Hey, i'm not very good at determining what condition coins are in (1-70) and i would like to know if there is any sure way to tell what number to give a coin! any info would be appreciated!
A sure way - no. The grading companies can be fickle and there is no way to know for sure what grade a coin will receive on any given day. But there are those who can tell you and be right 90 - 95% of the time. Post a pic - we'll see what develops
Short answer is no. It really is an opinion. Some opinions are more eduated than others but someone will always disagree. Differences in grade most often depend on if your buying or selling.
Meant to be "tongue in cheek" hope it comes across that way. You know what I mean, it happens that way sometimes. Dave.
Forget the numbers. Start with the adjective grade: from Poor to Mint State. If you can tell a Very Fine from an Extremely Fine, then you are on the right road. Assuming that you collect US Type, The Red Book always contains thumbnail clues for grading (three letters in LIBERTY, Full Horn on the Buffalo, etc.). The ANA Grading Guide is more detailed. For other opinions, there are the PCGS Grading Guide and Photograde. Grading Mint State and Proof coins is an art in itself. There are no easy benchmarks. The best way is to (1) Watch the video Grading Mint State Coins from the ANA, if you are a member; and (2) spend a lot of time looking at certified proof coins from reputable grading services. When entering any new area of collecting, always follow the advice of Aaron Feldman: Buy the book before you buy the coin. For many US Type series, there are well known runs of weak strikes. Those coins are graded somewhat differently, both on a technical basis and market grading. Technically, a weak strike does not get a "better" or "worse" grade, but you do have to know how to differentiate a weak strike from wear. Once you are confident with the adjectives from Poor to Mint State, you will find the number chart easier to apply. Of course, the Red Book gives the basic numbering at the top of each column for Grade. From there, you can split hairs with Occam's razor. However, I am not sure that VF-23 or EF-42 have much meaning.
