Photograde: Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States Coins (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Every major type of United States coin from the first year of regular federal issues, 1793, through the 1950s is represented in this book..." (more)
Key Phrases: mint lustre, two half letters, two full letters, Extremely Fine, Very Good, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The single most useful book you can own to learn the essentials of coin grading, Photograde was designated in 1972 as an Official Grading Guide by the American Numismatic Association. Photograde is:
--designed for beginner and advanced graders alike
--illustrates every regular issue U.S. coin type from 1793 to date
--contains more than 1000 coin photographs, many enlarged to show details. Both obverse and reverse pictures of every grade for every coin listed
--uses easy-to-understand terms and grading descriptions
--includes special chapters on counterfeits and Colonial coins, and how to grade, clean, and store coins

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Whitman Coin Products; 18th edition (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307993612
• ISBN-13: 978-0307993618
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #397,451 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Example of Numismatic Literture, November 22, 1999

By	Thomas Fox "www.magiclandfarms.com" (Newaygo, MI U.S.A) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ever since the invention of the Sheldon Scale in 1949, our hobby's first numerical coin grading system, the complex and confusing art of coin grading started to become more logical and clear. Originally, this grading method was only intended for valuing our country's first cents minted from 1793-1814, but instead was gradually applied to all US coins. Even though popular, and improved into the modern ANA grading system we have today, it isn't flawless. It still can be quite frustrating, no less argumentative at times when we have our own opinion of what each grade should look like. This is where the book, Photograde has been an invaluable help for straightening out this touchy side of the hobby, even before numerical grading was fully used. From the first time I bought this book from Amazon.com, I have regarded it as one of my wisest purchases of numismatic books. Its many black and white photos gives the reader a visual aid for grading a particular US coin along with helpful descriptions. Sadly though, it does not include photos for the uncirculated grades as they are very difficult to photograph accurately. Nevertheless, in addition to grading, it also has many excellent chapters about the minting process, cleaning coins, storage, authenticating, etc. They make for very interesting reading. I get a kick out of how they list several ways of retoning (or recoloring) coins that have desirable surfaces. One way they mention is to fry coins made from nickel in a frying pan mixed with a little cooking grease! Bye George! there is even a little humor stirred in! This is indeed a book that beginners and veteran coin collectors will use till the binding falls apart!

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely essential primer on rare gold and silver coins, February 5, 1999

By	David Krieger ([e-mail]) "goldcoinsupe... (Tampa, Florida) - See all my reviews

As the owner of a popular Internet rare coin store, I receive many e-mails requesting information on the current value of gold coins and silver dollars that have been inherited, found in lock boxes, or given as gifts many years ago. Almost all are described as being in "good" or "almost new" condition. The majority of those who seek information know very little about their coin, even what denomination or type of coin they have. Many want to think their coin is new, but the majority of these coins are not. There can be a huge difference in the sales price of a coin based on small differences in condition.

"Photograde" is the first reference we provide whenever someone is not sure about what coin they own or what "grade" that coin may be. James F. Ruddy did a magnificent job in carefully assembling black and white photos of all United States minted coins from the late 1700's to the present day. "Photograde" was first published in 1970 and has had several revisions. In 1972, "Photograde" was designated as an official grading guide by the American Numismatic Association. It is a superb reference for new and experienced rare coin collectors alike. These photos are much more than simple reference pictures, however. For each specific coin type, up to seven pictures are used to demonstrate the subtle wear differences between minimally graded coins and those considered "About Uncirculated." Coins graded About Uncirculated (or better) normally are worth significantly more than lower graded coins. To those who are not familiar with the values of rare coins, using the pictures in this book to "match" the condition of their own coin with the picture goes a long way in solving the question, "is this coin worth as much as I hope it is?"

In addition, "Photograde" provides excellent information on the current coin grading "scale," oversight of commercial coin grading services, and important information to consider when thinking about purchasing rare coins.

This is an easily understandable reference which should be alongside every coin collector's work area. It carries my strongest possible recommendation for inclusion in your "Top Three" purchases of books on coins and rare coin collecting. A definite "Five Stars!"

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All together great!!!, December 30, 2001

By	A. M. (United States) - See all my reviews

It is accurate! Yesterday I graded a coin VG 8+ in less then a minute it is easy to use and the descriptions are great. The only thing is it is not in color which makes it harder. All together it is a wonder full book!!!