Customer Reviews

N.C.I. Grading Guide: A Step-by-step approach to the grading of uncirculated and proof coins

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book bring the grading stadards of mint state that are usedby the top grading companies right into your home. No other mint stategrading book in the world is as helpful to the beginning collector as "How to Grade U.S. Coins". The author takes you through step-by-step and shows you the key parts of the grading puzzle. He even provides a form for grading the coins which is essentiol to the novice collector. By reading this review you can easily see why I gave this book 5 stars.

This book is woefully inadequate for anybody who wishes to learn to grade modern U.S. coins. One explanation for this may be the 1990 copyright date because it quite simply leaves out critical information for certain collectible U.S. coins. This book does have some vital and relevant information such as coin collecting nomenclature but this information is available in better, more helpful books. Certainly, the sections dedicated to "High Points of Design" and "Visual Impairment Severity Levels" which use photographic blow-ups of actual coins to show points and areas of concern for the grading of coins are an excellent visual aid, and especially helpful regarding U.S. commemoratives which are thoughtfully included in the book. However, the book lacks absolutely anything about the Kennedy Half Dollar and leaves out essential Visual Impairment Diagrams of the Jefferson Nickel; nothing for the Anthony Dollar either which, considering the fact that they are barely collectible in anything less than uncirculated conidtion, is probably forgivable, but still...
The book you want to buy right now instead, flaws and all, is 'Photograde.' I would definitely avoid this book unless one is only interested in building a so-called type coin collection or U.S. commemoratives in which case this is a definite buy. Otherwise, wait for the inevitable update because this version is outdated!

If you are just beginning to grade US coins, this book is NOT for you. Please check out Photograde: Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States Coins, 19th Edition by James F. Ruddy. My 10 year old uses Photograde and is becoming very adept at grading his coins.

If you are a novice coin grader and are looking to move into the next level of grading coins, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!

If you are going to purchase expensive coins in Mint State or Proof condition, THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU TOO!! (Remember the old adage "Buy the book before you buy the coin")

If you have a few years of coin grading experience and still have not totally figured out how the third party grading services are coming up with the grades on Mint State and Proof coins, this book will give you the insight that you are seeking. Jim Halperin takes the art of grading coins and starts to explain the key factors that go into specifically grading Mint State and Proof coins. Remember, grading coins is an art, not a science. If you are looking for a scientific formula to apply to coin grading and consistently delivers the same result, it does not exist. But, Halperin does present many examples and gives a "formula" that you can use as a guide to developing your skills. The only way to develop that skill is to use it.

Simply reading this book (or any book on grading coins) will not improve your skills, but practice and working at it will. The book features hundreds of high quality photos that guide you in evaluating many different U.S. coins. The book was written in 1990, so photos of more recent coins are not included. The subjective and mystifying attribute of "eye-appeal" is very well described and illustrated through the use many photos showing "Visual Impairment Severity Levels". The "High Points of Design" which also factors into grading are illustrated through the use of many photos.

The bottom line: Use this book to improve your existing grading skills of Mint State and Proof coins by practicing the concepts illustrated and demonstrated in this book. Once you reach the next level you won't need this book and you will be able to grade any Mint State or Proof U.S. coin. If you can't get a personal training session from an "expert coin grader" like Jim Halperin, this is the next best thing.
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This book is far& away the best guide that I have seen on the all too confusing subject of grading coin's.Mr.Halperin makes it a little easier for someone new to the hobby like myself.This book will save me alot of money on my future coin purchases.

This is an excellent tool for learning coin grading. A must for every collector.

Both the title and cover make you think that you are going to learn how to grade Mint State and Proof US coins. In fact, it does very little of that. When I opened up the book I was expecting to see an organized book with a picture of a mint state coin 60-70 and the expected amount of marks, luster, eye appeal etc. The same goes for Proof coins. I was hoping they would examine all the major types of US coins. Was I ever so wrong. Instead, when I opened the book it resembled a picture book that you would get a 3 yr old. There is very little writing in the book, along with virtually no descriptions. I expected a higher caliber book from the author. I guess what can you expect for $10.00. Stick to Photograde, ANA'S Official Grading Stands, and the Redbook. They are so much better.

I was ordering a book similar to one that was loaned to me. The picture was identical to the book I was loaned, but I received an earlier edition. The description described the earlier edition by title (which I missed when placing the order), but I felt misled by the picture of the more current edition. I am still happy with the book, but I made the purchase expecting to get the book that was pictured. The newer version had some additional information, but after reading my friends book I was able to make notes for the book I bought to include this information.

As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said: "...simply elementary...." (my dear Watson)
I returned the book