Grading Coins by Photographs

I bought this book because I buy and sell coins and do most of it over the Internet. That makes grading a difficult task. Even a certified coin can be a low grade or high grade within a grade. But having this book in my hands when searching ebay or whatever, gives me the advantage. Grading is not a science, but an art and everyone seldom agrees on the grade any given coin should get. The author stresses this. But having the knowledge you need to know what to look for in a coin is priceless.The author writes in a clear, easy-to-read style that quickly puts you up to speed. In the first part of the book, you'll want to read what he says about grading and related topics. It's very valuable information and fun to read.The pictures are not the best in the world. But I've been using an old black and white grading book and even that is a tremendous help and has saved me lots of money and mistakes. So this one is far better. The important thing is, you see what to look for and avoid and you see what a coin should have to be a certain grade. You'll quickly be able to grade any coin with a high degree of accuracy.Each coin is pictured in the grade described. Then you read what to look for on the obverse and the reverse.If you buy and sell coins, especially online, you need this book and I highly recommend it.- Susanna K. Hutcheson

This book uses phtogoraphs to amplify and fix a picture in your mind of what a particular coin should look like in a specified grade. It quaaaantifies things that re really very fuzzy and subject to seller interpretation. Sure, the coin you're selling looks a lot better to you than to a buyer, So it's hard to be objective. This book helps inform the collector so they may buy better and buy at the right grade. For that reason, is give it a "two-thumbs up." Now, even within grade, there are prices and then here are prices. That book has yet to be written. So it is still tough game for buyers. S The first rule is s...take your time. there will always be another coin at the grade you want on another day. Sometimes i think they are still minting them. At least with this book, you'll gain enough knowleddge to shoot the breeze and he buzz wwwwwwith the s-s-s-s-s-eller.

Needed a photograde book for when I don't have access tot he internet.

Exceptionally written and illustrated. Very helpful and full of exciting features. For a "used " item this book was in exceptionally good shape, no torn or folded pages just chock full of very useful information

Is very good book to add to grading library. Has brief history of coin, blurb about striking coin and availability. Goes into grades AG thru Mint State.

Great item! Loved it.

Finally - a photograde coin guide with decent (not great) photos. The best I've seen and used.The best part of this book however is the emptying of Mr. Bowers' coin grading savvy and insights into his commentaries. This alone is worth the price of admission.

very nice this is a good book ...! and the pictures are fine nothing wrong with the pic's in this book...!! & good info as well...!!