NNP

Whitman Publishing announces the launch of the expanded 7th edition of the Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins. For the first time the book is published completely in full color. It will debut at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Chicago, August 13, 2013. The 384-page spiralbound-hardcover guide has a retail price of $19.95. It can be pre-ordered at www.Whitman.com, and after the ANA show will be available from book stores and hobby retailers nationwide.

“This is the only grading guide officially sponsored and endorsed by the American Numismatic Association,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “Its text draws on years of experience from leaders in the field, and it now includes hundreds of full-color enlarged coin photographs.”

Grading experts praised the 6th edition, published in 2006. ANA life member and award-winning researcher Bill Fivaz called it “an indispensable aid to properly grading your U.S. coins—the very foundation of smart buying, selling, and collecting.”

The comprehensive 7th edition spells out the official American Numismatic Association grading standards for each United States coinage series. Every denomination minted since 1793, from half cents to gold double eagles and commemoratives, is studied in 384 pages of easy-to-follow text and photographs.

• Every standard grade is illustrated and described in detail.
• Text descriptions of 30 levels pinpoint grades from Poor to Mint State.
• High-resolution color photographs illustrate exactly what features to look for.
• All 11 levels of Mint State are discussed in detail.
• Featured case studies highlight techniques, beyond grading numbers, that smart buyers use when seeking coins.

Editors Kenneth Bressett and Q. David Bowers also discuss the importance and evolution of coin grading; early grading-system proposals; the Sheldon 70-point scale; the start of the ANA’s professional grading service; the history of the ANA Grading Standards; changing interpretations in the marketplace; third-party, professionally graded (“slabbed”) coins; secrets for grading success; lighting and magnification; characteristics of coin surfaces (including die marks, planchet quality, contact marks, wear, and repairs); aspects of striking and die weakness; the concept of Full Details; split grades; Proof coins and impaired Proofs; strike vs. grade, and the importance of sharpness; natural coloration of coins; cleaning, processing, polishing, and similar factors; coin conservation; coin doctoring; storage and handling of coins; overgrading; and other important related topics.

The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins, 7th edition

Edited by Kenneth Bressett, with narrative by Q. David Bowers
ISBN 0794838243
384 pages
Spiral-bound hardcover
Full color
Retail $19.95