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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Oldhoopster, post: 2845170, member: 84179&quot;]Hope some of the following info helps clarify things.</p><p><br /></p><p><u>A Guidebook of United States Coins</u> published by Whitman, is considered the standard reference for US coins and is commonly called the “Redbook”. Many times, this is the first (and sometimes only) reference book that collectors buy.&nbsp; There is a short grading guide listed for each design type, as well as a section in the introduction regarding grading in general.</p><p><br /></p><p>North American Coins and Prices by Krause Publishing <b>IS NOT</b> the Redbook.</p><p><br /></p><p>You may want to familiarize yourself with the Redbook and other references such as the <u>Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins</u> before steering new collectors of <b><u>US Coins </u></b>into lesser known, generalized grading criteria.</p><p><br /></p><p>Understanding striking characteristics of individual dates and mints is an important subject for specialists.&nbsp; As mentioned, issues such as some Buffalo nickels (I think 1926-S is an example) are rarely found with a full horn in Mint State.&nbsp; You can pontificate all you want, but these coins are still graded MS and are sold for MS money.&nbsp; Also, take a look at some Standing Liberty Quarters such as the 1921 and 1923-S in XF.&nbsp; Lots of partial dates out there.</p><p><br /></p><p>The good news is that I know who to ask for info on grading my Australian sets.&nbsp;&nbsp; <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie22" alt=":beaver:" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" /> (where&#039;s the kangaroo emoji?)[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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