As seen in Coin World,
Monday, Dec. 8, 2003; International Section ; Page 84

Professional Coin Grading Service will open the PCGS World Series of Rare Coin Grading in January and continue into August, offering the two eventual champions a total of $10,000 cash prizes.

The test of knowledge and skill about grading U.S. coins to PCGS standards will begin at the Florida United Numismatists convention in Orlando in January and conclude at the American Numismatic Association World's Fair of Money in Pittsburgh in August.

"This is a winner-take-all competition to determine the top coin graders in the market. There will be two divisions, one for collectors and one for professional numismatists, and the winner in each category will receive $5,000 cash," David Hall, PCGS founder and president, said.

"Here's your chance to put your grading skills to the test and go up against the best in the business. Who will be the top grader in the rare coin market? We'll find out."

Contestants will have four opportunities to get into the competition by signing up now to participate at one of the four qualifying rounds. They will be conducted at the FUN show in Orlando, Jan. 8 to 11; the Long Beach (Calif.) Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, Jan. 29 to Feb. 1; the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention, March 12 to14; and the second 2004 Long Beach Expo, June 3 to 5.

"The top two finalists from each of the qualifying rounds, plus seven additional wild card finalists, will be eligible to compete in the finals in Pittsburgh," Hall said.

"There will be a total of 30 contestants competing at the ANA convention: 15 each from the collector division and professional division. The top winner in each of the two categories will receive $5,000."

Each contestant in the qualifying round will have 30 minutes to examine 40 coins and determine their grades. The coins will be previously graded and encapsulated by PCGS and selected from the market by Hall and Ron Howard, PCGS director of grading.

Contestants who reach the finals in Pittsburgh will have one hour to examine 100 coins. In both the qualifying and final rounds, the contestants will be scored on how many times their grades match those previously determined by PCGS.

The competition is open to anyone except current PCGS employees. There is a $50 entry fee, and entrants must make a reservation to take the test at one of the four qualifying rounds.

"I expect the reservation times will fill up very quickly. There will be only a limited number of time slots available on a first come, first served basis. Anyone who wants to enter the competition should promptly reserve a location and time to avoid being shut out," Hall said.

For more information or to sign up, call PCGS at (800) 447-8848.

More details on the contest...

1. Coins will be in PCGS holders with the inserts blank. You will have to grade the coins through the holders.
   
   
2. Though the coins will be in holders, there may be some no-grades and/or counterfeits.
   
   
3. The 40 coin qualifying rounds will not be easy, but they won't be super tricky. If you put down the first grade that comes to your mind you will probably be OK. The 100 coin finals will be much tougher.
   
   
4. You need to use your charge card to secure a reservation.