulS.

Hello, Each error is inspected by our error expert. What you describe is something that is commonly seen on 40% silver Kennedy half dollars, and would not be considered an error. Paul

Mechanical errors are quite rare, but NGC grades millions of coins a year, so some mistakes do happen. We correct Mechanical Errors and return them as quickly as possible. I apologize for the inconvenience! Paul

Hello, Neat find! Unfortunately, it's a bit too minor to note on the holder. Paul

Both of these coins are simply damaged. Paul

Sorry, we are unable to provide grade estimates from photos. Paul

This is post-mint damage, sorry. Paul

Hello, This design was struck as a pattern in 1977. However, none were actually released. This is likely some sort of copy or tribute coin. Paul

Unfortunately, this is an older small-sized label and is now retired. Paul

Actual auction results, like from Heritage, are always a good option.

Hello, Unfortunately, NGC is not able to recognize all varieties from every country. There are simply too many to do. This would definitely fall into the too minor to recognize camp. Paul

No, sorry. It would lose the designation. Paul

This looks to be heat damaged, sorry. Paul

NGC backs up its service with the NGC Guarantee of authenticity and grade. If an expensive coin like that is not in an NGC (or other reputable TPG's) holder, there is likely a reason for it. Paul

No, sorry. LIBERTY is heavily doubled on examples of this variety. Paul

Hello, Please call Customer Service and ask for the Registry team. 1-800-NGC-COIN Paul

That is damaged, unfortunately.

Hello, They are all different coins. What you are stating are "scratches" are in fact heavy metal flow lines due to wear on the die. Paul

The NGC Star designation denotes a coin has exceptional eye appeal. While it shouldn't change or be removed on a regrade, due to the subjectivity of NGC Stars, they are not guaranteed under the NGC Guarantee. So, technically it could be removed, but likely won't be. Paul

A straight clip occurs when a planchet is punched out from the edge of the metal strip (which is straight.) They are legitimate errors that happen accidentally.

Prescreen is for bulk deals only. You cannot submit so few coins for Prescreen.

Naturally toned coins are graded as normal, and may even earn a star for eye appeal. There are thousands and thousands of naturally toned coins graded by NGC, so it is not true to say that all toned coins are graded Artificially Toned.

Yes, if it is actually struck from extremely cracked dies, it would likely be treated as an error. However, the US Mint has pretty high standards, and I would suspect that the coin might not be an error after all. Do you have photos?

Typically, missing clad layers are much more coppery in color. This might have been altered in some way. Of course, if you aren't sure you can always bring it to an NGC-authorized dealer to have them take a look. If they aren't sure either, you can submit to NGC to take a look. Paul

Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) is excited to announce that it will hold a free coin grading contest at the 2022 ANA World’s Fair of Money (WMF) in Chicago, Illinois, taking place August 16-20. The NGC Coin Grading Contest will be open to anyone age 13 and older. Each participant will be given 10 minutes to grade 15 coins at the NGC booth (#1502) without any outside assistance. The coins will be a mix of countries, types and grades, and may include Details-graded and not genuine coins. Contestants will enter their grades on a computer provided by NGC. Participants will be divided into three categories: Adult (age 26 and older), Young Adult [YAN] (age 18-25) and Young Numismatist [YN] (age 13-17). The contestants will be scored based on how closely their grades are to NGC’s grades, and prizes will be given for first, second and third place in each category. For both the Adult and Young Adult categories, first prize is a $300 NGC grading credit, second prize is a $200 NGC grading credit and third prize is a $100 NGC grading credit. The Young Numismatist category prizes are cash in the amount of $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. The top 10 finishers in each of the three categories will receive a special NGC “Sample Slab” with a 2003-S Proof Silver Illinois Quarter. All participants will receive a special free “Sample Slab” with a special pedigree only available to participants in the contest. To request a reservation for a time slot in the contest, which is being held from August 17th-19th, please email your name, age (as of the WMF Show) and day(s) you will be at the WMF Show to: contest@ngccoin.com with a subject line of “WMF Grading Contest.” You must be willing to have your name published by NGC if you win.

Hello, There is no formal process to become a grader. Just years of practice or as a coin dealer. The closest thing would be the ANA's Summer Seminar, which offers excellent programs on counterfeit detection and grading, some of which are taught by NGC graders. You could also apply to become an NGC authorized dealer. Paul