I did some more reading and I think I understand the grading situation better. Here is a representative statement, from a letter to the editor published in
Quote:Multiple grading philosophiesThese days, much of the coin "industry" now follows market grading: the value of a coin determines its grade, rather than the other way around. The reason is simple. If grade must equal price, then an attractive About Uncirculated coin with better eye appeal than a nicked-up or discolored Mint State coin, and therefore worth more, must be given a higher grade than the ugly Mint State coin. This is why grading services grade attractive, lightly-worn coins as Mint State. Indeed, among the
Half Cents and large cents, coins in MS-60 to MS-63 slabs are typically worn.
And Q. David Bowers has been hammering away on this topic in recent columns:
Quote:The Joys of Collecting column from Sept. 12, 2016, weekly issue of
Coin World:
Today, grading is the biggest bugbear in numismatics — the most unsettled, the most unscientific. In my opinion, grading is more disorganized than it has been any time in the past 30 years. The leading certification services have abandoned at least some of the Official
ANA Grading Standards.
You know where one can get the most accurate grades? Here. Seriously, the collective judgment of CCF members strikes me as more accurate than most other sources.
I also trust the grades of my local coin store. The owner has been in the business/hobby for 40 years; grades moderate-to-conservatively; and, as a bonus, prices his coins fairly! :O)
I appreciate the open discussion. I'm learning a lot!
First Page
Posted 09/15/2016 01:22 am
