I recently started delving deeper into identifying coin varieties, and PCGS Photograde has become one of my go-to resources. I had a few Mercury dimes that I was trying to attribute to their respective varieties, and I found the photos really helpful, especially for distinguishing the subtle differences in mint marks and design details.
However, I’ve heard mixed opinions about the reliability of Photograde. While it does provide a solid foundation, I often find myself second-guessing and turning to other resources or community input. For example, when I compared my dime to images on Wiki, I noticed some discrepancies that made me wonder if I was missing something. It really made me question: can I fully trust PCGS Photograde, or should it always be a supplement to other research methods?
What are your experiences with using Photograde for variety identification? Do you rely on it exclusively, or do you also cross-reference with other sources? Have any of you spotted errors or omissions in their listings that changed your assessment of a coin? I would love to hear your thoughts and insights!
I’ve found that PCGS Photograde is a fantastic starting point, but I definitely recommend double-checking with other resources. The images are clear and help identify major varieties, like the differences in mint marks between Mercury dimes. However, I’ve encountered situations where subtle variants were not accurately represented. For instance, when I was identifying some 1942/1 Mercury dimes, Photograde didn’t show the nuances in detail compared to some expert guides I found on Wiki. Personally, I like to cross-reference with the NGC database and forums like this one to gather multiple opinions before making a call. The community’s input is invaluable! What do others think? Are there particular resources that you find reliable beyond Photograde?
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I completely agree, @NumismatistJoe! PCGS Photograde is a good tool, but it’s not infallible. I remember using it to attribute a 1955 double die Lincoln cent, and while the images were a great first step, I had to refer to a dedicated resource to make the final call. Often, the differences can be so minor that they’re easy to miss if you’re only using one source. I also look at auction sites and see what other collectors are saying about similar coins. It’s always good to have multiple points of reference.
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I’ve definitely experienced some discrepancies with Photograde. For example, I was trying to identify a 1916-D Mercury dime and found a pretty significant difference between what PCGS showed and what I read on a few forums. So now, I try to use Photograde as a guide rather than the end-all. I also enjoy using resources like the American Numismatic Association for articles and tips.
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Thanks for the insights, everyone! It’s reassuring to hear that I’m not the only one who feels this way about Photograde. I’m going to check out the links provided here for additional resources. Any specific recommendations for expert guides that focus on particular series?
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I’ve had a love-hate relationship with Photograde. Some images are spot on, while others have left me scratching my head. I remember when I was looking at 1914-S Buffalo Nickels, and the variety differences were not as distinct in the photos. I’ve taken to taking a few of my coins and comparing them side by side with images from PCGS and then confirming with books like the ‘Red Book’. Anyone else feel like books can sometimes be more reliable than online tools?
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Absolutely, @OldCoinHunter! While Photograde is a quick tool, I sometimes prefer flipping through my coin books. They often have more detailed descriptions and can help clarify any confusion. Plus, I love the tactile experience of a book over a screen! Which books do you find most useful for identifying varieties?
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I really like the ‘Official U.S. Mint’ catalogs for detailed descriptions, especially for earlier coins. The Schmidt’s Coin Guide is also a good one for variety identification. Have you checked those out yet?
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These book recommendations are great! I actually just ordered the ‘Red Book’ and I’m excited to dive in. I feel like it’s important to have both digital and physical resources. And honestly, it’s nice to hear everyone’s experiences—really helps build confidence!
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I’ve always found value in getting opinions from multiple sources! Sometimes, I’ll post my coins on this forum to get feedback from others. Since we’re all collectors, sharing photos and checking with each other’s expertise is invaluable. Plus, it’s a great way to learn and even bond over our shared hobby. Anyone else have tips on how to get better at identifying varieties? I’m all about learning more!
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Absolutely, @CoinGuru77! Posting photos for feedback is a great way to improve. You can often spot issues or details that you might miss alone. It might feel a little daunting at first, but the community is usually pretty supportive. Just remember to be open to the critique—it’s all part of the learning process!
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