trying to learn grading

Originally Posted by GDJMSP
Whatever you have the most of, and whatever you collect the most of is what to start with. Learn that series inside and out before moving on to another one. Now whatever that series is, that will determine an additional book or two that you should get. For you will have to learn which date/mint combinations are known for being weakly struck and which one sare known for being well struck. And your not gonna find that in most grading books.
I ran into this with a 1940s lincoln cent PCGS ms66rd I bought on e-bay. The obverse looks like a weak strike, and the reverse has a line through the back like maybe planchet discoloring...I was a bit dissapointed with the coin when I got it...fortunately it wasn't very expensive...

 

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True ! But that's the fun of it. It never gets old. There's always a lot more to learn.

It's humbling, really... about the time I think I've got it all figured out, something reminds me how little I know.

Grading is both knowledge and skill. Knowledge comes from reading, asking questions, and observing. May I suggest "How to Grade US Coins" by Jim Halperin.

Skill comes only from hands-on action. So I really like desertgem's method... get out a lot of coins and arrange 'em.

Also, hit a coin show. Look at lots of coins, even a series you might not know very well. Don't be afraid to ask to look at coins you know you can't afford yet. Be sure to look at coins in very high grades, not just "collector grades" for beginners.