FAQ

Do I need an account to submit coins?
Yes, before submitting coins you will need to have a Stack's Bowers Galleries account. You can register for a Stack's Bowers Galleries account here.
What types of coins are accepted for submission?
Coins accepted by CMQ can be found here: Coins Accepted.
What grading services are accepted by CMQ?
We review coins graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), Numismatic Guaranty Service (NGC) and Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC).
What is a CMQ-X coin?
A small percentage of coins will be assigned CMQ-X, or Collectible Market Qualified Exceptional, gold stickers. David Hall describes CMQ-X coins as coins that "make you shake your head in wonderment".
Why did you start CMQ?
CMQ stickered coins are designed to instill confidence in a coin's quality and facilitate “sight unseen” trading. Stack's Bowers Galleries' and David Hall Rare Coins' trading departments, who collectively buy and sell more than $500 million in rare coins annually, will be active market makers in all CMQ stickered coins, providing added demand and liquidity. Collectors, dealers, and investors in rare coins will have a new level of confidence when buying or selling CMQ stickered coins because they have unanimously met or exceeded Hall and Robert's rigorous standards.
If a coin has been stickered by CAC, is it guaranteed to be stickered by CMQ?
Not necessarily. David Hall and Greg Roberts will review each coin on its individual merits and our strict grading criteria.
Does a lack of a CMQ sticker mean a coin is over graded?
No. It simply means that it has not been submitted to CMQ for review or it does not meet our strict definition of market qualified.
Why can't I use the Coin Look-Up for PCGS, NGC or CAC coins without a sticker?
CMQ values the privacy of the owner of a coin that has been reviewed but not stickered and CMQ will not disclose its review to the public.
Are the serial numbers of all PCGS, NGC and CAC coins submitted to CMQ recorded?

Yes, all coins submitted to CMQ are recorded and their serial numbers are entered into our database.

Whether a coin has been previously submitted or not, all submitted coins that are received by CQM will be reviewed. In some cases, a coin that was previously rejected may be reconsidered and awarded a sticker.

Do David Hall and Greg Roberts look at every coin?
Yes David and Greg review every coin submitted.
What address should I send my submissions to?
CMQ submissions should be sent to CMQ, 1550 Scenic Ave, Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Can I drop off coins in person?
You may drop off coins in person at any of the Stack's Bowers Galleries locations. It is highly recommended that you call to make an appointment.
How is the Declared Value determined for my submission?

This is our estimate of an item's value based on historical sales data, industry price guides and our proprietary pricing algorithm. This proprietary pricing algorithm is still in beta with updates made frequently to improve its accuracy, and there are instances where the declared value may be inaccurate. You may edit the declared value if you feel the suggested declared value is inaccurate.

How do I send coins in?
Please see our packing instructions.
How do I submit a coin using its certification number by grading service?
PCGS
To submit a PCGS coin please enter the certification number, shown in bold text below.
Example: 0000.00/12345678
CACG
To submit a CACG coin by certification number, please use the digits to the right of the slash, shown in bold text below. Include a zero at the beginning if less than 9 digits long.
Example: 1234.12/012345678
NGC
To submit a NGC coin by certification number, please enter it as Cert#/Grade.
Example: 1234567001/67
Still can't find your certification number? Click here.
What do I get charged if my coin does not get a CMQ sticker?
Coins which do not qualify for a CMQ sticker will receive a discount of 50% off the grading fee.
Is there a $10 handling fee for manual submissions?
Yes, however, there is no handling fee for online submissions.
Does CMQ factor "+" grades into their qualification process?
Yes.
How much does it cost to have my coins reviewed by CMQ?

The fees associated with submitting to CMQ will vary based on the declared value per coin. Fees listed are on a per coin basis. Coins that do not receive a CMQ sticker will be charged at 50% of the service level fee. In addition to grading fees, coins submitted on a handwritten submission form will be subject to a $10 handling fee. The handling fee will be waived for coins submitted through our online platform. Each submission also be subject to shipping and handling charges unless a submitter's shipping account is on file.

Service Level Maximum Coin Value Fee
Regular $9,999 $20
High Value $24,999 $35
Rarities $99,999 $75
Ultra Rarities N/A $100
What is the anticipated turnaround time for my submission?
CMQ expects to return all submissions no later than 3 weeks after receipt.
Will CMQ buy my coins?
Yes! CMQ founders David Hall and Stack's Bowers Galleries actively make markets in all CMQ coins. Simply check the "Make me an offer on my coins" box when completing your submission form to receive an immediate cash offer on your coins.
How do I submit my CMQ submission for consignment at Stack's Bowers Galleries?
Simply check the "Contact me about consigning my coins to a Stack's Bowers Galleries Auction" box when completing your submission form and a Stack's Bowers Galleries consignment specialist will contact you.
How should I pack and ship my items?

For packages valued up to $50,000

Your coins can be shipped with complete confidence through the postal service by Registered, Insured Mail. With this service you can purchase up to $50,000 of insurance. This is the safest way to transport your valuable coins.

Before shipping your items, please contact a CMQ customer service representative so that we can be aware of the incoming shipment. When packing your coins, please make sure you pack them securely inside a box with enough packing material so that the items are not loose. Before you seal the box, shake it to ensure contents do not rattle; if they do, please add more packing material. Also, make sure to include a filled out submission form that contains the contents inside the package. Place the box inside of another box so that it is completely enclosed. Be sure to use enough packing material so the box is secure and does not have room to move. Please note: The USPS requires you to cover all the seams of the box being shipped with tape prior to shipping.

Address the package and attach the proper labels from the post office onto the box. Please do not indicate the contents of the package outside of the box. The post office will provide you with forms for their Registered Mail service and you should purchase insurance to cover the value of the shipment.

Any package can be insured up to a maximum amount of $50,000 per parcel through the USPS.

For packages valued above $50,000

If you wish to send packages in excess of $50,000, contact a CMQ customer service representative to arrange for pre-paid shipping label (USPS, UPS or Fedex) and additional insurance coverage through our Lloyd's of London policy (an additional charge).

Be sure to drop your package at a physical USPS, UPS or Fedex location and obtain a stamped receipt from attendant who assisted you in shipping your order. The receipt should state what station you used to ship your package and when the package was accepted. Please keep a copy of this for your records, as this information is essential in the rare occurrence that something happens to your package.

In the case of a very large or valuable collection, CMQ can make arrangements through Brink's, Malca Amit or a similar armed transportation service. We can also arrange for delivery at one of several Stack's Bowers Galleries locations.

If you have any additional questions regarding the shipment of your items, please do not hesitate to call us. We are more than happy to help clarify any inquires you may have or help you schedule any special arrangements needed for your collection.

How much do you charge for shipping and handling?

Within the United States
All orders are shipped via USPS, UPS or FedEX.

Please note, these charges are for one way.

Total Declared Value Postage & Insurance
Up to $299 $12.00
$300 - $499 $17.00
$500 - $999 $20.00
$1,000 - $2,499 $24.00
$2,500 - $4,999 $27.00
$5,000 - $9,999 $30.00
$10,000 - $14,999 $40.00
$15,000 - $19,999 $45.00
$20,000 - $24,999 $50.00
$25,000 - $49,999 $75.00
$50,000 - $74,999 $100.00
$75,000 - $99,999 $125.00
$100,000 - $249,999 $250.00
$250,000 and up $400.00

International Shipping
Please contact us for current costs.

CMQ
1550 Scenic Ave, Suite #150
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Can I combine the return shipping of a CMQ submission with a Stack's Bowers Galleries auction or retail purchase?
No. Unfortunately shipments for multiple services cannot be combined.