What lighting conditions do TPG graders look at coins under?

SanctionII

Do they have one or multiple lighting options to choose from when looking at conis they are grading?

For example, untoned MS coins are looked at under one option, circulated coins under another option, proof coins under another option and toned coins under another option?

Your input please.

ecichlid

I think sometimes it's at night with a flashlight under a blanket.

In all seriousness, a good question. Would it be possible that they are using a combination of different lighting?

anablep

yellowkid

Connecticoin

Probably a halogen lamp in a darkened room.

PrivateCoinCollector

Darken Room. They have a computer, a box of coins, and a 60 watt incandescent light.

adamlaneus

I would like to see a picture of a 'grading station' as used at PCGS.

I wonder if such a thing would be public or if that picture would contain proprietary information?

drwstr123

Judging by the 91s on some of my copper, I'd say dark glasses and a candle.

ksteelheader

They use incandescent lighting.

See the complete process here!

adamlaneus

That is an interesting video that everyone should watch.

I also see that there is a difference between lighting for the purpose of grading coins...
And lighting for the purpose of general viewing or photography.

For grading, it seems that you want one single light. Your ability to tilt the coin in your hand gives you all the flexibility you need to see all surface qualities.

But for photography, a single light source produces only one pair of lustre-bars and also causes shadows. A second light corrects this. The viewer of your picture cannot 'rotate the coin under the light', so you need different light.

That video does not show the lighting setup used to take Tru-View pictures.

leothelyon

Floodlights?

This is another thing about Heritage no-one e..e..ever complains about it. The lights they use at coin shows where they hold auctions. But I won't go into that since there are way many more sellers here than collectors.

Leo

Bear

A 15 watt, ice box bulb, in the middle of the room.

In addition, the graders wear gloves and sun glasses.

In order to keep the flow of coins moving, the graders

sit in padded potty chairs so they can keep grading.

It somewhat like living in a fetid swamp, at night with

crickets.

PawPaul

I remember learning that they are allowed to use whatever lighting they want ..........

airplanenut

<< <i>I remember learning that they are allowed to use whatever lighting they want .......... >>

That's what I understand. If a grader is good, no reason to have company policy require a specific method. Similarly, graders will probably prefer different loupes for the times they pick them up. The two most common are probably incandescent and halogen. Fluorescent wouldn't be used because of how it hides hairlines.

tahoe98

......incandscent lighting.

coinguy1

When I was a grader, each of us used whatever type of light or lights we were comfortable with.

ecichlid

And so that they don't blink during the process, as to keep them churning out....

cape

welcome back- Coinguy 1

DieClash

They were handling that MS-64 St. Gaudens with their bare hands. Not only the grader but did you see the Sealer pop that gasket on and put it the slabe with his bare hands? Where's the cotton gloves?

I hope he didn't have Pizza or chips for lunch.

Tdec1000

They are professionals and I am sure they wash their hands throughly before handling the coins.... I hold raw coins everyday without gloves. As long as you hold it by the rim you are fine.