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Message:: [QUOTE="900fine, post: 346274, member: 6036"]I'm with Leadfoot. Notice he only mentions two grading companies. Everyone agrees - "Buy the coin, not the slab". There is no doubt there is SIGNIFICANT difference within a given numerical grade. Not all MS64s are equal ! Maybe in theory they should be, but they aren't. So how to learn how to grade ? The best way to learn to grade is to read first, then cast your eye upon MANY pieces. Ask questions. I really enjoyed Jim Halperin's book "How to Grade US Coins". It presents an interesting methodology which can be applied to any series of coins. Read up, then... off to the display case we go ! With practice, you'll be able to discern what an MS64 "should" look like, and why a given coin is a 64 and not a 65. Right or wrong, the numerical grade is a dominant factor in the price of slabbed coins. Thus, your pocket book will dictate how many coins of what grade range make sense. So look for nice examples which fit the grades you're looking for, and pull the trigger ! With common date Saints, there isn't much price difference between MS63, 64, and 65 - but there is a major quality / eye appeal difference.[/QUOTE]