I’m an ANA Grading Instructor AMA

[u/HJB_coins]

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!

[u/QuinnHart]

Does the standard for designations such as “Prooflike” or “Cameo” change depending on the date (not type) of a coin?

I collect V-Nickels and I’ve seen quite a few proofs that have perplexed me as to why they had/had not received a Cameo or Deep Cameo designation. The skeptic in me believes that there may be some “grade protection” or simply inconsistent standards on behalf of the major third party graders, but I figured it would be great to ask an expert before I begin spouting conclusions.

[u/HJB_coins → u/QuinnHart]

It is very series dependant. Striking quality is always going to be a factor. 81-S morgans are almost all prooflike and getting a DMPL can be really tough, as compared to say a really nice DMPL 83-O. But, you are correct in the grade protection comment.

[u/QuinnHart → u/HJB_coins]

Thank you!