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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,098 |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
Hello,
Being a new collector I have not yet come across any single coins I'd like to collect, if I do how will I know what the grade of the coin is or if it is real, etc. Here is part of my problem. I'm visually impaired and have limited vision in one eye and am blind in the other eye. My understanding is that coin grading is a very visual thing. One day I want to move one to single coins, what, I don't know, but I will need to know how to tell a coins grade to determine its true price and overall value, right? Can someone give me some advice here?
Thanks,
Rich
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
If you cannot see well, I would suggest buying certified coins for your key/better date coins. If you post pics of some of the coins here, we can help too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1267 Posts |
Unfortunately (your eyesight being the problem) in this instance I'd suggest the advice of 1sikevo for investment quality coinage. However, if there is a coin you are attracted to and would enjoy owing in-spite of the grade/condition, then go for it raw. This is what makes the hobby enjoyable IMHO...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1424 Posts |
Since your eyesight isn't that great I would suggest staying with a larger diameter coin like large cents, halves or Morgan dollars.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
I bought copies of "Photograde" by James Ruddy and "Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection" by PCGS. Both were under $20 and well worth the money. It's interesting to compare the grading criteria between the 2 books. "In Hand" grading in a coin shop or with inexpensive coins you have now or purchase is a must. Grading from photos is better than nothing but doesn't substitute for the real deal. Good Luck! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
666 Posts |
I think it depends on who bad your eyesight is in your "good" eye. Depth perception isn't that big of a deal as per grading... it might make a difference on determining if a blemish is raised or gouged.
I know they make little stands that visually impared people can put books in that help them read... it basically magnifies the words on the written page... Something like that might work well... then again it depends on you impairment.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Something else you might consider is collecting items or series where the grade is not important that important. While so many people on this and other forums stress top grades for maximum return on investment, you can have a LOT of fun and build a nice collection without having to have top grade coins. My early date large cent collection only has an average grade of just over Good-4, a very low grade. But in the last published early date census, my collection was ranked 23rd best in the country. Why, because it is very close to being complete. The other 22 better sets are higher grade than mine, but only about 15 were more complete. Today I might rank even higher because I have added three pieces since the last census and several of the better sets have been broken up.
A set of very nice tokens of various types could be done in less than top grade as well without breaking the bank and providing a lot of enjoyment.
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Valued Member
 United States
420 Posts |
Quote:
If you cannot see well, I would suggest buying certified coins for your key/better date coins. Hello, What is a certified coin? What is the difference between certified coins and graded coins? Do most online and local coin shop carry certified coins? Thanks, Rich |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
Certified coins are the same as graded coins , those coins which have been holdered by third party grading company . we recommend PCGS,NGC or anacs ,and some say ICG is ok for some coins.
You may also want to look into a computer micro scope Like the Digital Blue QX-5 ,thi allows you to enlarge the coin to the size of your computer screen to look for details .
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,098 |
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Posted 10/08/2008 11:53 am
