At our last meeting for 2024 we decided to get our “hands dirty”. Well not exactly, but we did get down to some “hands on stuff”, more precisely understanding how coins are graded and then doing some grading. Next to being authentic, correct grading is important when purchasing a coin. Coin grading rates the level of preservation of the coin, not just its eye appeal. It primarily relates to the amount of wear the coin has received during circulation.
Our members learnt there are two grading systems used - ANDA Grading System (Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association Grading System) and PCGS System (Professional Coin Grading Services USA).
ANDA grading is an adjectival standard used for grading Australian coins based on descriptive terminology. The PCGS system is more detailed and incremental in its scoring attributes.
Our “hands on” session saw each member issued with an ANDA grading sheet, two coins and asked to grade their coins. There was much musing as they looked at both sides of their coins using magnifier glasses and squinted eyes. They then exchanged their coins with the person beside them. A comparison of results showed a wide variation of gradings, emphasizing the difficulty of interpreting the grading chart in a consistent manner. The exercise provided a fun way of learning about coin grading.
After a cake and coffee break the group inspected a number of coins offered at our buy/sell/ swap session with some exchanges taking place.
Thank you to our Group members for their active contribution and participation throughout 2024. I have aimed the monthly meeting agenda at coin education, but tried to make it interesting and fun along the way. I know I have enjoyed it and hope I achieved those objectives.
Our members learnt there are two grading systems used - ANDA Grading System (Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association Grading System) and PCGS System (Professional Coin Grading Services USA).
ANDA grading is an adjectival standard used for grading Australian coins based on descriptive terminology. The PCGS system is more detailed and incremental in its scoring attributes.
Our “hands on” session saw each member issued with an ANDA grading sheet, two coins and asked to grade their coins. There was much musing as they looked at both sides of their coins using magnifier glasses and squinted eyes. They then exchanged their coins with the person beside them. A comparison of results showed a wide variation of gradings, emphasizing the difficulty of interpreting the grading chart in a consistent manner. The exercise provided a fun way of learning about coin grading.
After a cake and coffee break the group inspected a number of coins offered at our buy/sell/ swap session with some exchanges taking place.
Thank you to our Group members for their active contribution and participation throughout 2024. I have aimed the monthly meeting agenda at coin education, but tried to make it interesting and fun along the way. I know I have enjoyed it and hope I achieved those objectives.
Doug Smith
