Community Voice Responses (4/7/2015)

From the March 13 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

In 20 years will the grading system have 100 points instead of 70?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

In today’s world, why has someone not invented computer software to grade coins electronically instead of the way it’s done now? This would eliminate the human judgment. A simple scan, reverse and obverse and bingo, it’s done.

Steven Angle
Glendale, Ariz.

Ten years, if that. The grading companies need a new cash cow. People will want their coins re-graded to suit the new system. The inevitable “special” slabs and the like will become an absolute necessity to the registry system the big boys have. And the collectors and investors will buy into it hook, line and sinker.

I do not need a new grading system or a group of professional graders to tell me the condition of a coin. All I need to know is that it’s authentic.

Remember the old ANACS? American Numismatic Association Certification Service looked at both sides of the coin, gave you a certificate, a photo and an opinion of the grades of the obverse and reverse. Worked just fine.

Mark Palermo
Brandon, Fla.

A 100-point grading system is totally unnecessary. The 70-point system is not entirely used. The major grading companies would love to shift to 100 points because it would create a great influx of coins for re-grade and re-holder, Which obviously would increase their revenue stream and drain more collector money from the actual coin market.

Harry Miller
Patchogue, N.Y.

The grading scale is not fully utilized as it is. Many numbers are skipped along the way. Have you ever seen a coin graded F-9, VF-23, EF-41 or AU-52? Coins are routinely rounded up or down by graders. Adding another 30 points to the scale will not lead to precision grading any more than the 70-point scale does.

Complaints are heard about how lax grading scales have become from what they once were. I don’t see that changing with more points to choose from.

Timothy Scharr
Aviston, Ill.

What is the magic of the number 100 vs. the present 70? Let’s face it, the present rating system and results seem to work very well. So, per the old adage, let’s not try to fix something that’s not broken.

Jerry Finch
Address withheld

Twenty years is too far out. I think we should go to the 100 points system now. Do not use any fives in the new system. use 0-10-20-30-etc. Use 0 as junk and 100 as the best.

Richard Beringer
Address withheld