New To Grading

Grading is totally subjective. There is the Sheldon scale and guidelines but it is still people giving their opinion.

Wiping isn't considered cleaning , it's considered scratching.

Keep in mind that coins do not leave the mint without hits and dings. It's part of the minting process. All business strike coins have imperfections.

NEVER dry rub coins with a cloth or use harsh chemicals like Tarnex. Doing either of these will likely destroy the numismatic value.

grading is subjective as everyone states, however, there are those are much better than others due to the amount of coins that have been handled. You'll need to actually hold and handle coins to truly get better at it. At some point you'll find yourself within a grade or two when comparing your own thoughts to the masses.

don't wipe, dip, tarnex or otherwise mess with the surface of any coin. Don't rely on photo-grading too much. Rely on your own instinct that will, again, develop over the course of time. Photo-grading offers basic guidelines IMO but the coin itself is what makes the grade. I recently read a thread where the individual was utilizing the step by step diagnostics of a photo-grading guideline to state his case against the opinions that were given. This person never and seemingly refused to, take into account the other diagnostic points that were the real reasons his coin was receiving the opinions that it was.

This is a trap that a lot of folks can fall into IMO, when relying on everything but what their eyes are telling them. Experience and time will give you the knack to feel confident in your decision. It's not going to come overnight and it will never arrive unless you get enough coins in hand and understand the true subtleties that create grade differences.

Thanks everyone! This all has been very helpful to a new collector. I'll have to post some pictures when I have a chance to see how close my thoughts are to others. I'm having a tough time with the 120+ Ike's that I received. It's the new coins that seem to cause me trouble. I find it easier to grade when there are levels of wear like old circulated coins. Maybe that's where you cut your teeth before you have some confidence with the nuances of newer or more uncirculated versions.

Hey John1. Nice site. Although I was grading some dimes last night and I think I might have been a bit conservative in some of my grades. Thanks for the link!