since i need to learn how to grade i thought i would pick up a book or two to read. i found a few selections and was wondering if anyone had used these before and if they were any good or if they had any others to recommend. here are the books i have found: 1. photograde: the photographic guide to grading us coins 2. the official american numismatic association grading standards for united states coins. 3. the official guide to coin grading and counterfeit detection. thanks for all your help! greg
2. the official american numismatic association grading standards for united states coins. That's my first choice but doesn't mean you can't buy more.
Get 'em all, but start with the ANA book. And realize that Photograde is only for circulated coins - it does not deal with MS coins at all. And when you get the PCGS book, #3 on your list, realize that the standards are quite different from any others. Meanwhile, start learning right here - Coin Grading This is all free
I have the ANA book and Photograde. I like both but if you can have only one go with ANA because it's more comprehensive.
After you buy and read those books, the next step in your education (in my opinion) should be to spend a day or three at any large auctoin looking at as many coins as you possibly can. Reading books will get you far, but experience looking at coins is just as or even more valuable, in my opinion...Mike
p.s. the PCGS grading guide is another book you might consider. [edited to add: I see that was #3 on your list. :goofer: ]
In addition, I like "How to Grade US Coins" by James Halperin. edit -> Personally, I don't like Photograde. I think it's outdated. The ANA book is much better.
