Need your opinion on what is the best reference book out there for grading coins in my type set album. I need a reference guide that gives grades for half cents, half dimes, cap bust coins, trade dollars and the like so I can give the coins a true grade. And any web sites that have pictures of these coins and grade standards. Thanks Bruce.
Bruce, of The Frank Group: I have two, the Photografe, by Ruddy, and the ANA grading Guide. Althou I haven't had a chance to get it yet, I would probably look at the new Whitman Grading guide, seems pretty accurate, especially if you use the descriptions along with the photos.
I have: Photograde ANA Grading Guide PCGS Grading Guide All of the above are great---PCGS's is the ONLY one that goes into the MS grading and gives tips and such on that---also proof---but as I've always heard--there is no way to teach MS or PF grading other than really learning hands on--if your coins are circulated I would go with Photograde as it is really good. Speedy
Hi Bruce. I would say that , A Guide to the Grading of United States Coins by Martin R. Brown and John W Dunn in 1958, and, Photograde by James F. Ruddy In 1970, are the two best. The earlier A.N.A. guides are also somewhat useful. I'll try to post links to illustrated websites later. Right now, I'm too wore out. Talk to you later, my friend.
If you decide to buy a PCGS grading guide, I would personally recommend finding the first edition through amazon or ebay etc. It has very nice pictures, and I find it to be better than the second edition.
I also have that book and must say that I don't think that it is possible for it to be helpful---the grading is "out dated" now by market grading and its just not one I can suggest--I keep it around just as an old coin book! Zane I also have the First Edition and I love it---I've seen the 2nd and just didn't like the looks of it... Speedy
Bruce, Thought I'd take a moment and post some online grading pages, that may be of interest. Hopefully, this post won't cause too much of an uproar. LOL. http://www.barbercoins.org/Grading-LN.html http://www.barbercoins.org/Grading-BD.html http://www.barbercoins.org/Grading-BQ.html http://www.barbercoins.org/Grading-BH.html
Jody, Thank you my friend, those will be a big help to me you have always been there when I needed help you are truly a collectors friend. Merry Christmas to you and Carolyn. BRUCE.
SPEEDY, Take my word for it, Jody would not think that of you or any member of this forum. :smile Bruce.