Reccomendations On Books

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Originally posted by shatsi
But I still need to learn how to grade coins so I have a better idea when I see a coin.

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No book can teach you how to grade coins. While Photograde and the ANA guide will give you a rough idea, it takes a lot of practice. I look through thousands of coins each and every year, and I am no where near an expert at grading. If you like Morgan dollars, I suggest visiting a few shows and looking at slabbed examples. This will give you a rough idea of what a Morgan should look like in a given grade.
However, you must remember that "P" mint coins will look much better than the branch mints. You have to grade each coin based solely on itself, not what some book shows you.

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Is there anyone here that collects Morgan dollars?

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A few come to mind off the top of my head, but I believe that Kyra and Joesmom are probably the two most known for their Morgan passion.

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Originally posted by shatsi
But I want to be able to look at a coin and have a basic idea whether its worth the price they're asking for it.

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Here in lies the problem. As 1 grading point can make all the difference in the world, it takes more than a basic understanding.
Here is an example within the Morgan dollar series.

1884-S in AU $210.00
1884-S in MS $4400.00

1879-CC in AU $475.00
1879-CC in MS $1000.00

1892-S in AU $165.00
1892-S in MS $1350.00

See the point? Sometimes it only takes a hairline or single rub to make a HUGE difference.

Now I am not talking about low AU coins versus low Mint State coins. It could boil down to cabinet rub. Often weak strikes will fool collectors into thinking that a coin has been circulated.

While 99% of collectors complain and moan about grading it boils down to their lack of effort to learn it.

I know that the system isn't perfect, but if you wish to play the game, you should learn the rules. Grading will not get easier, it will only get harder.

There is NO book that can show you why an 1881-S Morgan dollar should be graded differently than the 1892-S or 1893-S coins. Each coin from each mint has to be graded differently. With each die used, the coins are different.
Sure you can lay any coin on the book and match it up to a photo, but you will miss many good coins this way.
Early coins suffer from planchet defects, and this has nothing to do with the state of preservation. (grading)

The ANA offers a grading course via mail. I would highly suggest this course over any book.

Hi Shatsi:

Go to http://www.us-coin-values-advisor.c...g-books.html for some reviews on coin grading books.

If you're interested in Morgan dollars, I just posted a review on a new book written by Q. David Bowers. Its a Morgan dollar reference second to none. You can find the review at http://www.us-coin-values-advisor.c...n-books.html

Hope this helps!

Thank you everyone!!