Professional coin graders?

[Buffalo Head]

I have often wondered about how this works. I collect Buffalo Nickels so when I send in a Buff to be graded does the coin go to the Buffalo grading room where the graders only grade and specialize in Buffalo Nickels? Or does it fall into the hands of what some folks called "world Class graders" and can grade ANY U.S. coin and knows everything there is to know about all the coins and the varieties and the series in all? I ask this because there is much going on with the Buffalo Nickel series like in the twenties with the worn out dies and all . Seems like all lot to remember if a guy/gal would have to grade all coins. Just wondering. Thanks for any help on this subject....Joe

[MarkFeld]

Joe, I can only answer, based on my personal experience......

 

When I graded at NGC from 1991-1998, each of the graders graded all types of coins.

 

Things have almost certainly changed since then, however. For example, now that more modern coins are graded, I am under the impression that certain (other) graders handle the modern submissions, etc.

[Buffalo Head]

Joe, I can only answer, based on my personal experience......

 

When I graded at NGC from 1991-1998, each of the graders graded all types of coins.

 

Things have almost certainly changed since then, however. For example, now that more modern coins are graded, I am under the impression that certain (other) graders handle the modern submissions, etc.

 

So, back then a guy/gal would have to be VERY well educated in pretty much everything, eh? WOW!! That a TALL order. I guess that includes the varieties and mushy strikes that can be produced with worn dies? If so that amazing. Thanks Mark, I was hoping you'ld chime in.....Joe

[michael]

professional classic coin graders at the slab factory

 

 

means

 

they are paid for grading coins and for other than modern coins and they are for the most part expected to grade almost every coin that comes in

[bsshog40]

Even tho' it may seem like a tall order for an individual, I would presume that they would go thru extensive training for the job at hand. imo

[L1ncolnF4n]

After a while of looking at many different makes and models (I mean dates and series) it gets much easier to know what any individual coin grades. Almost all of the seated coinage is the same, as is barber. It's similarities in design that make the task managable. It really only takes about 7-10 seconds for me to grade most coins, maybe a few extra seconds on a variety or toned specimen.

[MarkFeld]

After a while of looking at many different makes and models (I mean dates and series) it gets much easier to know what any individual coin grades. Almost all of the seated coinage is the same, as is barber. It's similarities in design that make the task managable. It really only takes about 7-10 seconds for me to grade most coins, maybe a few extra seconds on a variety or toned specimen.

That's a good point. Once someone knows how to grade some series proficiently, often, the transition to other series isn't as difficult as many people would expect.

[L1ncolnF4n]

After a while of looking at many different makes and models (I mean dates and series) it gets much easier to know what any individual coin grades. Almost all of the seated coinage is the same, as is barber. It's similarities in design that make the task managable. It really only takes about 7-10 seconds for me to grade most coins, maybe a few extra seconds on a variety or toned specimen.

That's a good point. Once someone knows how to grade some series proficiently, often, the transition to other series isn't as difficult as many people would expect.

 

Exactly! Personally I specialize in Lincoln cents, but just know how to grade that one series to an art has drastically helped my overall grading skills. I'm usually within a grade on most coins now, with difficulties coming in gold, and some early issues that have major stike issues. I'd say Indian gold $2.5 and $5 is where I really struggle...them incused designs be darn hard to grade.

[halfpint]

 

...i could see in the future specialty coin grading TPG's emerging. just think. in the future such grading companies such as "buffs are us" we specialize in grading buffalo nickels only. or others. seems possible, yes?

[Buffalo Head]

...i could see in the future specialty coin grading TPG's emerging. just think. in the future such grading companies such as "buffs are us" we specialize in grading buffalo nickels only. or others. seems possible, yes?

 

I really like the sound of that tune.....

[L1ncolnF4n]

...i could see in the future specialty coin grading TPG's emerging. just think. in the future such grading companies such as "buffs are us" we specialize in grading buffalo nickels only. or others. seems possible, yes?

 

Possibly, maybe for highly collected series. Rick Snow already does a CAC like job with FEC and IHC only.

[halfpint]

 

...things are starting already!

[Walkerfan]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

[MarkFeld]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

[Walkerfan]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

[Buffalo Head]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

VERY well said my friend. Man you did good....

[L1ncolnF4n]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

[Buffalo Head]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

[MarkFeld]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

 

How many specialists do you envision? If you were to have even one for each series, the number of graders required would dwarf the current staffs at the major TPGS. And that assumes that they even could/would be willing to be hired.

[L1ncolnF4n]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

 

How many specialists do you envision? If you were to have even one for each series, the number of graders required would dwarf the current staffs at the major TPGS. And that assumes that they even could/would be willing to be hired.

 

We're talking about the ideal here, so I'd say one per series. Perhaps one expert for ALL seated coinage and one for ALL Barber coinage, and one for ALL Lincoln cents...etc. We're still talking quite a few people, as I think the early series (1700's and early 1800's) really need their own specialists per denomination, rather than per generic design.

[Buffalo Head]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

 

How many specialists do you envision? If you were to have even one for each series, the number of graders required would dwarf the current staffs at the major TPGS. And that assumes that they even could/would be willing to be hired.

 

We're talking about the ideal here, so I'd say one per series. Perhaps one expert for ALL seated coinage and one for ALL Barber coinage, and one for ALL Lincoln cents...etc. We're still talking quite a few people, as I think the early series (1700's and early 1800's) really need their own specialists per denomination, rather than per generic design.

