F.A.Q.
Defining Quantitiive Coin Grading
It is the art of measuring the variables rather than determining the value of coin. Based on the seven variables that determine a Sheldon Grade: Wear, Contact Marks, Spots, Scratches, Strike, Luster and Toning.
Subjective refers to information based on personal opinions, feelings, or perspectives, while quantitative refers to data that can be measured and expressed numerically, meaning it is objective and factual; essentially, subjective data is based on personal interpretation, while quantitative data is based on concrete numbers.
In most situations, quantitative data is generally considered better than subjective data because it provides objective, measurable results that can be statistically analyzed and are less prone to personal bias, making it easier to draw reliable conclusions and generalize findings across a larger population; however, subjective data can be valuable when seeking in-depth understanding of individual perspectives, thoughts, and emotions that numbers alone cannot capture.
Qualitative data refers to descriptive, non-numerical information like opinions, feelings, or characteristics, while quantitative data is numerical information that can be measured and counted, like age, weight, or income; essentially, qualitative data describes “qualities” while quantitative data describes quantities. Therefore, subjective grading is qualitative.
Technical grading is a subjective method of evaluating a coin’s preservation and wear condition to determine its grade. It’s often used for coins that are very worn to extremely fine.
Market grading is more about valuing the coin than grading it. Usually used when coins are almost uncirculated or in uncirculated condition. Typically based on four variables that include: Luster, Strength of Strike, Surface Marks, and Eye Appeal. This approach is very subjective, influenced by experience and knowledge. Personal bias is part of the process.
Combining quantitative and subjective data, also known as mixed methods research, provides a most comprehensive understanding of a coin by leveraging the strengths of both data types, this mixed method approach provides a holistic view by capturing both objective measurements and individual perspectives, which can lead to richer insights and more reliable conclusions than using either alone; essentially, quantitative data provides the “what” while subjective data illuminates the “why” behind observed phenomena.
The simple answer is NO, we do not, the fact is that no 3rd party grading company assigns a dollar value to a coin, but rather a numerical grade to a coin. In the case of all the 3rd party grading companies, we are the only one that provides a quantitative grade for your coin. All other grading companies offer subjective grades of your coins, which can lead to the practice of cracking open slabs, for grade shopping.
While both accuracy and repeatability are important, repeatability tends to be more important than accuracy when evaluating data. You can have accurate results that are not repeatable and repeatable results that are not accurate. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value, while repeatability is the measurement of the ability to subsequently hit the same target value or result. Both accuracy and repeatability should be used when performing any experiment or evaluating data in any industry. These measurements give a broad understanding of the data and offer insights into where you can make improvements. While one measurement might be more valuable than the other, there are situations in which you want to achieve both accuracy and repeatability.
The simple definition of validation is the action of checking or proving the validity or accuracy of something. In the case of the OCS-200, the quantitative Sheldon grade given by the OCS-200 is correlated using blind test sample coins that have been subjectively graded by several 3rd party grading companies and/or recognized numismatic experts. These test sample coins are comprised of 25 ungraded coins that have been identified with a number between 1 to 25 only, which have been protected by a removable Guardian Slab. These coins are first quantitatively graded by the OCS-200 with the images and data results recorded. These coins are then sent to the companies or individuals without knowledge of any grade or data for their subjective grading results for each coin. The subjective results are then recorded by the coin number on a corresponding piece of paper. Once the results from all companies and/or individuals have been completed and tabulated, the coins are then graded by the OCS-200 again for corresponding images and data. Test results of the validation can be viewed at__.
How to use our service
The OCS-200 is developed to do all round coins from 10mm to 70mm. The first coins will be all US coins from 1792 to present circulation, that fall within the inspection parameters. Specific types and series of coins will be released to all machines at the same time, check this website for coins recipes release dates. The first machines will be released with recipes for the Lincoln Wheat, Roosevelt Dime, Morgan Silver Dollar, Buffalo Nickel, Jefferson Quarter, and Kennedy Half Dollar.
