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Podcast Episode

Ep.7 - Grading Rare Coins as a Professional - with Owen Seymour

The Cabbage Coins Podcast··19 July 2026·1h 6m

About this episode

Where you can find Owen: Email him at: Owen@SeymourRarecoins.com https://www.instagram.com/pa_coins/Where you can find Cabbage Coins: https://cabbagecoins.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cabbage_coins/Have questions, or want to inquire on buying or selling coins? Send me an email:  info@cabbage-coins.comLike the content? Consider buying me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/cabbagecoinsKeywordscoin grading, Owen Seymour, numismatics, coin collecting, professional grading, authentication, Morgan dollars, Buffalo nickels, Lincoln cents, gold coins, California commemoratives, Cabbage CoinsSummaryIn this episode of the Cabbage Coins podcast, host Tony Gryckiewicz interviews Owen Seymour, a professional coin grader and owner of Seymour Rare Coins. They discuss Owen's journey into the world of coin collecting and grading, the importance of understanding coin grading, the challenges faced by graders, and the nuances of grading different coin series. Owen shares insights on the significance of authentication, the role of lighting and mindset in grading, and provides valuable advice for aspiring coin graders. The conversation also includes a comparative analysis of various coins, including Morgan dollars, Buffalo nickels, and the famous 1909S VDB Lincoln cent.TakeawaysOwen Seymour's journey into coin grading began as a childhood hobby. Coin grading assigns a numerical value to a coin's condition. Grading requires a unique perspective that not everyone possesses. Mentorship is crucial for advancing in the coin grading field. Lighting and mindset are essential for accurate grading. Authentication is a key aspect of professional grading. Understanding the characteristics of different coin series is vital. Grading is not just about counting marks; it's a comprehensive process. Exposure to a wide variety of coins is necessary for skill development. Professional graders must be fluent in both grading and authentication.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Coin Grading and Owen's Journey 05:11 Understanding Coin Grading: Importance and Process 08:11 Challenges in Coin Grading: Skills and Knowledge Required 12:19 The Role of Lighting and Mindset in Grading 16:18 Authentication and Problem-Free Coins 16:56 Comparative Analysis of Morgan Dollars 21:44 Understanding Coin Luster and Grading 27:03 The Importance of Strike Quality in Coins 31:50 Analyzing the 1934 Denver Buffalo Nickel 34:19 The 1909S VDB Lincoln Cent: A Collector's Gem 40:39 Authenticating the 1909S VDB: Key Indicators 43:02 Understanding Coin Diagnostics and Authenticity 43:53 Exploring Gold Coins: The 1908 S San Francisco 45:02 The Significance of Plus Grades in Coin Collecting 46:38 The Importance of Registry Sets in Coin Collecting 48:06 Analyzing Commemorative Coins: The 1925 California Half Dollar 54:35 Advice for Aspiring Coin Graders 01:04:22 Connecting with Owen: Resources and Final ThoughtsHashtags: #CoinGrading #Numismatics #RareCoins #Podcastcoin,coins,morgan dollars,morgan silver dollars,numismatics,silver,silver coins,silver stacking,rare coins,old coins,us history,gold,gold coins,investment,collecting coins,coin collection,coin dealer,coin collecting,wealth,hobbies,assay bars,poured bars,vintage poured bars,coin grading,pcgs