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Best Coin Grading Books
ExtraordinaryCoins
Posts: 101
What are the best books on coins and grading? US or Foreign. List your top 5.
Thanks
Thanks
Cheers,
Michael
Michael
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Just two overall grading books for me;
"The Bible" - The Official A.N.A. Grading Standards for United States Coins - publised by the A.N.A
and
"The New Testament" - Official Guide to Coin Grading and Conterfiet Detection - published by PCGS
after that I tend to us books concentrating on series and specialties to help with grading/attributing
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
As for the PCGS book, there are two editions - get the first one, which is larger format (8 1/2" x 11"), which means the pictures are bigger.
There's a book for grading Canadian coins (Charleton) and the Spink book on British coins has some grading pages in it, as well, but that's all I know about for world coins.
Check out the Southern Gold Society
second for circ coins is the ana grading guide the one just before the new one that just came out
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for unc and proof coins and somewaht circ coins
pcgs grading and counterfeit detection guide the first edition with the glossy pages and killer photos on the glossy paper
how to grade us coins by j halperin
Thought the lastest ANA book is trying to change some grading on a few series, this goes for the red book as well.....
Just follow the sheep and read the lable.
Edited to add...
If you actually DO want to learn something about grading then get Brown and Dunn plus a copy of Jim Ruddy's Photograde for circulated coins and a copy of the ANA guide for MS and an overall view.
Of course, the best book is the ANA Grading Standards, 6th edition!
Lane
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>Thought the lastest ANA book is trying to change some grading on a few series, this goes for the red book as well..... >>
It does, stick to the 4th edition.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
From the editors of Coin World and Coin Values comes one of the easiest to use guides in determining and assessing a coins grade. Each coin series listed features high quality, full-color, detailed photos with grade descriptions and pinpoint areas to inspect. Design high points are highlighted to indicate areas of wear. Visual impairment severity levels are identified by color maps. Spiral binding means pages will lie flat and stand up to the rigors of everyday use.
This book retails for $25 plus S/H
If any of the members would like to buy a copy I will sell it for $20 bucks and that includes the shipping charges....
my gift to the board....pm if you want one!
Have a 1st PCGS a 6th ANA and a Photograde on the way.
The 1st PCGS has become collectible as it still sells at or above the original retail price.
Michael
I learned to grade as a kid from the Brown & Dunn book. I found the line drawings very helpful.
The PCGS book (either edition) is my current favorite.
The controversy over the new ANA guide strikes me comes from its recognition of "market grading." They've done away with counting the letters in LIBERTY, and depending on the amount of the buffalo's horn remaining. I think that's for the best. You really do have to look at the whole coin.
Good luck. Get you a good, strong lamp and 5x loupe and you'll be all set.