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Message:: [QUOTE="kanga, post: 403726, member: 9270"]The guidance that each collector "learn how to grade the series you are collecting" is excellent advice.BUTYou are talking about months, if not years, of studying.And what standards do you use?And where do you find the time?And where do you find the accurately graded coins to study? STANDARDS:Since the consensus is that even the best TPGs don't always get it right, do you want to use them as your standard?I think many "brick and mortar" dealers are worse. There's a well known dealer that attends all the big shows in my area. He's well liked as a person, but everyone laughs at his grading.And most dealers at a show are not going to be thrilled if you just sit there examining coins. You're taking up buyer space. TIME:How many people have time to spend just learning about coins?How many people have sources close to them?I'm retired and live just outside a large city. I've got the time and I can find dealers.Becoming a dealer is an excellent choice too. But how many people can afford to leave their day job and change professions? ACCURACY:Who/What will be your source of accurately graded coins? Philosophically the idea of learning to do your own grading is excellent.In practice that philosophy falls apart quickly. SOLUTION:Stick with the people (TPG or dealer) who has paid the "dues".But with the understanding they are human and subject to error.[/QUOTE]