How To Grade US Coins (Online Book)

I discover James Halperin's Book, "How to Grade US coins," online at < http:www.coingrading.com >. The book is an exegesis on distinguishing the various Mint State grades of the Morgan dollar; however, those of us who are casual collectors may find the pictures of coins in other series with the high points highlighted useful in distinguishing AU, EF, and VF coins. If the details on the high points remain visible, the coin is either AU or EF (depending on amount of wear on high-point details); if the high-point details are completely worn off, the coin is VF. My analysis my be an overly simplistic approach, but it at least keeps coin collecting an enjoyable diversion rather than something more to stress out over. I find my old 18th edition of "Photograde" still to be of good service, since I can afford only the lower grade of 18th and 19th century type coins. I did, nevertheless, yield to the temptation to buy the 2007 "Red Book," since ebay bidding seems to be tied into those prices, a sort of "The Price Is Right" game to bid as near as possible to the red-book value without going over it.