COLLECTOR RESOURCES

Knowledge supports
better decisions.

Plain-language guidance for understanding Criterion records, preparing submissions, and caring for certified coins.

Reading a Criterion Record

Connect certification identity, grade, holder generation, imagery, evidence, and current status before making a decision.

Confirm the Complete Certification Number
Compare the Holder and Published Images
Review Status, Qualification, and Provenance

Understanding the Review Process

See how independent grading opinions, final verification, and documented escalation support a consistent certification decision.

Independent Grader A and Grader B Opinions
Separate Final Verification
Senior Finalization When Escalation Is Required

Authentication Evidence

Understand how measurements, visual diagnostics, compositional testing, and selected results contribute to an authentication opinion.

Physical Specifications and Diagnostics
Composition Methods Where Appropriate
Recorded Evidence and Test Limitations

Coin Handling & Submission

Prepare, identify, protect, and document coins before they enter an authorized submission channel.

Use Inert Individual Protection
Maintain Line-Item Identity
Ship Only with Confirmed Instructions

VERIFICATION & HOLDER SECURITY

Three checks. Three different claims.

Criterion keeps registry verification, physical comparison, and live cryptographic authentication distinct so no result promises more than the evidence supports.

Registry lookup or QR

Certificate record

Confirms that the Criterion certification exists and shows its current public status. A record match alone does not prove the physical holder is genuine.

Label, imagery, and security features

Holder comparison

Compares the coin and holder in hand with approved images, the laser-etched certification number, holder generation, and assigned security features.

Cryptographic NFC when available

Live physical authentication

A successful live NFC proof provides stronger evidence that the assigned physical holder is present. Static tag identity alone is not treated as sufficient.

ANATOMY OF A RECORD

Read beyond the label.

A Criterion record is designed to present the identity, professional opinion, evidence, and current standing of a certification in one authoritative view.

Open Verification

Certification Identity: The unique Criterion number connecting the holder, coin, and public record.
Grade & Designation: The numeric opinion and any applicable strike, color, or other recognized designation.
Qualified Context: A disclosed characteristic that requires specific context alongside the grade.
Evidence Record: Published authentication methods, selected results, and professional observations where appropriate.
Holder Generation: The Criterion holder release associated with the certification package.
Current Status: The record’s active, suspended, replaced, or other authoritative certification state.

QUALIFIED GRADES

Context without euphemism.

A Qualified Grade identifies a coin whose characteristics require specific context, such as surface alteration, environmental effect, material loss, mounting, cleaning, or color stability concern. Criterion uses refined, descriptive terminology in the public record and preserves the selected reason behind the designation.

COMPAREChoose a serviceReview certification, crossover, reholder, and imaging paths.PREPAREPlan a submissionFollow the intake, packing, carrier, and authorization sequence.CHECKVerify a certificationCompare the public record with the holder in hand.

AUTHORIZED DEALERS

A trusted submission channel.

The Criterion Authorized Dealer network is being developed to help collectors prepare submissions, understand service options, and maintain appropriate chain-of-custody documentation.