 

Ah heck with the other coins, I just want my Buffs graded correctly. That's all I care about at this point, the other coins are someone elses problem.

[L1ncolnF4n]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

 

How many specialists do you envision? If you were to have even one for each series, the number of graders required would dwarf the current staffs at the major TPGS. And that assumes that they even could/would be willing to be hired.

 

We're talking about the ideal here, so I'd say one per series. Perhaps one expert for ALL seated coinage and one for ALL Barber coinage, and one for ALL Lincoln cents...etc. We're still talking quite a few people, as I think the early series (1700's and early 1800's) really need their own specialists per denomination, rather than per generic design.

 

Ah heck with the other coins, I just want my Buffs graded correctly. That's all I care about at this point, the other coins are someone elses problem.

 

You can send them to me...I'll grade them properly and then sell them as such...

[RWB]

Those are a lot of nests....

[Buffalo Head]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

 

How many specialists do you envision? If you were to have even one for each series, the number of graders required would dwarf the current staffs at the major TPGS. And that assumes that they even could/would be willing to be hired.

 

We're talking about the ideal here, so I'd say one per series. Perhaps one expert for ALL seated coinage and one for ALL Barber coinage, and one for ALL Lincoln cents...etc. We're still talking quite a few people, as I think the early series (1700's and early 1800's) really need their own specialists per denomination, rather than per generic design.

 

Ah heck with the other coins, I just want my Buffs graded correctly. That's all I care about at this point, the other coins are someone elses problem.

 

You can send them to me...I'll grade them properly and then sell them as such...

 

Okay lets start with this one. Give it your best shot....

 

[L1ncolnF4n]

MS-64*

 

If it's in a P holder then obviously there wouldn't be a *. The staple scratch of the nose really hurts. I'd have said 6 without that. Typical brilliant S mint strike, with a weak Liberty as expected.

[jom]

Okay lets start with this one. Give it your best shot....

 

 

I grade that coin MS UGLY. Therefore, since you certainly don't want ugly coins in your collection you can sent it to me. I'll take care of it for you and dispose of it properly

 

Thanks...I'll expect it in the mail soon.

 

jom

[halfpint]

...the more i think about it i'm really starting to like the idea of 'specialist graders' so to speak.

i could see it now, a coin in a specialist's slab AND with a CAC bean too!!

[Buffalo Head]

MS-64*

 

If it's in a P holder then obviously there wouldn't be a *. The staple scratch of the nose really hurts. I'd have said 6 without that. Typical brilliant S mint strike, with a weak Liberty as expected.

 

Tha "scratch" on the nose is a "die crack" so now your cut, This coin is housed in a hard plastic holder and has not been graded, yet. BUT, the 13-s with a really good strike like the one your looking at is NOT known to have great luster like this one. Most always the 13-S with a hammered strike and full details like I feel this one displays is not a very lustrous coin. I have another one graded 66 and has nowhere near the luster this one has.

[Buffalo Head]

Okay lets start with this one. Give it your best shot....

 

 

I grade that coin MS UGLY. Therefore, since you certainly don't want ugly coins in your collection you can sent it to me. I'll take care of it for you and dispose of it properly

 

Thanks...I'll expect it in the mail soon.

 

jom

 

Jom, do you really think this coin is "ugly" ? I thought we were friends? WOW! I think I'm going to go lay down now. I can't believe this.....

[MarkFeld]

I still think that even though this MAY be GENERALLY true, every series still has it's own nuances and specific characteristics.

 

I find it hard to believe that MOST TPGS professional graders are equally proficient across different series.

 

They should have specialists for different series (maybe 3-4 different ones). IMHO.

 

Maybe this is why TPGS are so inconsistent??

Of course graders aren't equally proficient across all series. But I doubt that has much, if anything, to do with inconsistent grading. There is inconsistency among even the easiest series/coins to grade. Grading is at least somewhat subjective, and is not perfectly consistent.

 

Of course grading is subjective but there are certain graders who are better with certain series. This is, at least, a partial, contributing factor to "getting it right", so to speak. It is not all inclusive to the subjective nature of coin grading, though. I do believe it would help accuracy to improve to have specialists in their series, however.

 

You're ignoring the fact that specialists need to be paid...and paid well. Having a specialist for each series would be astronomically expensive, and the added bit of consistancy wouldn't likely cover anywhere near all of the associated costs. Would it be nice? Of couse, but it's just not plausable in the current system.

 

The hard part I think would be earning the trust & repect of collectors to submit their coin to such a service. But I think the cost would be about the same, yes?

 

How many specialists do you envision? If you were to have even one for each series, the number of graders required would dwarf the current staffs at the major TPGS. And that assumes that they even could/would be willing to be hired.

 

We're talking about the ideal here, so I'd say one per series. Perhaps one expert for ALL seated coinage and one for ALL Barber coinage, and one for ALL Lincoln cents...etc. We're still talking quite a few people, as I think the early series (1700's and early 1800's) really need their own specialists per denomination, rather than per generic design.

 

Ah heck with the other coins, I just want my Buffs graded correctly. That's all I care about at this point, the other coins are someone elses problem.

 

You can send them to me...I'll grade them properly and then sell them as such...

 

Okay lets start with this one. Give it your best shot....

 

 

You aren't going to be able to make your point (with me, at least) by trying to show from on-line images that a coin was incorrectly graded.