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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GDJMSP, post: 84199, member: 112&quot;]When it comes to learning how to grade my recommendation is always the same - read ALL of the books and or articles you can find on the subject. Here&#039;s one that is available on-line for free - <a href="http://www.coingrading.com/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://www.coingrading.com/" rel="nofollow">How to Grade US Coins</a> It has some illustrations that help tell you the critical areas to check.</p><p><br /></p><p>The next thing of course is to examine as many coins in person as you possibly can. Professional graders will go through tens of thousands of coins learning their trade. But it is also extremely helpful if you can have someone who does know how to grade work with you side by side and explain the differences and why this coin grades that and that coin grades this. </p><p><br /></p><p>Studying photographs also helps - but it in no way will replace hands on experience. But as has already been mentioned there are several good sites for this. I would also try to collect as many auction catalogs as possible - they contain many high quality color pics of graded coins and are an invaluable resource. You can also access the web sites of the various auction houses.</p><p><br /></p><p>Learning to grade coins accurately and consistently isn&#039;t something the average collector can just pick up - it often takes years of study. But if you have the desire to learn and the willingness to expend the effort - you CAN do it.</p><p><br /></p><p>One last thing - post pics of your coins and ask questions. And try to keep an open mind and not be offended by the answers if they are not what you expected. If you understand a specific point or why someone thinks this coin is only XF when you think it is MS - explain what you see and ask them what they see. You&#039;d be surprised how much you can learn by doing this.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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