First and foremost remember, coin grading is not a precise science - nor can it be. Minor imperfections seen by one may be overlooked and deemed pristine by another. In other words, submitting the same coin to the same grading service and having it graded by the same person could easily result in two different grades. More than likely - not too far apart, but as we all know the difference between a PR70 and a PR69 can be several hundreds to several thousands of dollars in gained or lost revenue. I have Statehood quarters - same year, same state in pr69 and pr70 that I defy anyone to show me the difference!

Personally, I prefer buying and selling graded coins. I also have my preference of grading services. I'll let you research and determine that one for yourself. Previously graded coins or purchasing and then having coins graded can alleviate a lot of headaches down the road when, and if it becomes time to sell. It also makes your coin portfolio valuation a lot more realistic.

When buying coins on EBay (especially if accompanied with some good photography) here are ANA grading standards that might help your purchasing decision. IMPORTANT: If you have a question, or if you are unclear of any aspect of the coin - PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! email the question into the seller for clarification. This one good habit can save you BIG!!!!! Don't be afraid to ask. It's your money. It's your collection.

PO-1 Identifiable date and type

FR-2 Mostly worn, though some detail is visible

AG-3 Worn rims but most lettering is readable though worn

G-4 Slightly worn rims, flat detail, peripheral lettering nearly full

G-6 Rims complete with flat detail, peripheral lettering full

VG-8 Design worn with slight detail

VG-10 Design worn with slight detail, slightly clearer

F-12 Some deeply recessed areas with detail, all lettering sharp

F-15 Slightly more detail in the recessed areas, all lettering sharp

VF-20 Some definition of detail, all lettering full and sharp

VF-25 Slightly more definition in the detail and lettering

VF-30 Almost complete detail with flat areas

VF-35 Detail is complete but worn with high points flat

EF-40 Detail is complete with most high points slightly flat

EF-45 Detail is complete with some high points flat

AU-50 Full detail with friction over most of the surface, slight flatness on high points

AU-55 Full detail with friction on less than 1/2 surface, mainly on high points

AU-58 Full detail with only slight friction on the high points

MS/PR-60 No wear. May have many heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-61 No wear. Multiple heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-62 No wear. Slightly less marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-63 Moderate number marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-64 Few marks/hairlines or a couple of severe ones, strike average or above

MS/PR-65 Minor marks/hairlines. None in focal areas. Good strike

MS/PR-66 Few minor marks/hairlines not in focal areas, good strike

MS/PR-67 Virtually as struck, minor imperfections, very well struck

MS/PR-68 Virtually as struck with slight imperfections, slightest weakness of strike allowed

MS/PR-69 Virtually as struck with miniscule imperfection, near full strike necessary

MS/PR-70 As struck, with FULL STRIKE