By F. Michael Fazzari, Numismatic News

In this column, I shall try to put an end to some misconceptions about technical coin grading. I have seen some inaccurate postings on numismatic online forums. Then, at a coin show recently, I listened as a dealer explained the difference between technical grading and commercial or market grading to a couple of older gentlemen purchasing some Indian $10 gold coins. It was clear to me that the young dealer had little understanding of technical coin grading or its roots.

So, who needs to know about a grading system that numismatists no longer use? Sit back, read on and you be the judge.

Let me first state that I was very closely involved with the conception, augmentation and refinement of technical coin grading beginning in 1973. My involvement continued up until the time technical grading was gradually replaced by commercial grading standards, beginning in the late 1980s. I’ll make no judgments or complaints here, just an effort to set the record straight in this limited space and provide an insider’s perspective about this chapter of numismatic history.

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