If you collect U.S. coins, you’ve almost certainly encountered the two giants of third-party grading: NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Both use the 70-point Sheldon scale, encapsulate coins in tamper-evident holders, and back their opinions with guarantees. Yet each company has its own philosophy, designations, and market culture. A great way to see the differences in practice is to look at a single, high-profile issue: the 2021-CC Morgan Silver Dollar.

First, a quick framing. NGC and PCGS are broadly aligned on technical grading standards, but collectors often note subtle distinctions. PCGS is known for its “+” grades (e.g., MS65+) to recognize coins at the high end of a grade band, while NGC uses a “★” (Star) for exceptional eye appeal within the assigned grade. Both firms apply strike and reflectivity designations—“PL” (Prooflike) and “DMPL” (Deep Mirror Prooflike) for Morgan dollars when surfaces meet strict reflectivity thresholds.

Now, the 2021-CC Morgan. Despite the “CC” nod, these coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a “CC” privy mark honoring the historic Carson City Mint. The coins were produced with modern minting technology, tight quality control, and were sold directly to collectors, so the grading distribution skews very high. Submissions to both NGC and PCGS commonly achieved MS69 and a meaningful number reached perfect MS70—far less typical for classic (1878–1921) Morgans but expected for a modern commemorative-style issue. Where die polish and handling warranted, both companies also assigned PL designations, though these are less prevalent than standard Mint State grades given the satin-leaning finish of many examples.

Labeling and marketing distinctions are where collectors often feel the difference. PCGS uses “First Strike” (based on submission timing criteria) and offers special set and signature labels that highlight the “CC” privy. NGC offers “Early Releases” and “First Releases,” as well as a wide variety of special labels—many themed to the Morgan/Peace revival—that emphasize the commemorative connection to Carson City. Both firms provided bulk-submission pathways, which is why you’ll see large populations in identical grades with different label varieties.

Holders are another differentiator. PCGS slabs have a clean, minimal look with a blue label and embedded security features. NGC’s holder is slightly more tapered, with optional white or black cores that can visually frame bright silver coins like the 2021-CC quite attractively. Security features, barcodes/QR codes, and online cert verification are robust at both companies.

PCGS

NGC

So which is “better” for the 2021-CC Morgan? From a pure grading-accuracy standpoint, both are excellent. On price performance, preferences can be issue-specific and market-driven. Some collectors and dealers report a mild premium for PCGS at the very top of the grade curve (e.g., MS70 with a desirable label), while others prefer NGC’s presentation and breadth of labels—especially for matched sets across the 2021 Morgan and Peace series. For long-term collecting, choose the aesthetic you like, verify designations (MS69 vs MS70, PL/DMPL when present), and—crucially—focus on eye appeal. With a modern, high-grade-heavy issue like the 2021-CC, luster, clean fields, and strike quality will matter more to your enjoyment (and future liquidity) than the logo on the insert.