The OCS-200 was built as an intuitive device. It requires 120V, access to a wireless Wi-Fi connection, with connection to a Bluetooth device, like your smartphone or tablet. The OCS-200 has a manual drawer with identified platen to place your raw state coin for inspection and indicator lights that provide for customer direction.
The OCS-200 uses Bluetooth technology that allows the user to establish connection between the user’s smartphone and/or tablet to the OCS-200. The Bluetooth connection allows the user to establish a connection between the OCS-200 and their Wi-Fi router. Communication between the QCG inspection app and the user is established through a URL address supplied by QCG, which is entered into the users Bluetooth device search platform, like Safari, Google, etc. The QCG OCS-200 app will then provide a menu for the user to proceed with the type of inspection. User interaction with the OCS-200 is through the three indicator lights on the front panel.
Yes, it does. The OCS-200 is considered an IoT device, which is a physical object that has sensors, software, or other technology that allows it to connect to the internet and exchange data with other devices and systems. The term IoT stands for Internet of Things.
The Digital Report is a way of documenting, communicating and storing information about each coin’s inspection attributes that creates traceability and transparency for the coin’s owner. The anatomy of the Digital Report can be explained by going to the following link.
All our service fees are deducted from your account upon execution. Our Quantitative Grading Fees Service are based on 10% of the quantitative Sheldon grade value determined by real time Greysheet bid values of the coin inspected. Our minimum grading service fee is $0.10 per coin to a maximum of $20.00 per coin. Coin sorting fees are based on 10% of the face value of the coin sorted, and coin digitization has a flat fee of $25 per coin. All services are deducted from your account before grading results are delivered to the customer. If there are not enough funds available in your account, the customer will be notified by email with “lack of funds” notice.
In our opinion there are three main reasons. First, is to document with inspection images the condition of your coin before and after shipping and handling, thereby making a record of your assets in case of any issues relating to the coin being out of your control. Second, is to create quantitative data in case you do not agree with the subjective analysis. This quantitative data will allow you to ask questions about the subjective grade as it relates to their opinion and personal interpretation. And third, it creates a title of ownership for your raw state asset in case it is ever lost or stolen and broken out of its sealed enclosure.
Each machine comes with a calibration tool, which is basically a target with measured results. This tool provides measured information that our software uses to calibrate certain functions on each machine to give each machine the same hardware specification when looking at each coin type.
Basically, we create an individual QR Code that is assigned to each individual coin serial number that we inspect. These QR Codes are displayed on each coin’s digital report and can be printed out from an account’s digital wallet. We recommend a thermal printer which supports a 50 x 20mm adhesive label which is perfect for the recommended Guardian Slabs by Transline. For customers using paper flips or plastic rounds, we recommend attaching QR Code labels to the back of the coin holder.
Coin sorting is a great way to find value in coins that are stored in jars, rolls or bulk that you know very little about without getting the coin professionally looked at or graded for a much lower price. Basically, the feature allows you to determine a base value based off the face value of the coin. An example might be if you had a role of pennies and you were looking for pennies that had a value of $1.00, or more. First you would identify the target value of $1.00, and then you would start placing coins in the machine, one at a time, and the machine would give you a thumbs up or thumbs down of the value of that coin within seconds, regardless of your knowledge. The sorting feature also works on an increase of the coins percentage value, let’s say you want to look for coins that have value of 100% over their face value, this is a great feature if you have a mix of coins from a different series, denominations or type. This feature is available for a service fee of 10% the face value of the coin, or in the case of a penny, the fee would be $0.001.
Typically, when customers do coin sorting and coin digitizing, they have many coins to put through the OCS-200 at one time. Therefore, to avoid customer delays on any one commercial machine we have decided on this policy. There is nothing preventing us from offering this service on our commercial machines in the future.
The OCS-200 is not a toy, it is a highly engineered machine with high resolution camera, state of the art computer and a high magnification lens and lighting techniques. These machines are not currently designed for volume but are put together by hand with skill. They are about the size of a Keurig coffee machine and built to be rugged and last for years.
