BOOK REVIEW: GRADING COINS BY PHOTOGRAPHS, 2ND EDITION

Grading Coins by Photographs – An Action Guide for the Collector and Investor, 2nd Edition, 2012, Q. David Bowers, Whitman Publishing, LLC. Reviewed by, John and Nancy Wilson, NLG

The 2nd Edition of Grading Coins by Photographs by well-known numismatist Q. David Bowers was recently released by Whitman Publishing, LLC. The spiral bound reference is 6 X 9 inches, has 384 pages and is fully illustrated in high-resolution color for each grade plus Proofs. Like all Whitman references, Grading Coins by Photographs is laid out in an easy to follow and read manner. All federal coinage is covered from half cents to double eagles.

He has taken his 1st Edition and updated it, and greatly improved the photos. The history of grading is covered in depth and explains how we got to where we are in grading now. Chapter 4 covers the surfaces of coins and how they affect the grade. Much money can be lost if the surface of the coin is not considered carefully.

The preview preceding each coin along with the photographs in this location are very helpful. This second edition gives a fresh insight into today’s grading standards. Special consultants to the book are Kenneth E. Bressett and Bill Fivaz. Many great quotes are in David M. Sundman’s Foreword. Here are just a few from David that we think are great: “As you learn to grade coins accurately with the help of this book: You will learn to look at the coin itself, ignoring the grading label on its holder. You will learn to cherry pick coins that are exceptional specimens for your collection. You will be a confident and more knowledgeable buyer.”

The first six chapters cover in 40 pages the field of grading in general. From page 40 to the end of the book on page 363, every denomination and year of coinage is covered separately with good photographs of each condition along with written observations about each condition for that date.

We thoroughly enjoyed reading this reference. We think it will help us grade, buy or sell coins in a well-informed manner. Mr. Bowers has once again written another “best-selling” reference. We highly recommend it to beginning and advanced collectors.

The 2nd Edition of Grading Coins by Photographs is priced at $19.95. It is available from the publisher at: Whitman Publishing, LLC, 3103 Clairmont Rd., Suite B, Atlanta, GA. 30329 or call (800) 546-2995 or visit their web site, www.whitmanbooks.com

Wayne Homren, Editor

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