Grading? - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 3 / Views: 1,003
snitchard Valued Member United States 420 Posts	Posted 01/29/2012 8:20 pm Good Evening, I have posted many times on this forum my fear of grading and my reasons why but I want to explain my low vision and put my mind at ease about grading. So here we go... My vision is as follows. I have no real usable vision in my right eye. When I cover my left or good eye I can see light and color out of my right eye that is it. With correction my left eye has 20/80 vision which means what someone with normal vision could see an object at 80 feet away I have to be 20 feet away. Without correction I'm at 20/200 or almost blind. How does this relate to coins and grading? Well grading a coin is very visual and subjective not scientific and objective. One person's idea of an MS-65 may be another person's idea of an MS-67. I did purchase the ANA Grading Guide but unfortunately haven't read much of it. Someone on this forum once suggested buying only slabbed certified coins but my only problem with that is how do I know the grade on the slab is accurate? What is "accurate" when it comes to grading? I rely on my own instincts. If a coin looks good to me and I feel like it is in my price range and budget based on my research as to the most I'm willing to pay for a coin then I will buy it with confidence. I have only ever bought Proof Sets and raw coins and feel that I now know enough to not "overpay" for a coin although I think it is important to know how to grade I'm not sure if it is required to be a good numismatist. Do "most" say over 90% in this hobby know how to grade? Who knows? Any thoughts? Rich Rich M. - Collector since 2008 Report this Post to the Staff

biggfredd Rest in Peace United States 9104 Posts	Posted 01/29/2012 9:04 pm Just look at any thread about grading a coin, and you'll see a wide variance of opinions. Report this Post to the Staff
BH1964 Bedrock of the Community United States 10982 Posts	Posted 01/29/2012 11:34 pm Sorry about your vision problems snitchard. We all have to live with some type of handicap be it mental, physical, emotional. You sound like you have a good attitude. Is it possible to find someone in your area who can work with you? Vision corrected to 20/80 combined with good lighting and magnification should allow you to do okay. Quote: Do "most" say over 90% in this hobby know how to grade? Who knows? Any thoughts? Believe me, most do not say "over 90% hobby in this hobby know how to grade"! Most would say, "over 10% in this hobby know how to grade"! Quote: I rely on my own instincts. If a coin looks good to me and I feel like it is in my price range and budget based on my research as to the most I'm willing to pay for a coin then I will buy it with confidence. Great ideas! Buy from people you trust and don't spend a ton of money. There are great coins out there under $50. Some dealers offer grading sets of raw coins. You might ask around. What series interest you? I would stick with coins under $100 for now and work your way up if you want to. This is a great hobby open to all. We're glad you're here! ANA #R3154474 Report this Post to the Staff
Cajunlady0 Valued Member United States 318 Posts	Posted 01/30/2012 12:39 pm Snitchard, am so sorry for your vision problems. I also have vision problems - progressive lens that can only get me close to 20/20 and tons of floaters in both eyes. Very annoying, to say the least. For my coins, I have to use strong magnification, good lighting and some time for me to adjust and focus in on the coin. I would not even attempt to grade a coin here because I do not see enough of the "same coin" to judge the differences. I am also new, so I don't trust what I see quite yet anyway. Put your coins up and let others grade them for you. Take the majority of the grades OR if you trust someone, then listen just to that person. As far as buying graded coins, I would only buy from companies that you know that have been consistent with their grading. If in doubt about a company, ask here for opinions. This group has a wealth of knowledge about everything and they share it freely! I love this place! Report this Post to the Staff
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