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Pillar of the Community
United States
835 Posts |
So I've been collecting for about 12 years now. One of my real passions is United States numismatics. I finished college with a degree in economics and political science. I am a year out of college and really want to pursue something I enjoy. I am 26 years old. I plan on flying to the Longbeach Coin Show June 5th. Any advice for me in my path of pursuing a grading career?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4489 Posts |
Hopefully you can get your foot in the door if that's what you want to try. I doubt if they hire rookies as front line graders though. You might be better off starting out with one of the big auction firms to get your feet wet and build your industry reputation and contact list. Once others see your knowledge base expand the doors will start opening...even the door to the grading room! I would imagine the coin business, including TPG, is like a lot of careers in that it can get boring quick, the hours can be long and it is subject to burnout after a few years. Good luck and let us know how it goes. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9816 Posts |
I would suggest studying any grading material that's available and also attending grading seminars during the ANA convention(s). Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum.-Lucretius "Just because you're paranoid don't mean they're not after you." -Kurdt Kobain My Want List: http://goccf.com/t/282022
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
28078 Posts |
I suggest contacting PCGS and ask what the procedures are. John1  ( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion )
Searched 5+ Million Cents Since 1971
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Valued Member
Canada
81 Posts |
You are only young once! Follow your dream and see where it takes you. Working for one of the grading firms would be pretty interesting for sure... And hey, if you get bored and want to move on, so be it. Atleast you tried making your career revolve around your passion instead of just a mindless job to pay the bills.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18151 Posts |
 This is really only a hobby but many do make lots of money doing things with this hobby. Ever watch those coin shows on TV? Those people make a lot of money and people go to them, not them hunting buyers. I suggest you going to lots of coin shows, watching those TV coin shows, learn as much as possible about coins, then look into another possible job. Way to many sellers already out there now.
just carl
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1445 Posts |
PCGS usually hires coin dealers as graders. You need to take a grading test and I believe get 8/10 right as to what PCGS graded the coins. I've heard they pay around $100K. I have not heard of an entry level grading position, but like any company there are surely entry level positions.
The collection is in your mind. Dispose of your albums and free your mind from the tyranny of holes.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12144 Posts |
While it is true they usually get their graders from people who have built a reputation in the industry already that isn't the only way. There are a couple of things you can do to improve your chances. The first would be they're doing a grading competition at Long Beach, enter that and if you do very well that would be a positive reflection on you they can see. The second would be take the ANA grading courses over the summer. That generally reflects well and can help get a foot in the door with either them or a big company that could then lead to a TPG grading position. Just be prepared to be grading monster boxes of silver eagles and the like for a while if you get hired and know it'll be a while before you get to grade the expensive stuff. That said best of luck to you and hopefully you can at least get a job somewhere in the company during your trip |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4543 Posts |
Quote:
The first would be they're doing a grading competition at Long Beach I just read that you have to grade 20 coins each in a capsule in 20 minutes. They will be different years and various grades.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12144 Posts |
Quote:
I just read that you have to grade 20 coins each in a capsule in 20 minutes. They will be different years and various grades. They did do everyone a favor as there are no plus grades, fakes, or details grades, but still should be a good challenge. Hopefully they'll post what they were for those of us that cannot attend
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Valued Member
United States
119 Posts |
that sounds like an intense competition haha
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Once Thought Impossible! PCGS 1981 Lincoln Cent on Nickel Planchet
Posted 05/14/2019 01:32 am
