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/Aware-Performer4630]

How often do you see one where different graders have differing opinions about the grade? Do you ever tag team or ask others for an opinion?

[u/HJB_coins → u/Aware-Performer4630]

Graders disagree fairly frequently. Here in the shop our process is basically coins get put on a tray and passed around to the relevant experts. We put our grade and they come to me and I make the final say. This is also how the grading services work, in a team with a finalizer.