“Hi Warren!
I LOVE your newsletter!!
This is far from an original thought, but when you suggested seeing Gazillions of coins as a step to improving grading skills in the RCNH Newsletter I received today, in my experience going to any major auction at a national or regional show, registering to bid in the auction (whether ultimately doing so or not), and then spending HOURS over a couple of days (if possible) viewing auction lots can give one that sort of exposure.
To this day, I will often get a box of slabs at an auction lot viewing, cover the grade insert with my hand as I am pulling a coin out, and then assess it myself before looking at the insert.
Gary and I will be doing exactly that sort of thing starting next Saturday at the Stephens Convention Center! We did that in Baltimore last March as well.
Also, I would recommend the A. N. A. “Summer Seminar” grading courses. I have taken “Advanced Grading” (Bill Shamhart, Charlie Brown, Don Ketterling, and Ken Park as instructors) twice, and plan to do so again. The incredible variety of coins shown in this class and the chance to learn from these four guys is an unbelievable experience! I haven’t taken either “Beginning Grading” or “Intermediate Grading,” but have heard good things about these courses from other “Summer Seminar” students.
Lastly, I was extensively “coin mentored” by Kurt Krueger and Russ Konig back when I lived in Wisconsin. A good “coin mentor” is worth his weight in gold, as you attested in your newsletter from your early experience working with a major coin company (“Rare Coins of New England” back when Jim Halperin and Steve Ivy were involved with it??).
My $.02 worth, which you can feel free to use in future newsletters, should you so desire!
See you and Paul soon!
B.B.