It is possible to have a US coin thread that doesn't have arguments about grading?

Perhaps this is a rhetorical question, but it is possible to have a good, solid thread where grading doesn't become an incredibly hostile issue? We all know that people have diverging opinions of TPGs, and the grading skills of other individuals, but it is getting out of hand. Having been as guilty as anybody else in this area, I just wonder if we can get back to the appreciation of coins for the sake of the joy and the esthetics. Just wondering.

 

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If everybody graded coins like I do, ie only my opinion of a coin I am interested in matters, that would be possible - otherwise forget about it happening. Frankly I couldn't give a rat's nasty about what someone in some stuffy underventilated office thinks of a coin.

 

Grading of coins requires one's opinion. How you respond to an opinion is a reflection of character. Do not be offended by an opinion if asked, it is just someone's best guess with their varying degree of professionalism and experience.

 

Just discuss interpretations of a coin. It is not important to be right or wrong. The important thing is to have fun doing it -- and perhaps learn something.

 

No, I have long hoped I could get $1.00 for everytime I hear or read buy the coin not the holder

 

It's very easy to do. Just don't make it competitive. I feel sometimes the discussion on grade leads more to the owner's skills as a grader than a subjective study of the coin. An undergraded coin will bring praise and an overgraded coin will bring shame without any mention of price. If the same price was paid for an under graded 63 or an overgraded 64, to me I see no difference. Because as we all know, the holder is not what we buy. So then once that aspect is removed, one can talk subjectively about the coin itself, and say things like "I probably would have graded it a 64". Then there is always personal preference. Some like toning, some like frost, some like bright white. Then there is budget. If we all could get any coin we want it would always be the top pop.

I guess the best way to avoid arguments is to avoid speaking in absolutes. This is pretty true in any aspect of life, not just coins. When dealing with a study that is inherently subjective, speaking in absolutes will always be contradictory (see what I did there). But everyone has a choice to respond to something, so I could be better at responding to what I feel are dogmatic statements.

But I am new to this, and my only problem is I see the beauty in all coins. Even the bagged up ones. But I am learning a great deal on this board and away from it and will heed the great advice of the members here. At the same time, just because I am new to this doesn't mean I don't have a head on my shoulders. Sometimes there may be what I refer to as "newbie bias".

One final thing, we are giving opinions on photographs of coins. Some have DSLRs light boxes and circline bulbs, and some have iPhones and a desk lamp. Until you see it in hand, any discussion on grades should be taken with a grain of salt.

But this is just my opinion, and I could have it all wrong. In that case, I will use this OP as a suggestion for things I can do better.

 

No.

Put 2 collectors and 1 coin on a desert island and you get 3 grades

 

I give this thread a grade of XF35.

Chris

 

That is only because you like those "tarnished" Toned Morgans. lol

 

I don't want to make you cry, but I sold almost all of my Morgan collection.

Chris

 

In reality there are only two grades that matter. One is the coin you own, the second being the one wish to own.

 

Chris, do you still have the Proof 1895 Morgan?

 

I never owned one. You must have me confused with one of the other members.

Chris

 

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaa You didn't sell the toners to me.

 

Was just wondering since you said .
but I sold almost all of my Morgan collection.

 

I thought it was, "The one you want to sell." and "The one you want to buy."

Chris

 

Yes, it is possible, but not on CT!

 

What did you expect? I didn't think you liked tarnished coins!

Chris

 

You are right. Hate those tarnished coins!!!!

 

@Morgandude11

As a rule, I don't like to advertise my intentions to friends. It is a different story if one of my friends approaches me about a particular coin beforehand.

Chris