I am still fairly new to coin collecting and have reached the point where I want to be able to learn how to do my own grading on coins I see in shops. What book/books would you guys/gals recommend for specifically grading purposes? All I need I think is something that tells me how to differentiate MS from AU, G from VF, an AU56 from a AU58... etc.
This is what helped me...... It also shows the common signs of counterfeit coins http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/03...mp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375720502
That book is a great one to have in hand and to refer to. Also, check out PCGS Photograde and it's smart phone app too if you have a device to run it on. It's in the Apple i-tunes App store, they also have a newer HD version for iPad.
I always liked the ANA Grading Standards book. The pics in it could be a little better, but still a great book. Guy~
My favorite and one I recommend to all new collectors is "Making the Grade" - it has the best photos and great descriptions for each grade, for most U.S. coins. Also, here's a place to get coin supplies and books inexpensively: http://www.jakesmp.net/CSD_Books/CSD_Bks_138_M.html
Another idea is join a local numismatic club. You can learn a lot from the veteran members, about grading and detecting counterfeits.
Don't believe there is such thing as an AU56 my friend Everything that has been shown are great choices, I use the ANA Grading Standards and PCGS Photograde.
Get PCGS's book, A guide to grading and counterfeit detection. It's a technical book and probaly 500 plus pages but thats how i really started to learn how to grade a few years ago and now I'm a professional numismatist... (Still love saying that lol)
