We grade using the following:
1. The Official A.N.A. Grading Standards For United States Coins
(we are ANA members and encourage everyone to join)
2. Photograde
3. PCGS Standards
3. Our 39 years experience and knowledge of the unique characteristics of each coin series.
When a coin has been graded by one of the independent services, we list that grade.
For Canadian coins we use the Charlton Standard Grading Guide for Canadian and Colonial Coins
For paper money we use the guides contained in:
1. Paper Money of the Unites States by Friedberg
2. The Krause Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money
We are strong proponents for each of our clients learning as much about grading as possible. Grading is a combination of art, science, experience and subjective opinion. Throw in integrity for good measure.
A prominent dealer once said 'all you need to grade is a good light, a good magnifying glass....and 20 years experience.' Quite true. After 39+ years, we're still learning every day. We endeavor to describe coins as accurately as possible considering the characteristics of each particular issue.
We believe the ANA grading guide should be one of your first purchases (the best $15 you'll spend).
There is no Santa Clause in Numismatics. A super-low priced coin is often one which is overgraded and is actually very expensive for the grade it really is. Get to know your dealer. Despite the ads in the major publications, there is no such thing as a TRUE BU Morgan Dollar for under $24 per coin, so if you order one, expect to get EF or AU (or less) money for the coin when the time comes to sell.
