My Journey to Mastering Raw Coin Grading

I’ve been collecting coins for over 55 years now, and learning to grade raw coins myself has been one of my most rewarding skills. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about truly connecting with the hobby and avoiding expensive mistakes. When I started out, I leaned too heavily on third-party graders (TPGs) and others’ opinions. But I discovered that educating yourself is where you find the real joy in this hobby.

Why Learning to Grade Raw Coins is Essential

Depending only on TPGs can get costly, especially with modern or common coins. Between service fees, shipping, and insurance, slabbing eats into your budget fast. It’s frustrating when a coin comes back in a “body bag” because it’s been cleaned or altered. When you learn to spot problems like counterfeits or wear yourself, you avoid these situations and make better choices. More importantly, it turns coin collecting from a passive hobby into an exciting adventure. I’ve saved thousands over the years by grading coins myself and only slabbing when it really counts.

My Go-To Resources for Building Grading Skills

Books have been my constant companions through this journey. I began in the 1960s with Brown and Dunn’s line drawings, which gave me a solid start with circulated grades. When Photograde arrived in the 1970s with actual photos, it filled in the gaps beautifully. The ANA guide became my trusted reference over time. I’ve also collected Whitman series-specific books from used stores for just a few dollars—they’re priceless for tricky series like Buffalos or Washington quarters. One particular book changed everything for me by explaining why coins look the way they do, covering weak strikes versus wear, and early versus late die states. It completely shifted how I examine surfaces, luster, and marks.

Practical Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way

• Examine as many coins as you can—I’ve handled tens of thousands, and nothing makes book knowledge stick like seeing coins in hand
• Concentrate on the series you actually collect; I focus on what I know best, which builds confidence and cuts down on errors
• Check every part of the coin: surfaces, strike, luster, wear, and marks—always ask yourself why the coin looks a certain way
• Be skeptical of online coin photos—they often hide flaws, so inspect coins in person whenever possible

Market Insights: When to Slab and When to Skip

Through decades of buying and selling, I’ve learned slabbing depends entirely on the coin. For older US coins like Draped Bust, Capped Bust, or circulated Morgans, I rarely slab them—I can grade them accurately myself and save the cost. But for modern coins in top condition, like a 1998-D nickel with full steps, slabbing is essential. Without that holder, that nickel might bring just a couple dollars instead of its Greysheet value of $360. The trick is knowing your material: raw Mint State coins typically sell for lower grades unless they’re slabbed.

Embrace the Art of Grading for a Richer Hobby

Grading raw coins feels like a fading art among newer collectors, but it’s essential if you’ve caught the coin bug. When you learn to grade yourself, you protect your investment while deepening your love for numismatics. Start with good books, handle coins as often as you can, and soon you’ll find this skill makes collecting more fun and rewarding. Believe me, it’s time well spent.