NGC and PMG are currently the only coin and paper currency grading service that is accepting submissions. In an email to members on April 3, 2020, the company made it clear that they were “open and fully operational” despite COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Stay at Home orders in Florida, where the company is based. They have, however, modified some business practices to comply with those orders.
NGC and PMG meet a number of criteria to be considered “essential services,” according to Florida Executive Order 20-91, issued on April 1 by Governor DeSantis. The Executive Order specifically defines “essential services” to include, among many others, businesses that interact with customers electronically or by telephone and deliver products through the mail; manufacturing facilities; businesses that supply other essential businesses; and businesses that provide access to financial services, including non-bank financial services.
NGC Email to Members
The email goes on to explain that local drop-off, including the new contact-less drop-off procedures they recently implemented, are suspended. Normally reserved only for authorized dealers, local drop-off at the Sarasota, Florida offices of NGC have been stopped all together and that mail submissions are the only type being accepted.
Further, as most companies have done throughout the United States, non-essential staff or those who can work from home are doing so for the company. NGC also notes that customer support staff are working from home and email is the best route to getting support. You can email NGC or PMG Customer Service is to email Service@NGCcoin.com or Service@PMGnotes.com
These changes will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future as the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to peak here in the United States in the next two weeks. Many states and counties within those states have already extended their Stay at Home orders through the end of April.
Both PCGS, based in California, and Colorado based ANACS have suspended coin grading services due to local orders that deem them non-essential.