Author Archives: F. Michael Fazzari

I’ve been teaching and writing about coin authentication and grading since 1973. Despite this, a statement by astronaut James Lovell: “Houston, we have a problem” comes to mind. Continue reading →

Have you ever heard some form of the expression “History repeats itself?” Well, sometimes I feel the same thing is going on in my professional life – only the coin types have changed. Continue reading →

Each day at the grading service, I see many coins with impaired eye appeal.  Proofs are hazed over, spotted, splotchy, discolored and fingerprinted while the copper coins are dirty, often with green residue. Continue reading →

If you are a major dealer or experienced authenticator you may wish to skip this month’s column as I will be dealing with some common alterations that shouldn’t fool you. Continue reading →

The price of gold is at record highs. Confidence in the dollar is dropping and demand for small size foreign bullion coins continues to rise. Continue reading →

Foreign coins can present some unique problems for graders. Fortunately, all of these impediments can be overcome with familiarly, study and practice. Continue reading →

At the last coin show I attended, a dealer stopped by the Independent Coin Grading booth to have me authenticate a group of 1932-D quarters.  Unfortunately, a few of his coins were altered. Continue reading →

I’m frequently asked how to tell the difference between an MS-61 or MS-62 coin. The answer becomes surprisingly simple once you learn to separate the various factors that determine the Mint State levels in the uncirculated range. Continue reading →

Over the years, I have seen dealers and collectors use many methods to authenticate coins.  Sometimes they work.  Nevertheless, I have found that the most reliable method is simple examination using a stereomicroscope. Continue reading →