Ok. So I'm having a hard time focusing today. I'm also in the market for a nice Walker. 1) My Greysheets only list up to MS65. Do I need to buy another one of their quarterlies to get prices on MS66-68 and PR1-70? (Edit: I found the section for "Proof Type Coins" in the Weeklies.) 2) My "ANA Grading Standards" book only gives grading criteria for MS. Do the same standards hold to Proofs, it's just that they are struck differently?
ANA book tells you about Proofs too, it's in the Forward of the book. You have to remember to use the whole book. But no, Proofs are not graded in the same way that business strikes are. Proofs are graded much more strictly, even though the TPGs don't always see it that way. With Proofs hairlines are usually the issue, and hairlines on Proofs are often incapable of even being seen in pictures. As for prices, you're not gonna find a whole lot of Walkers graded 66 and up. Yeah, you can find some as they are out there. But higher grade Proof Walkers are not like more modern Proofs, no where near as common. And your best bet to find prices are the auction archives. But before you buy a Proof, you would be well advised to see it in hand first.
The greysheet tops out at MS-65. If you want higher I suggest taking a look at Numismedia online. Just remember the greysheet is "wholesale" while Numismedia is "retail".
Register at Heritage and look up auction data and/or buy a subscription to PCGS Coin Facts and use it, too. These are fairly common coins and you will have gobs to choose from when you want to purchase.
