1879-CC Morgan

I'd like some opinions on the grade and value of this 1879-CC Morgan dollar. Thanks!

 

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Mmmmmm, IMHO, something looks at little off. Cleaned and retoned? Cast/counterfeit coin? Whatever it is, the shape of the reverse lettering doesn't look quite right. It could just be me being negative like always, haha. If it IS authentic, I'd say it's an XF or possible low AU piece. Just the color contrast between the the bust and the darkness of the fields throws me towards thinking it has been previously dipped and then had time to retone sitting in a mylar flip or something to that nature.

-Brian

PS: :welcome: to CoinTalk!

 

Like iGradeMS70, I think something is a little off. The images are awfully blurry, so much so on the reverse that it is difficult to see whether the coin is real or not. Any chance you could post clearer images, preferably from a straight-on angle?

 

General,

Good photos are needed to give you good answers. Your photos are not good. Below are a few things you can do to improve your photography skills:

1) Take the coin out of the flip. Reflections off the plastic make it impossible to see portions of your coin. And your camera may focus on the surface of the flip rather than the coin.

2) Take your photos straight-on rather than at an angle.

3) Take photos that are in focus. We cannot see fine details if your photos are out of focus. If you can focus on the coin the entire coin should be in focus unless you take the photo at a steep angle.

 

I echo other poster's opinons. Tough to grade from those photos. From looking at it I would call it XF, but something about the rims and the toning seems off. If, in fact, it turns out to be a problem free 1879 cc in XF, then you're looking at a $500-700 coin.


http://cgi.ebay.com/1879-CC-MORGAN-...22?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item415aeff95e

http://cgi.ebay.com/1879-CC-Normal-...27?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2564a7d523

 

I think it's authentic, but I'm concerned that it may have been cleaned at some point. I'm not sure how to tell if it's been dipped. The coin has no luster remaining, but I don't know if that proves anything on an old, circulated coin.

The consensus so far is that the details are XF. I'm glad to hear that, as I wasn't sure if it was VF or XF.

I'll see if I can get a better picture. I need to get some cotton gloves before I risk removing it from the flip.

 

Well, many people think their "replica" coins are authentic also. The CC Morgans are one of the most heavily counterfeited of all coins (and I've seen many). I believe yours to be fake (from your less than perfect pictures). You have to understand that the influx of unmarked replicas into this country is at an all time high, with many originating in China. Even coins that have been in the family for years are suspect. Just because it looks circulated is no indicator of authenticity; our Chinese friends have become quite adept at artificially aging their product, along with using laser cut dies and 90% silver planchets. Best bet for you is to take this example to the nearest coin shop and try to get a first hand opinion. Good luck!

 

Why don't you take it out of the plastic so you can get some decent pics? Being forced to shoot through a slab is one thing. In this instance, the plastic is an unnecessary barrier to a better photo.

 

The consensus is, your pics are bad and too blurry for anyone to give an honest opinion of the coin.

What was said about XF, is, IF it is a genuine Morgan it has XF or AU qualities.

 

New pix


Here are some pictures without the flip. These are probably the best I can get with my camera. I hope they're clear enough.

 

How did you acquire it?

It looks "off" to me, can't really put my finger on it, but I'd speculate that it's not genuine. I certainly wouldn't drop my cash on it.

 

I am by no means an expert on Morgan's, or any coin for that matter, but it almost looks like the discoloration is intentional. Like someone did it to make it look aged. Is something like that even possible? With out being completely noticeable?

 

I would suspect counterfeit. The rim look to be separated from the denticals on both sides and the denticals are not uniform and oddly worn. I would pass on this one.

 

I got it from a local college kid who said his grandfather gave it to him. The grandfather reportedly bought it from a coin shop many years ago.

I also got an 1878-CC from him in comparable condition.

 

I agree. I love Morgan's and have a large collection of them and something about this coin is just bothering me. I think it's the rim but I can't really nail down why.

 

I hope you didn't pay very much for them.

 

Does anyone besides me think that the "CC" mintmark is a little "off"? The patina is that of many chinese cast or replica coins I have seen on eBay. 70% it is NOT genuine. Too many things just aren't quite right...

-Brian

 

The "sharpness" of the details don't look consistent with the wear on the surfaces. Since you already purchased it, take it to a local coin dealer and see what they think. I'm thinking they'll validate what most have been saying; it's a fake.

-LTB

 

I just found this extremely worn one on ebay, for comparison, LOL
http://cgi.ebay.com/1879-CC-MORGAN-...48?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item45fb680eb4

 

I do not know alot about the coin but i do know it is looking good there