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What Is The Best Grading Reference?

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Brandmeister's Avatar
United States
6878 Posts
 Posted 12/02/2023  2:23 pm Show Profile   Check Brandmeister's eBay Listings Bookmark this topic Add Brandmeister to your friends list Get a Link to this Message Number of Subscribers
I am sure that CCF newcomers have asked this question a thousand times over the years. What is the proper online reference for grading rules on each denomination?

I have become relatively proficient with PCGS Photograde for visual comparison, at least below 53/60. But when people talk about MS grades in particular, they are assessing what seem to be agreed-upon finer points. At some point, I seem to remember encountering a blow-by-blow of specific devices and wear assessment for Buffalo nickels at each grade. Do these references exist for each denomination? I also know that some years are known for weak strikes, die wear, and so forth. Surely this information exists in a reference somewhere, that probably isn't only in a book.
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Dearborn's Avatar
United States
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MisterT's Avatar
United States
2014 Posts
 Posted 12/02/2023  3:35 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add MisterT to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
I would recommend a paperback book by James L. Halperin titled "How To Grade U.S. Coins", a step by step guide to the grading of uncirculated and proof coins. It shows all denominations, high points of wear so you can determine if a coin is uncirculated or a slider AU. Formulas for assigning a MS-grade depending on surface preservation, strike, luster, and eye appeal.
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Coinfrog's Avatar
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94367 Posts
 Posted 12/02/2023  3:38 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Coinfrog to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
The Halperin book is indeed a must for collectors of high-grade examples.
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Halo1st's Avatar
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2775 Posts
 Posted 12/02/2023  5:09 pm  Show Profile   Bookmark this reply Add Halo1st to your friends list Get a Link to this Reply
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