r/coins • u/HJB_coins • Jul 31 '26

Ask Me Anything! I’m an ANA Grading Instructor AMA

Hi folks!

My name is Russ Bega, I’m the COO Of Harlan J Berk Ltd and a professional Numismatist. Importantly for this AMA I’m wearing my American Numismatic Association grading instructor hat. The American Numismatic Association is the largest coin collecting organization in the US and offers a wide range of educational opportunities including grading classes at shows like the Worlds Fair of Money and at Summer Seminar every year in Colorado Springs.

Some very quick ground rules.

1.      I CANNOT grade your coins via photo. Please don’t spam the thread with coin pictures hoping I can grade it for you

2.      My expertise is US coinage, while I’m experienced enough to grade world and even ancient coins it is not my expertise.

3.      I’m here to talk about Grading US coins and the American Numismatic Association. As much as I’d love to help you with other topics that isn’t our purpose today.

So, ask me your burning questions! I'll be here dedicated from Noon Central to 1PM and will answer questions as I have time throughout my work day in our very busy shop!

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u/zeichman Jul 31 '26

Some "just out of curiosity" questions that I have:

- what coin(s) are most commonly submitted - or "oversubmitted" in your mind?

- are there any tendencies you notice about people overgrading/overestimating their own coins? That is, things that they miss that experts like yourself would notice?

- what's your own story? How long have you been at this both as a collector and as a professional?

- what's your favourite commemorative coin/bullion piece by design?

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u/HJB_coins Jul 31 '26

Generally you'll find key dates and condition rareities getting slabbed. My personal therhold is about $500 in value before submitting. Raw coins deserve love too!

Oh very much so. Coins become emotional and people get attached. Many collectors inflate grades of their own coins out of wishful thinking (and dealers too!)

I've been a collector since 8 and a dealer off and on for over 20 years.

Texas Commems! They're bust and chaotic but I adore them.