Tag Archives: grading coins

Coin Design Detail a Grading ‘Flaw’

Posted on June 23, 2020 by F. Michael Fazzari

By F. Michael Fazzari Coin grading is a subjective examination made to assess a coin’s condition of preservation. Its grade will help determine its desirability and value in the marketplace. Unfortunately, there are several characteristics on coins that ensure commercial … Continue reading →

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Background on the Belleville Mint

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Numismatic News Staff

What is the story behind the Belleville Mint? John Gibbs of Belleville, N.J., billed himself as the Manufacturer of Medals and Tokens. Gibbs produced, among other things, Hard Times tokens. Gibbs shared a building with Stevens, Thomas, and Fuller, who … Continue reading →

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The Challenge of Grading Circulating Coins

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Numismatic News Staff

by Michael Fazzari I once gave a presentation dealing with coin grading at a club meeting in Maryland.  I thought my speech was well done and informative; yet after the question and answer period was over, a member came up … Continue reading →

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Can you spot the repaired holes?

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Numismatic News Staff

By F. Michael Fazzari I’ll remind you of the puzzle regarding a tree falling in a remote, deserted forest. Does it make a sound when it falls? You might think, here he goes, what the heck does this have to … Continue reading →

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Prooflike coins struck with new dies

Posted on July 11, 2011 by F. Michael Fazzari

Soon after I joined the American Numismatic Association’s authentication service, I went on a trip to the Philadelphia Mint. It was 1973. I spent a whole working day learning how coins were made. My boss, Charles Hoskins, the director of the American Numismatic Association Certification Service, was a former Mint employee so no doors were closed to us. The Mint was two different worlds. One was quiet the other was a noisy factory. Continue reading →

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