what does it take to learn ...
Kccoin
Posts: 1,086 ✭✭✭✭✭
... the leading standard?
Sure it is important that we as collectors have somewhat of a clue as to how to grade our coins and coins that we see. But one could also argue that it is also important to learn how the graders grade coins, as one could gain from this knowledge.
What does it take? how have you learned?
what does it take to learn ...
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You can only get so far by studying coin pics in books or on your monitor. Coins are 3-D objects--you need to see them in hand (even the edges matter)---thousands. Look at the grades on slabbed coins and learn to discern what the graders were looking for. Better still, take the ANA Summer Seminars on grading and counterfeit detection, and ask lots of questions. If possible, look through a stack of identically graded generics (e.g., Morgans or Saints) in 64 or 65--notice anything? Look at junk too (small B&M shops are useful in this regard), and make an effort to learn telltale indicators of altered coins. And practice! This is like learning a foreign language--use it or lose it.
Access to lots of coins is what really matters. Some excellent graders own NO coins, but do routinely see lots of coins in hand, virtually every working day.
Why would sending in a raw coin for grading teach you much about grading? All you would get is one data point, what a few graders saw at one point in time. Maybe they will feel differently in a month or next year. In any event, the marketplace is flooded with coins graded at various points in time.
In the final analysis, a grade is just an approximate indicator of market value. If you don't like the grade on a coin being considered for purchase, keep your money in your wallet. In some cases, like wildly toned coins, the grade won't mean much, since the bulk of the value is tied up in the color(s) and their vibrancy.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Because there are no standards, one must learn by all - and more - of the choices listed. This would also include professional instruction. Even then, your skills will allow you to approximate a grade, which will often be challenged by other knowledgeable individuals. Cheers, RickO
The classes obviously, but a lot is experience.
My YouTube Channel
Access to lots of coins yes, but also someone who can mentor you along the process.
Desire and time.
Submission causes me to submit. If I weren't objective, I'd object.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
You will have to view lots and lots of coins in hand to start to get a feel for how to grade, what designs you like, the difference between pre or post mint damage, cleaning, weak strike, scratch versus adjustment marks, etc. In addition, you need to do this with more than one dealer and someone that you are comfortable with. Once you decide on a series , it’s time to read books, many many times so that you become very confident in your own abilities. Then once you become confident then you must continue to read and re-read to make sure that you learn more and don’t forget what you have already learned. This is especially important if you get into die varieties.
Learning to grade coins and spot problems requires:
• Study the grading guides. On-line, “Coin Facts” is good start although not all of the coins there are perfectly graded. The best looking ones for the grade are the pieces you should focus upon. Beyond that the ANA grading guides and even an older book like “Photograde” can be instructive.
• Go to shows and look at as many coins as you can. The grading pieces are a place to start, but as you get more experience, you should look at the raw and “less than prime time grading company” pieces as well.
• You find a good mentor who is willing to help you, latch on them. This can be more likely if you join a club.
• Look at problem coins so that you can “get to know what good is.” Get to know common problems like edge issues, corrosion, artificial toning, repairs and yes, counterfeits.
• Always be skeptical. Don’t assume that “the experts” are always right. If it doesn’t look good to you for the grade assigned, others might have the same opinion.
• Sadly some people don’t have the powers of observation or a patience to learn to grade coins well. If you fall into that category, you will need to find good friends and honest dealers to help you.
Most of the above.
Handling tens of thousands of coins, thus learning how to grade, buying and selling, and sending coins in for certification. Studying the market and pricing is important, too. You must have a PASSION and therefore become a student of the game.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
I agree strongly with the PASSION part.