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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Leadfoot, post: 423566, member: 2972&quot;]Even the experts struggle to grade these.&nbsp;&nbsp; That said, it seems to me the grades in the 61 to 64 arena are judged mostly on remaining luster and number of hits.&nbsp; The real question is how to make the distinction between, for example, a puttied 64, a run of the mill 64, and a really nice 64.</p><p><br /></p><p>My advice would be to consider starting in circulated grades before moving up, and seeing at a minimum of 100 coins in a particular grade (and preferably a whole lot more) in-hand before buying one.&nbsp; Trying to grade these from pictures, even good pictures, is a joke.&nbsp; While it&#039;s relatively easy to spot a 65 or 66 from a photo, to do so on lower-grade MS coins is a crapshoot, IMO.&nbsp; That&#039;s why it&#039;s critical to get as many coins in-hand as you can and study them.&nbsp; If you can get to a large show, and inspect auction lots, you can get a virtual education in an afternoon -- please consider it if you&#039;ve not already.</p><p><br /></p><p>As you might guess (and as I&#039;ve posted before), I&#039;m not a big fan of things written about on this topic (grading) -- show me coins (&amp;grades) and tell me prices and let my own eyes decide.&nbsp; That&#039;s not to preclude GDJMSP&#039;s suggestion to become well-read on the topic, which I agree wholehartedly with.</p><p><br /></p><p>Lastly, I would also suggest you try and find a mentor who collects the series to help you along. I know, for me, that my numismatic education was greatly enhanced by the kind souls who have helped me along the way.</p><p><br /></p><p>Respectfully...Mike[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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