How to Learn to Grade Coins

Learning to grade coins is a lifelong commitment if you want to learn to do it properly. You can get all the books you want and assemble a vast library on the subject. You can learn as much as you want in as short a time as you want, but until you’ve got some good solid experience on you, you just won’t be a top coin grader.

The best place to start to grade coins is with your own coins and a good reference book. A good magnifying glass is also very helpful to you as will a good source of light. The next thing you need to do is to go through as many coins as possible whenever you can and grade them. See if they have hairline scratches, dents, abrasions, die errors, bag marks etc. and mark it all down.

This is only a good place for you start grade coins mind you. There are more things you need to do before you can really get anywhere in coin grading. Attending coin shows where you can look over collections of really top grade coins is another good way to go, as is attending auctions. In both instances you can get up close and personal with rare and expensive coins which you might not have been able to do until much later.

If you’re on good terms with your dealer, (which is always a good idea!), then talk with them and find out what they know and have to say about how to grade coins. They should have a few a good tips they know of and which they’re willing to part with. And if you can go to one of ANA’s annual summer seminars you can attend some of the classes and workshops on how to grade coins. This is also a good place for you to be as you’ll be able to meet other coin collectors and dealers who might be able to help you in your pursuits.

And the best thing that I can tell you right now about learning to grade coins properly is to narrow down your field of coins, and maybe even specialize in one particular coin type, like maybe Morgan Dollars, or gold sovereigns, or even ancient coins.