The only difference is that our commercial machine comes with a tablet interface that has established bluetooth and WiFi connections. These machines provide on point advertising of our service and an establish portal to the QCG app interface.
Since our quantitative grading process requires raw state coins to process and uses QR Codes to access the coins data information, all while allowing the same coin to be graded as many times as you want. We recommend storage devices that can be opened easily without damaging the coin. Guardian Slabs, is our recommended choice which you can acquire from Transline Supply Co., 800.575.4007
Two years parts and labor. In case of a return under warranty, the customer will be responsible for shipping the product back to QCG, and QCG will pay the shipping back to the customer on all Warranty claims, which require a return authorization number, received from QCG customer service. Warranty is voided if the machine has been tampered with, opened, modified, dropped, or has been exposed to liquid damage.
Contact our Customer Service department at 855.722.2646, and we will cancel your account, no questions asked. The refund amount will be confirmed and distributed with a documented cancelation number.
What are the benefits to using QCG
Quantitative coin grading is a technology-based process, which lends itself to many advantages. Things like speed, transparency, data collection, and cost reduction are just part of the advantages. But probably the most important aspects of quantitative coin grading are that it is a technology-based process that can be calibrated to validated standards, with results that can be measured against those standards, which can be repeated day in, and day out.
Even though algorithms for defining attributes are written and developed by humans, they are not written exclusively for any specific coin type, series or numismatic attribute. Remember quantitative coin grading relates to numbers as it applies to the seven attributes that make up the Sheldon Grade, no bias. As for being transparent, QCG outlines and publishes how each attribute is looked at and collected, which is then applied to each OCS-200 through its recipes for each coin type and series. If any approach is ever changed, that change will be published, dated, and commented upon as to the grading effect it might have on any given coin series or type. Since we offer our free lifetime grading guarantee, customers should not be concerned with downgrading/upgrading, but rather the date their coin last inspected to any relevant change in our inspection criteria. Downgrading is typically a function of poor handling of your coin which can be identified by the inspection results.
The answer to this question is yes and no, the concept of “Do It Yourself” coin grading has some element of personal responsibility. Even though the OCS-200 can flag certain optical counterfeit characteristics on a particular coin type or series, once that characteristic has been identified and programmed, it is up to each individual collector or owner of a coin to try and determine its authenticity. As to techniques to help find counterfeit coins, we have dedicated a section of our website to this topic. As well as other organizations within the coin collecting community. All identified Counterfeit coins involving U.S. currency should be reported to your local U.S. Secret Service office which can be found at https://www.secretservice.gov/contact/field-offices.
Yes, QCG got its beginning back in 2022, however the core technology has been around since the 50’s. The genesis behind the company is the brainchild of three entrepreneurs who bring their combined 100-year industrial inspection expertise to the world collectibles. This expertise combined with experts from the field of collectables and 3rd party investors has created the infrastructure, called Quantitative Collectors Group.
We can track and record photographic inspection data as to date, time, and place. This information, when combined with the time and date of our inspection software revision of the images gives every coin traceability of how the quantitative grad was certified.
This is one of the main benefits of quantitative coin grading using machine vision as its software inspection engine. Machine vision as a software tool brings many techniques and algorithms to bear on the problem of identifying many of the inspection attributes of a coin. One of these techniques is called template matching which is a technique that compares a template image to a source image to identify matching parts, like is the case with die errors, or defects. Numerous books have been written to identify well over 3000-coin attributes affecting the value of coins, and this technology is a convenient and proven way to identify these attributes in one central location, with little or any knowledge required by the user, once the information has been added to central processing.
