Offering a grading certification class

Since there is a wide disparity in grading among the members, add to this the differences in US, European and English standards and the situation worsens. Having grading tips on the site is only a slight improvement since only a few read it.

I propose a basic certification program for members. Passing would result in a symbol placed after their user name.

It would probably take about 50 questions to be thorough. Images from the current website could be used. Not all images are uncirculated. Other coins that are problems will need to be added (scratches, nicks, corrosion and obvious cleaning) to bolster the questions. This should go a long way to improve communication and also serve as a learning device for members in negotiating numismatic purchases.

ERNIE

50 questions would be a start out of the gate. I have taken level I and level II classes at the ANA. Gold verification, counterfeit detection classes... Then you have to get specific for series and for types. No way is 50 going to be adequate. What might be cool would be like a grading forum, where Numista folks could post clear images of treasured coins that have been graded or have not been graded. Then interested folks could chime in. We cuss and discuss...and we learn by practice. We used to have programs like that in our coin club meetings. It was fun. slabs would be passed with the grade covered, we would cuss and discuss, the grade would be revealed. Door prize for the member with the most dead on guesses.

I hate grading, that being said, but I spend time on facebook pages out of Europe where folks call their coins "nice" an "extra special." I have even seen them call unc and bunc coins as circulated because of contact marks.
I agree that something should be done, and this might make it attractive to participate in. I think it would be great fun to sit like sages and argue about grades. We would all learn something, and we could learn a great many series.

Quote: "Oklahoman"What might be cool would be like a grading forum, where Numista folks could post clear images of treasured coins that have been graded or have not been graded. Then interested folks could chime in. We cuss and discuss...and we learn by practice.

i'd like this a lot

That is really something we should have.
+1

I don't get the point and I'm pretty much against anything that is mandatory for Numista users.

We had already in the past markings next to users for their contributions to Numista, this had led to fight, disrespect and jealousy. Resulting it was abolished shortly after.

Sure you can set up something like that in the free forum and make a grading game out of it.
Ask members who have slabbed coins from (Anacs, NGC, PCGS) to send you their pictures of their graded coins and post the pictures one by one letting members guess the grade and in the end show them the picture of the Grade.
Something like that would be much more fun and beneficial to members here.

Cheers,

Paul

I need a magic wand to spot the difference on proof coins...

Quote: "JustforFun"​I need a magic wand to spot the difference on proof coins...

​I so agree...

That would be a great idea,
although it should have settings to pick which grading system.
I hope the Numista team help to ensure this gets off the ground.
Great thinking!

There is a basic guide to coin grades in Numisdoc.
https://en.numista.com/numisdoc/coin-grades-58.html