Watch a computer grade a coin

1630Boston

I posted this as a comment but thought others might like to see it here
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https://youtu.be/fhWq_auONm0

ChrisH821

I like the Coinhelpu channel.

Kurisu

I'm guessing that at some point someone like our host will involve a google AI team and end up with an incredible grading app to help up the volume of grading that's happening...but everything will still need human checks and then of course no matter how smart the AI is if the images aren't ultra high-res and perfectly sharp there will be misses and then using various methods to look for cleaning and problems like that will be undoable by the AI for quite some time.
Still it's a great way for newer collectors to identify coins as the databases get bigger. Obviously the enormous advantage of PCGS or NGC will be the ability to start of with a massive database for AI learning and references.

Lazybones

Too much work. Complicating a simple process.

derryb

useful tool for inexperienced graders to screen what they submit.

MilesWaits

I don’t see how a computer or AI could do better or worse given that coin grading is such a subjective model.
My experience here at the forum has taught me that the same coin will elicit a wide array of opinions on grading. And authenticity.
And alot believe “my coin ought to have a CAC sticker!”
Stickin to bullion.

TurtleCat

An AI model could easily learn where marks are and certain problems and get you partly there. I doubt it would be enough for counterfeit detection, eye appeal, and luster.

SIowhand

Not today, but it’s coming.

ricko

If it can be measured, detected, identified - then an AI program can be developed. Sure, it is an extensive undertaking... However, when launched, and proven, it will become the hobby standard....Are there doubters?? Oh yeah... just as there were doubters when CAC was launched.... Now a recognized and sought certification. Believe me... AI grading is coming, and likely sooner than most collectors think... I have no doubt there are quiet projects underway already at TPG's... and they have an incredible data base to work with. Cheers, RickO

trueblood

So hard to watch this guy

1630Boston

@ricko said:

. I have no doubt there are quiet projects underway already at TPG's... and they have an incredible data base to work with. Cheers, RickO

Of course you are correct @ricko
Coin Grading Giant Partners with Positronic to Develop Machine Learning Tool
In partnering with Positronic, PCGS has been able to decrease the amount of time it takes to grade coins while increasing accuracy of their grading. The new system Their new system benefits from artificial intelligence and machine learning, allowing coin graders to quickly determine coin authenticity by checking coins against their vast proprietary imaging database.

“We have been testing and refining the system for over two years and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. It will become a crucial component of our fight against counterfeiting, " shared Don Willis, President of PCGS

John Nelson, PCGS’ Chief Technology Officer, shared: “With coins going through PCGS Gold Shield, our system is even more intelligent, and faster than before. It speeds the grading and authentication process.”

Positronic specializes in making businesses perform better and faster through strategic implementation of technology. Is there an area of your business that you need to up your game to stay competitive? Contact us to explore solutions.

bsshog40

I could see this being a pretty cool program to play with as an experienced collector. Most collectors can usually get within a grade point on their own coins by eye though. The issue I see is people being able to take pictures that are suitable for the software. The pictures would have to be shot head on and the focus be near perfect in order for the alignment process to work. As I stated, fun to play with but very time consuming for each individual coin.

WAYNEAS

It is always nice to see what the future will bring.
A very enlightening story and presentation.
Thanks
Wayne

1northcoin

Remember when we all laughed at digital cameras?

rec78

I remember a grading service that was called compugrade at one time, but it didn't last very long.

TurtleCat

@1northcoin said:
Remember when we all laughed at digital cameras?

Not I. I always wanted one of the earliest ones when I first saw them for consumers. Once I finally got a digital camera in 2002 I never looked back.

yosclimber

When I watch the video, I am thinking the software should be able to align the photo to the template automatically.
Easier said than done, of course.

I have been playing around with OpenCV and Python, creating a program that crops photos to the coin.
It works fairly well with my photos and a plain white background.
It does not work so well when the coin is in a slab or 2x2, because the background shade varies quite a lot (except in old NGC slabs).
With more code, it should be able to handle most photos, though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQeoO7MI0Bs
I found this video was very helpful for getting started.