If you have a coin graded by one of the major TPGs, you know with a high level of confidence what the grade is. There's no reasonable way I can accurately grade an MS coin from and image. The best I can do is a range. BUT If you have a raw coin and want an opinion, that's a reasonable request. Just make sure the images are at least half screen size, well focused and taken in "white" light. I earned what education I have by taking and passing LOTS of tests. I'm not interested in taking any more. If you already know the answer, I'll ignore your question. BUT I'm willing to venture into the unknown and render opinions on raw coins. Of course that depends upon whether I feel reasonably confident that I CAN grade the coin. Peace dollars are tough. Incised Indian Head gold is tough. I'll generally pass on them.
Nope. Sick of trying to guess grades from images. MS coins cannot be reasonably done that way. Or do you know of a major TPG that will grade from images and save me postage and registration money.
No, I only "guess" on some series I have experience with, and am usually pretty close, or as close as I could get from the pics. Alot of times though, people post pics so small I won't even waste my time.
Like I said, I don't mind giving it a shot on raw coins. But if I want to do a show-and-tell on a slabbed coin I'll tell you what the grade is. Therefore I won't spend time trying to grade someone else's coin from an image that some professional graded with the coin in hand.
No, but I think that guessing the grade (even from photographs) is fun. But hey, that's just me, and I certainly respect your right to not participate. Was just giving you a hard time in good fun, Kanga. ..Mike
Photograding over the internet is very difficult. Anytime I post a coin, it's more for general interest than getting an accurate grade. I can make just about any coin look just about anyway I want with lighting and camera angles. It's a fairly simple matter to either hide or highlight the hits, flaws and patina/toning. It's particularly much more difficult in the MS grades because each little nuance effects the grade. Soooooo....don't feel bad if you missed a grade! Especially on "through the holder" pictures.
I don't think a grade can be accurately determined from a picture on a computer screen. Unless the picture is full screen size. And then every little defect jumps out with the result that the grade given is usually lower than is given with the naked eye or even with 10X magnification. Trying to grade this way is a fool's errand. It's just a guessing game; you may as well ask us to guess a number you're thinking of.
Kanga, I am disappointed that you won't be participating in the Guess the Grade threads. I think they can be very fun and are certainly educational. Despite the difficulties in grading from photographs, we should remember that many many coins are purchased based solely on photographs. Personally, every coin I have ever purchased has been over the internet using photographs. Therefore, I rely heavily on my ability to grade using photographs. While I agree that certain coins are extremely difficult to grade from a photo, there are certainly coins that can be graded accurately from a well taken large photo. Many of my guess the grade threads are evidence of this as the majority of the participants guess the grade correctly. Just my two cents! Paul
And as you may have noticed I've only indicated that I won't be doing this anymore. At no time did I advocate that it become a policy for all. If you enjoy trying to match wits with the TPGs, go for it. I would ask that if you render an opinion, tell us why you arrived at it. THAT'S where the learning come in.
I like the GTG threads because of the posts on the coin/grade. It has taught me some terms (like "bodybag" ) and gives me information on what to look out for (in case the coin was over-graded).
Ahhh.......you are imprisoned in a fancy casino with dancing girls at your beck and call. On the one hand, that ain't so bad. On the other hand, you are really missing some of the thrill of a major coin show where you can roam the bourse, picking coins that catch your eye, tilting them to examine more closely, and then again with your loupe. While the humanity is generally ugly, the coins are beautiful to behold in person. You should try it sometime, Paul!
