Ok, this may sound wierd but I'm extremely confused. When looking for the details to find the grade of a coin, do you tilt it at an angle so it shines, and then look for the details? Or do you just set it in front of you and do it from there. I'm asking this because I have a quarter eagle, and I'm wondering if I should get it certified. It doesn't look like a MS coin until you tilt it at an angle and then you can really see it shine and look for tiny details like feather tips. So what I'm asking is, do I tilt it at an angle and let it shine, then look for the details, or do I just set it in front of me on the table and not even touch it? Thanks.
Hi Jersey, Always hold the coin by the edges, or 'third side', to look at it so you don't leave any unwanted body oils or dirt on its surface. It is a really good idea to keep a soft towel or such to keep from damaging the coin on the table in case you drop it. I have realized that one must move the coin in several angles to see what it is like. Someone told me that to be a good error coin that one needs to be able to see the error in a straight-on manner. Also discovered in my photography attempts is that I can put a Lincoln cent in the hole of a dime sized cardboard flip to check it out. This doesn't work for many of the coins because the sizes are so different. Don't know if this helps... just my observations to date. jeankay
I've read a few articles, and it says, "when evaluating a coin, it's important to turn or rotate a coin under light to check for details and infractions". Is this true?
Thanks jeankay, this kinda of helps. I mean when your grading a coin, do you rotate it so the coin shines so you can see most of the small and sharp details?
When I'm grading a coin I start with the devices or design and start in the middle and work out to and including the fields, this goes for obverse and reverse. I tilt and rotate the coin to make sure I notice all key elements of the coin, criteria the coin needs to meet to attain its grade. I then turn to my trusty ANA Grading Guide and find the grade that fits the coin. I hope that this helps.
Jersey - read everything you can find on this page that the links take you to - Coin Grading - then you'll have a better understanding.
Jersey, see if you can find a copy of "How To Grade U.S. Coins" by James L. Halperin. This book is very helpfull and it will guide you step-by-step on how to grade coins. I received my copy free when I joined Heritage Auction Galleries. I am not sure if they are still giving them away when you join but it is worth checking it out.
