Technical grading

Technical grading of coins
Veteran collectors observe that U.S. coin grading standards have tightened or loosened over time.
Which observation is correct depends on what type of grading you're talking about: "technical grading" or "market grading." ...

Technical Grading
The type of grading which relies on certain "technical metrics" of a coin such as STRIKE, LUSTER and SURFACE PRESERVATION. PCGS and NGC use technical grading.

Technical Grading -
A system of grading which only takes into account that which has happened to a coin after the minting process (i.e. the state of preservation).

However, because they used technical grading rather than market grading there are limits to their system, particularly in relating the grade directly to a value.

On balance, technical grading considerations aside, it is my view that slabs seem to be performing a wonderful service for collectors of future generations, in that coins in slabs cannot be cleaned, "improved, ...

Rather than present an iteration of pictures and those commensurate grades, we intend this page to provide an introduction to the subject and a qualitative insight into the factors, sometimes sublime, that are not presented in technical grading ...

See also: Coin, Collector, Grading, Numismatic, Mint