Just needed some pricing input. Usually when I get a Morgan toner back with a + designation, I just simply ask the next grade price. However, this one came back MS63+*. I haven't received this before and when I checked NGC, it is the only known example at that grade. Anyone want to put in their cents on the premium this should see? Thanks in advance.
The star represent above average eye appeal and the plus designates that it almost the next grade. http://www.ngccoin.com/news/viewarticle.aspx?IDArticle=957 I'm not sure how a plus and a star will play. Curious myself but I'd guess it would be bought by a registry guy
"exceptional eye appeal for their assigned grade" Not necessarily a big deal, as this is sort of a subjective designation anyways. But the fact that it is currently the only known example I thought might possibly see an increase to return. Unsure however.
+ means better than marked, but not good enough for the next grade * means exceptional eye appeal within the grade So it's a really, really, really nice MS63 but not an MS64.
Thanks for the information, it is an exceptional coin and probably because of the toning. Also, to me, it shows that NGC will not state that the coin is 'Toned'.
Cascade and Burton both made valid points. The coin isn't technically a 64, and the value will probably be seen in registry buyer that wants a single known, or a series of +* sets. I might find a buyer that likes cresent toning as well. I think this coin can appeal to a good group of buyers, but I am hesitant to ask more than next grade prices. I was hoping for some input on a fair value for a piece like this, as to not sell myself short either..
For me, that adds up to an MS64 in everything but name, and I'd expect 64 money (maybe more because of the toning) for it. Of course, as an 1881-S that's not much, so you can probably expect it to exceed 64 value at auction.
The premium is going to depend largely on "who" it is that is looking at the coin. Some will get all goggle eyed and ooooh and ahhhh over it. And some will yawn. Still others will say, that's cool, but not be willing to pay more than a small premium. They will all be among the group who pays attention to what the plastic says. Then there will be people like me, people who completely ignore the plastic and simply look at the coin. To me the coin is an average 63, and not one that I find attractive. It is not one that I would even buy, with no premium. But that's me, my grading, and my personal taste in coins.
To someone like me, who has the opposite view on toned Morgans as Doug has, the coin definitely commands a premium. How much for a Star plus coin, with rainbow toning? That is hard to say, as toning is as demonstrated (I like it, he doesn't) to be extremely subjective. We are both right, as to him it is not a premium coin, and to me, it is--depending upon one's tastes. I would gather it will sell for a hefty premium, first of all, due to the rainbow toning, which can drive a price of a coin insanely high to begin with, and partially for the slab exclusivity (the +* situation), which gives it a certain uniqueness. The fact that it is the most common of Morgans doesn't effect the potential value of this to a toning enthusiast and exclusivity collector. I'd bet that it could be sold for 4 figures to someone who wants that kind of uniqueness. It certainly isn't the grade, as that is a common coin with many MS 63s, and it is not a high grade gem coin. However, the toning is nice, and the population for that particular coin is very exclusive.
You really think.that's a four figure coin? I'd be a buyer at a premium because I collect 81 morgans but the toning is terminal. Do you really think the +* will give it 10x the value? I see this as a $100-$150 as a 63* or 64 without having both designations
I think it is a bad picture, that doesn't show the toning in full out rainbow. My bet is high three to four figures, due to exclusivity. Would I pay that? Absolutely not, but someone might well do so.
So then why not designate the coin MS64, that effects value in any book, going from 63 to 64, correct ?
Because the technical merits of the coin - to the NGC grader - do not exceed MS63. I agree - I'll remove a grade for truly execrable eye appeal, especially since when it's that bad, the color is usually damaging to the coin (advanced toning, for instance) - but I can't see appropriate grading practice to involve increasing a technical grade simply because the coin is pretty. If it has enough marks for a 63, it's a 63.
Just for comparison, this one sold for $340 on eBay recently. It has nice toning, but is a very rough looking MS 63, and has no Plus, star designation:
I agree the common-date and common-base grade make the not the scarecest of the bunch. But I will most likely put this on a longterm sale price and see what hits i get from particular buyers, seeing as the grading elements are unique to the year and in my opinion the cresent toning is significant
That sounds wise. Toners have an audience, but that audience might not necessarily be watching that week. So this would be one of those rare instances where I'd choose a fixed-price sale rather than an auction with a 0.99 start. You know you'll get that price if the right person sees it.