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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,540 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
851 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
7614 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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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12477 Posts |
I would suggest studying any grading material that's available and also attending grading seminars during the ANA convention(s). In Memory of Crazyb0 12-26-1951 to 7-27-2020
In Memory of Tootallious 3-31-1964 to 4-15-2020
In Memory of T-BOP 10-12-1949 to 1-19-2024
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I suggest contacting PCGS and ask what the procedures are. John1  |
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Valued Member
Canada
125 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
20753 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. |
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 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.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 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
9155 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
13014 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
173 Posts |
that sounds like an intense competition haha
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,540 |
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Posted 05/14/2019 02:53 am
