PCGS Photograde Expands with Version 1.1

PCGS Photograde™ was recently revised and updated on both the PCGS web site and on Apple's App Store, accessible through the iTunes application. The number of coin series covered has expanded from 25 to 60, with the addition of most 19th century coinage.

Five types of Large Cents were added, as well as Flying Eagle cents. Two and Three cent pieces were added. Dimes, Quarters, Halves and Dollars now begin with the Flowing Hair or Draped Bust designs, and include the Capped Bust and Seated Coinage. Twenty Cent pieces and Trade Dollars are now included. One Dollar pieces, Classic Head Quarters, Half Eagles and Three Dollar coins have been added to the gold coin coverage. Still to come are Half Cents, Half Dimes, some of the rare Small Eagle Bust silver coinage, and the early Bust gold coinage.

Yet to come are Commemoratives, and illustrations of color in copper coinage, and strike in some silver series. This includes such attributes as Full Head and Full Band designations. Also Prooflike depth of field in Morgan Dollars, and Cameo designations in proof coins will be covered at some point.

The number of grades shown has been expanded. We have expanded coverage from 12 grades to around 20-24 for most series. Certain modern coins (such as Roosevelt Dimes or Kennedy Halves) are rarely seen below XF 40 or so, and other coins such as a No Stars 1796 Quarter Eagle are seldom seen in Mint State grades. However, most popular series such as Buffalo Nickels, Mercury Dimes, Barber Quarters or Morgan Dollars now feature over 25 grades.

According to project coordinator Mike Sherman, "this is an ongoing project that will take many months, if not several years to complete. We eventually hope to have multiple photos for each grade as well as comprehensive textual descriptions to accompany each grade. We're also planning a release for Apple's new iPad when it is available late next month." Sherman also noted that while many of the photographs come from the Official PCGS Reference Grading Sets, some come from the Trueview™ archives, and are now in private collections.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the PCGS Photograde project, feel free to contact Mike at [email protected].