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Collectable Coin Grading Guides
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Probably no area of coin collecting generates more
controversy and confusion than grading. Sensing a collector demand to
learn the basics of the grading coin system, a few experienced numismatists have
produced some excellent collectable coin grading guides over the years.
The books below are the most widely distributed references describing coin
grading guidelines. Most are heavily illustrated and fully demystify the
bewildering range of coin grading terms. The impact by the coin grading
services on the hobby is also explored in several of the publications.
To
be a successful numismatist, one must gain at least a rudimentary understanding
of how rare coin grading works. Not only is this true because it heightens
the enjoyment of pursuing coins, it also helps frustrate unscrupulous
individuals in our midst who prey upon the uninformed collector. Shady
grading practices is the easiest path for rip-off artists to perpetrate their
scams in the coin market. Absorb the content from cover-to-cover of any of
the books below, and you're well on your way to maximizing your coin collecting
pleasure while protecting yourself financially.
Every now and then, new
collectable coin grading guides are released, or at least revised editions of
earlier publications. If we think a coin grading book is worth having,
we'll add it to the list below. If time allows,
a more complete opinion will be posted the
Coin Book Review section. You
can keep informed automatically of all the latest numismatic literary
developments by subscribing to
the US Coin Values Advisor RSS
feed. What's an
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The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standard
6th ed.
Completely revised and updated, "The Official American Numismatic
Association" provides detailed descriptions of 16 benchmark grades for every
U.S. coin series dating back to 1793. Black and white photos of each
series help illustrate key grading points. A color photo section is
dedicated to rare coin examples graded by leading coin grading professional
services.
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Yes |
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Photograde 19th ed.
Widely held and highly acclaimed, the newest version
(19th ed. - 2005) of
the coin grading encyclopedia by James F. Ruddy depicts over
1000 enhanced coin grading pictures and adjectival descriptions (e.g. Good,
Very Good, etc.) of every regular
issue U.S. coin type from 1793 to date. Photograde has been one of the
most popular coin grading guides since it first appeared in 1972. More than
500,000 copies have been sold to date. |
Yes
18th ed.
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Making the Grade
Learning to grade your coins just got easier.
Simply match your coins with the color photos in this book. Collectors at
all levels will agree Making the Grade is a valuable tool in assessing and
determining a coins grade and value. The book shows the top 25 most
popularly collected US coins, illustrating first-wear spots, pinpointing
where to inspect first. Spiral bound to lie flat for easy use. |
No |
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The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection Edition
The world's largest and most prestigious
coin grading service (PCGS) has written a unique guide that reveals its
grading and authentication secrets. Utilizing exact descriptions and
hundreds of sharp images, you can learn to determine the precise condition
of a coin. A few highlights:
-- The standards for grading all US coins in
all grade ranges.
-- An all-new section on America's 50-State quarters.
-- The fundamentals of counterfeit detection.
-- State-of-the-art techniques to recognize 'doctored' coins.
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Yes |
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How to Grade U.S. Coins
The classic, watershed text on grading mint state and proof
United States coins by well-known numismatist James Halperin. "How to Grade
U.S. Coins" is a step-by-step guide for learning how to grade.
Includes color "coin maps" illustrating prime focal areas for all series. |
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NGC Grading Guide For Modern U.S. Coins
Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), one
of the oldest coin grading services, shares its years of knowledge in
grading coins. Tips for buying graded U.S. coins are provided, along
with census reports. |
No |
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