The hardest thing for me

MSD61

The hardest thing for me right now is identifying thinks like bag marks, adjustment marks, etc. Sometime it's hard to tell waht was done by man or mint. I can tell whizzed, cleaning marks and hairlines but some of the others are very hard to tell. Any suggestions? Books?

Thanks,
Micheál

coinguy1

Micheál,

People could go on and on, trying to help you be able to tell the difference between man-made and mint-made flaws. But, the best way to learn is to have someone who is knowledgeable review the coins with you, on a face to face basis. You can learn more that way, in minutes, than you could through books or other means, in hours, weeks or even years.

Perhaps if you have the opportunity, you could view lots from a major auction some time. Certain flaws are often mentioned in the catalog descriptions and noted as mint-made or man-made.

MSD61

Thanks coinguy1 a capital idea!

NOTE TO ALL: I meant capital idea not capital slabs

Shamika

Mark Feld is absolutely correct. Once you see these characteristics in person, you'll rarely ever have trouble again.