Given all of the variability of grading, both by individuals and obvious inconsistencies of TPGs, coin collecting is far from a science. Moreover, there are so many debates about the authenticity and desirability of toning, and of having "white" coins from the 19th century. Given all of these discrepancies, should we not view collecting of coins an "imperfect art," and surely not scientific? Please feel free to discuss.
I just view coin collecting as a "fun" hobby, but then again, I always have... long before TPG's and professional grading changed a hobby into a business. I just remember enjoying it so much back in the 1950's, when filling a Whitman folder from circulation was the ultimate goal, regardless of grade (which no one paid much attention to). Yep, it was a lot of fun, and still can be. I guess there are elements of science involved in grading , though I think most are in agreement that it's an "imperfect art". And the debate about toning (and the authenticity thereof) vs blast white (in regards to older coins) can be argued endlessly... as I've seen on many CT threads over the past five years.
If by science you mean that people might view grading as both precise and accurate in a universal manner and that the elements and boundaries of eye appeal are also universally understood and agreed upon then only those folks who are new to the hobby appear to be in that pool. Typically, my experience is that once people learn a bit they realize there is tremendous fluidity, proprietary grading standards and disagreement about many aspects of the hobby-industry.
Oh there's definitely science involved in the hobby, and some folks even want to argue with that. But there is a great deal of opinion as well. The problems usually arise in the separating of one from the other.
There is as much science to grading as there is art, but I don't think you can go as far as to say that it's 100% art, or there would be even bigger gaps between opinions than what we see now. If you show the same coin to 10 decent dealers, they're all likely to come up with the same grade -- or to be very close (within a grade of each other).
If it was a science, it wouldn't be fun and wouldn't be a hobby. I like no limit hold'em too by the way. It isn't a science either.
