Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;physics-fan3.14, post: 3195657, member: 19165&quot;]Ian Russel estimated in 2015 that there were 10 million coin collectors in the US. You think they can all fly to coin-Mecca and learn grading from the prophets? That is completely unrealistic. There aren&#039;t enough coin clubs in America with knowledgeable enough instructors to teach that many people to accurately grade all series. And that&#039;s just in their hometowns, without travelling. Even if you did have an adequate class, knowledge retention is going to fade over time - you may know the method, but not remember the details. You need some sort of reference or guide to refer back to for the details.</p><p><br /></p><p>I&#039;m sure even you must use some sort of grading reference? Or did that class you took years ago teach you every detail of every grade of every series such that you can instantly grade every coin with no consulting of any reference? If so, what sort of class did you take, and where can I sign up?</p><p><br /></p><p>My (somewhat sarcastic) point is, the grading guides are a valuable resource. Sure, you need to have an understanding of the basics, but even if you know that you should look at the Liberty ribbon on the shield of the Liberty Seated series, you need to know exactly how that ribbon looks on each denomination for each grade. Because yes, each denomination is going to be graded differently.</p><p><br /></p><p>While a hands on class may be the best way to learn how to grade, it is neither possible nor practical to have every collector attend. Of the 48,809 CoinTalk members, how many do you think would be able (or willing) to attend a class like that? Surely not nearly as many as would use a free chart on the PCGS website, or as many as would buy a book.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in