Ok I'm still new at collecting coins and I have learned a lot from all of you on this site and for that I thank you. Although I haven't found any major errors I enjoy the search.Now I need to learn to grade coins so I know what to look for.I have read a lot of posts and have the pcgs photograde online and that helps but I'm looking for a good book or maybe two just so I have some reference material so any input would be greatly appreciated.
I would recommend "Grading Coins by Photographs" by Q. David Bowers. It's a spiral bound book and has all sorts of neat information beyond the grading part.
here: Dave Bowers: https://www.whitman.com/store/Inventory/Detail/Grading-Coins-by-Photographs-2nd-Edition-Gift 0794836879H or: Ken Bressett: https://www.whitman.com/store/Inventory/Detail/Official-ANA-Grading-Standards-for-United-States-Coins---7th-Edition 0794838243 I have the second one
I would second the above recommendation. Anything from Q. David Bowers is a "MUST" get. Trust me on this one. After Abe Kosoff (The Dean of Numismatics) Q. David Bowers is considered the Dean of "American" Numismatics.
I have both books and every one has its own power and weakness. The ANA grading book miss full color pictures but has excellent descriptions of the graded coins. Bowers grading book is perfectly illustrated but little less detailed. Buy both books and enjoy them
David Bowers books are great. You probably know this, but; Be sure not too always grade on a picture of a coin on E-Bay or other Auction's on line, they can throw you off using filtered lights, special lenses, fake toning etc.. Some will take the pic through a film of plastic for effect. I try to buy all higher priced coins at our coin club , dealer store or shows. Like to see what I am getting etc. Ron W.
All the above suggestions are great, but one of our own forum members has written a book titled "The Art and Science of Grading Coins. I've recently finished reading this book and I have to say that what it lacks in color photography, is made up with a few chapters that cover VERY important, less discussed aspects to grading a coin. The chapter on Luster, in particular, has helped propel my understanding of what a true mint state coin is all about. It also helps to understand wear on a coin, which is KEY in determining mint state. I actually owe the forum and author a book review on the book, but its a matter of finding the time. This thread here is where you can get information on the book. It's only $16.89...for me the price is well worth what's inside. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/the-art-and-science-of-grading-coins.262769/
Coin World’s Making The Grade by Beth Deisher This is the book that I am going to order. It was reviewed on Coinshowradio and I've looked at it before. It contains only full color images as well as showing coin maps of the highest points of a coin and the prime focal areas. Here is a link to the book on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/MAKING-GRADE-...&qid=1434737859&sr=8-4&keywords=grading+coins Here is a link to Mike's review of it. http://www.coinshowradio.com/archives/489
Others have recommended books. I recommend you gain some first-hand experience. When you attend a coin show make a point of looking at the dealer's slabbed coins. View the coin & view the grade on the slab. The more you inspect, the more you may understand about coin grading. By the way, the lighting that you use to view coins should be consistent in order for your grading skills to become consistent. Also, the ANA offeres grading classes.
Would recommend if possible attending a state show for a close up look at a large selection of Coins & Currency from a lot of dealers and displays. I am not a dealer but as an assistant get to wonder around a lot at our Michigan State Numismatic Society (MSNS) show, Spring & Fall with around 150 - 180 dealers & exhibitors. This fall (Thanksgiving week-end) it is at the Macomb Community College Campus , Warren Mi. No charge for parking or admission. Photo I.D. necessary. Ron W.
IT is not a grading book, but Frank Spadones "Major Variety-Oddity Guide of United States Coins," (5th ed., MCMLXXI) lists all major errors in all u.s. coins discovered thru that time, and includes guidance of grading. it is a comprehensive error listing that includes values from that time period. if you like error coins--appreciate mintmarks being described by how much they deviate from true north-south-east-west--then you need to find a copy of this book.
Thank you all for your input I'm not sure which ones I'm going to get yet but reading reviews and your recommendations I will be getting one or more of these books. Thanks again
