Why do some uncirculated coins have toning (tarnish, patina) and others, while still totally original (i.e. never dipped), do not? Why is the toning on some very dark while on others light enough for the sparkle of the coin’s lustre to clearly show through? Why are some coins toned in a single (monochromatic) color compared Read More
BY BRIAN CORNWELL Inspect your coins regularly for signs of deterioration. Far too many collectors think this to be unnecessary. However, it is one of the many collector-oriented tasks that truly needs attention, especially since most collectors intend owning their coins for very long periods of time. The advice still applies even if you consider Read More
BY BRIAN CORNWELL This is the eighth and final article in a series dealing with coin investing. In the earlier seven a number of comments were made that are worth repeating once again. Keep them in mind as you go about your coin investigation and buying activities. In no special order, they appear as follows. Read More
You and a collector friend are discussing a coin that each of you has just graded. Actually, the two of you are arguing because you disagree on the coin’s grade. Why the difference? Two possibilities follow. First, each of you are using a different frame of reference, i.e. a different set of grading standards. This Read More
Because of my grading activity at International Coin Certification Service I’m often asked “Do you really use a microscope to grade coins?” This is a regularly asked question because the stereo microscope is one of the first things people see when visiting the ICCS office. To exaggerate matters, I’m usually seen studying a coin with Read More
The George V nickel series extends from 1922 through 1936. For mint state collectors it is a series that is a challenge. There are two reasons. First it is a difficult series to grade. Second, true mint state examples are very hard to find, especially in grades at or higher than MS-63. When high grade Read More