There are many factors that go into this answer, but the reality is that we use technology to quantitatively grade coins, which ultimately reduces overhead and infrastructure that provides fast results to the customer. The old paradigm in coin collecting is that if you have a coin valued at less than $100, typically there is no need to get it graded by an independent 3rd party grading company, as the cost to grade, ship and insure is prohibitive. In our mind this is a simple math and logistic question, let’s say I have a penny, and it has a value of $10 dollars, which gives me a 1000% return on its face value. Now, if I have a Morgan Silver dollar, that has a value of $250 dollars, which gives me a 250% return on its face value. It seems to us, there are many more pennies with a value of $10 dollars providing a greater return than Morgans at $250, and if it only cost $1.00 to get that $10.00 valued coin quantitatively graded by a 3rd party company, without shipping costs, why wouldn’t you leverage the liquidity of your coin collection. Therefore, it would it seem to us that variable pricing has a major place in the world of coin collecting, and we are excited that Quantitative Collecters Group can offer that service.
The Greysheet is a pricing guide and app that provides information about coin values for coin collectors, investors, and dealers. Bid prices are based on coins sold from information collected by their team using a mix of data from the online dealer-only trading networks of CDN Exchange and Certified Coin Exchange, auction prices realized, dealer wholesale buy lists, and more goes into the pricing guide. QCG uses this data by Sheldon Grade in its Digital Report which gives customers an idea of what other coins of the same type is being bought and sold in the marketplace.
The OCS-200 offers no difference in the images taken or process in which the inspections are done. All measurements and inspections are completed with results reported on the digital report. What makes QCG different is that when we identify wear on the coin, that becomes the predominant max quantitative grade for that coin. However, QCG does offer what it calls an Enhanced quantitative Sheldon Grade based on the six other areas of inspection. A simple example would be an AU55 graded coin that exhibits attributes consistent with a MS61 graded coin. The QCG enhanced quantitative grade might give that coin an enhanced quantitative Sheldon grade of AU57, while given it a standard quantitative grade of AU55. Both grades are provided on the QCG digital report for customer reference.
The OCS-200 offers no difference in the images taken or process in which the inspections are done between circulated and uncirculated coins. All measurements and inspections are completed with results reported on the QCG digital report. What makes QCG different is that when we identify no wear on the coin, weight is given to each of the other six criteria, in which ROI defects becomes the predominate weight. We then use a formula, much like the Halperin formula discussed in his N.C.I grading guide, published in 1986. Since, Mint State grades are highly subjective, and it’s not uncommon for any given coin to have 1, 2 or 3 different MS grades assigned to the coin depending on the individual and/or company evaluating the coin. In the case of QCG, we put more emphasis on criteria values that we can count or measure which provides for a more repeatable interpretation of the grade given. Definition of the measurements we look at are discussed in more detail on our coin grading standards section.
This is an interesting article to read about grading your coins. In researching this using google, we received the following guide by Google AI.
Defined by Google AI
QCG Comment: We have heard over the years that this is not always true as counterfeit coins and slabs are becoming increasingly harder to identify. We have even heard 3rd Party grading companies being sued over their guarantee of authenticity claims, when in fact the coin was counterfeit or altered. Make sure you read all guarantees that are offered by 3rd Party grading companies on this subject.
QCG Comment: 3rd Party grading is considered an accepted practice around the world. But the reputation of each company can vary year after year as employees age and leave, and as the companies are bought and sold.
QCG Comment: We would hope this is true, however whenever one is shipping coins and coins are being moved from one location to another, things happen. The question becomes how can you protect your assets during the 3rd party grading process when you’re not around.
QCG Comment: We know of no 3rd party coin grading company that does not use a subjective method to grade coins. Subjective grading of a coin is not objective with no established measured results.
QCG Comment: Because the 3rd party grading is so subjective its almost impossible for this to be true, especially when grading Mint State Coins. What is true is that the American Numismatic Association does its very best to educate the public in this very popular hobby.
QCG Comment: A Sheldon Grade by itself does provide a level of detail in describing its condition, however when the coin is designated Mint State, the criteria of the graders and the weight they give that criteria may defer and therefore the grade might become insufficient in describing the condition of the coin without the parties viewing the coin.