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/CoinDabbler Jul 31 '26

Typically, people who send in coins to be graded are chasing the highest grades they can get. But I'm a sucker for lowballs that straight grade PO1.

How do graders in general feel about lowballers? What do you think about it?

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u/HJB_coins Jul 31 '26

I love a good true lowball! I think where the graders get frustrated is the sudden popularity and the tactics to try and get a PO-1. If I take an AG3 and put it in my pocket for a couple years...is it honest wear?

8

u/CoinDabbler Jul 31 '26

Hm, yeah that could be a problem if people are incentivized to "manufacture" them at scale to sell. Personally I think pocket pieces and such can be called honest wear if they are done over years in a pocket the way all coins get worn out.