Certified

[<:Sparkle:>]

What does 'certified' mean? Is it necessary?

[J.Cordeiro]

A Certified Coin is one that has been graded and authenticated by one of numerous independent grading services.
In my opinion, I do not think it necessary nine out of ten times; unless you have a spectacular coin that you know will command a higher price if you send it away to be validated and sealed in plastic or acrylic for ever more.
Also, I have heard of people, not liking the grade of their returning coin, busting it out of its sealed case and sending it to another grading service with the hopes of getting a better grade. This alone would have me thinking twice about using and relying on a grading service.