How Coins Are Graded, Part 2

By Greg Holloway

In Part 2 we will continue with in-depth information on how experts grade coins. Our intention is not to make you a coin grader, but rather to make sure you understand the process and how grading can make your coin investments more valuable. With collectibles, condition is everything. For example, an antique breakfront in excellent condition may bring a fortune. But the same piece piece that is scratched or defaced may end up at your curb waiting for the garbage truck.

Anyone can tell the difference between these two. But what if there are small differences between two pieces that only an expert can discern? Without a recognized grading scale, grading is very subjective. All collectibles share this common grading concern - EXCEPT rare coins. With rare coins, grading is compartmentalized into an easy to understand scale. Then the coins are sealed in holders with the grade inside the holder, making comparative analysis a breeze. In this series Golden Art will be explaining grading, from its origins to its implementation. It is a fascinating and informative way to understand the great treasures in the Golden Art collection.

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In 1990, with rare coin values in their infancy, Greg Holloway smashed the record books with the first sale in world history of any rare coin to bring over $1 million. Despite the fact that the world was in recession at the time, this transaction proved that rare coins have great appeal beyond economic conditions.

Greg actually began his career in 1970 at the age of 13. Before the end of his teenage years, he was recognized by his peers as a top expert. A virtual fixture at numismatic events, Greg has personally attended 1400 rare coin conventions.

Between 1986 and 1987, Greg was one of the 33 founding dealer members of both PCGS and NGC, the worlds two largest professional coin grading services. He was also one of the six original shareholders and graders of NGC for a brief period of time. In 1987, Greg was also one of the original shareholders of the worlds first real time rare coin trading system.

For over 20 years, Greg has been one of the worlds most prolific and respected instructors in the field of numismatics having given hundreds of webinars and teaching at in person conferences.

Today Greg is still active in all aspects of education of rare coins, having recently written the first ever encyclopedia of large English gold coins. Having been the first person in world history to sell any rare coin for over $1 million, Greg is eminently qualified to search for future $1 million coins that can still be bought for a fraction of this sum.

Watch more of Greg's teachings free at www.GoldenArtTreasures.com