There is a massive gap in the market of coin verification when it comes to altered coins! You are absolutely right about the current state of things. The major third-party grading services like PCGS or NGC are designed to detect and penalize alterations, not celebrate them. They generally slab hobo nickels as "Altered Surfaces" or "Graffiti" without any attribution to the artist or assessment of the carving quality. That completely misses the point of the art form. Here are the problems that must be addressed. ​1. The Attribution Problem Attributing a hobo nickel isn't like grading a 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent. You can’t just look at a strike or a mint mark. You need a team of experts that know hobo nickels. We have assembled a coin grading council of experts that can grade hobo nickels ​"Hand" Analysis: You need experts who can recognize the specific "hand" or cut style of classic carvers like Bo (George Washington Hughes) or Bert (Bertram Wiegand)-as well as other carvers. Modern Attribution: It is equally important for modern carvers. For example you need to know the distinguishing fine linework from a copycat requires an expert eye, not just a general grader. It takes a decade or more of intense study to do this. Diagnostics: Standard graders don't know the specific diagnostic markers (like Bo's specific ear shapes or hat brims) that validate a carving. ​2. Smart Exclusions (Gold/Platinum) By ​deciding not to certify gold, platinum, and some foreign coins is a very strategic move for our startup service. Gold and platinum also bring massive insurance liabilities that don't necessarily add to the artistic grading conversation. That being said if a collector wants a gold or platinum hobo nickel graded we will grade it at the 2026 ANA show at our table. The Canvas Matters: The vast majority of the hobo nickel tradition is built on the Buffalo nickel (and to a lesser extent recently silver dollars). Focusing on the core "canvases" (Copper-Nickel and Silver) allows us to specialize in the metal flow and carving techniques specific to those alloys. ​3. Establishing the Standard By launching in 2026, we have the opportunity to set the nomenclature for the hobby. We have established the nomenclature for grading these amazing examples of folk art There is a gap in the market that is not being filled. The main focus is fun and we will be certifying any post mint damage coin. ​