The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection

by Scott A. Travers

A single, comprehensive guide encompassing every facet of coin grading and counterfeit detection was just an ambitious dream--until the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) made it a remarkable reality.This one-of-a-kind guide virtually revolutionizes the coin collecting business. Now, for the first time ever, here is a coin-grading volume so complete and so advanced that it explains, illustrates, and, indeed, sets the standards for grading Mint State coins. Lavishly illustrated with photographs made possible only by state-of-the-art equipment, and with precise and meticulously accurate descriptions, this book heralds a new era for coin collectors. For those who want to grade coins expertly, this spectacular reference reveals:

- The standards for grading all U.S. coins, including Mint State coins

- The fundamentals of counterfeit detection and how to spot altered coins, cast counterfeits, and die-struck counterfeits

- The secrets of handling and storing your collection to preserve coin grades

- The language of the professional coin collector, complete with a comprehensive glossary of necessary terms and phrases

- Quite simply, in today's market, a coin collector without this guide is at risk.

Genres: Reference

323 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[John Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I read this book cover to cover, but I did. This is not that type of book. It is, however, a great reference book with plenty of information about every possible American coin. I bought the book for the section on identifying counterfeits and altered coins, particularly, and it did not disappoint. I learned a lot and was surprised to find that in many cases it is much easier to identify the fakes than I ever imagined.

If you are a collector of American coins and want to know more about the coins and how to determine the correct grade and value, this is a perfect reference for you. If you plan to ever spend any significant (whatever that means to you) on American coins, then I recommend you use this book to help determine that you're spending your money on genuine coins.