1882 CC Morgan grade? To slab or not to slab?

So I decided to take a big leap and purchased this raw 1882 CC Morgan from eBay. I am very happy with it and was looking for feedback in two regards:

1. Grade opinions
2. Should I have it slabbed or is it too much of a risk due to the difficulty of earning a PL/DMPL grade.
3. Is there a service NGC/PCGS which is a better bet for PL/DMPL coins?

I'll post more photos of the mirrors (they are deep and clear both obvious/rev) when I get home this evening. These are post office parking lot shots.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Doesn't look like a top 100 VAM looks like maybe a VAM3A

 

What are the characteristics of VAM3A

 

Spiked wing left, clashed obverse n, clash next to the right wreath, couple die gouges through the eagles right wing connecting to the breast, should be some doubling of the date as well.

PL coins really make the clashes etc stand out...

http://www.vamworld.com/1882-CC VAM-3A

 

Nice looking coin but it's a shame about all those scrapes and bag marks.

 

Don't think it is a DMPL, but possibly could be PL. I would submit to either PCGS or NGC. I would think it was a 64. Could grade as low as 63 due to bag marks. Take the gamble and submit, knowing that it may not certify as PL.

 

I'd submit it. It looks like it's got a great chance of DMPL to me. The fields in your photos are very deep without a manipulation of contrast. I can see reflections of objects that are clearly several feet away. I'm in with @Morgandude11 grade wise on it. I would say it's got a good shot at a 64 with a possibility of a 63. NGC tends to show some love for the CC Morgans. DMPL coins tend to exaggerate the marks in the fields because of how reflective they are.

Was this an eBay gamble or were you able to read the sellers photo's and come to a good conclusion on this one?

 

I appreciate the initial input. Like I said, I'll post photos of the mirrors later this afternoon for a more accurate assessment of DMPL/PL status. I see the two major flaws as the bag mark on her cheek and the one immediately off her nose. The other marks are significantly less troubling to me. The only spot on the entire coin where the mirrors cloud in the slightest is on the reverse by the ED and left wing tip...but it is very subtle.

 

It was a gamble in the sense that I paid rather handsomely for it in hopes it would be a true PL/DMPL with grade north of 63. The main gamble was that the left field was in such a state of reflectivity that it was difficult to discern the bag scratches. I could see they were there but couldn't fully evaluate them. I am a bit disappointed with the mark off the nose now that it is in hand.
Here's a photo from the listing...

 

Well, this image just changed my thought. Now knowing the seller is one of those snake oil peddlers....

 

Care to elaborate?

 

There are several sellers on ebay that tweak their images to make Morgans appear much better than what they end up looking in hand. My guess is the coins they sell raw are raw for a reason.

 

That is why I have doubts about DMPL. I think someone would have sent it in before, it they thought it DMPL. Yes, that seller is notorious. One should never buy a raw Morgan expecting a DMPL. Proof like, yeah, but DMPL?? Long shot.

 

I certainly could be wrong. Judging solely on the OP's images, I'd say it has at least an outstanding chance of PL. I would like to see more of the OP's images as I don't trust the eBay seller's photo's one iota. When I see those eBay shot's I just skip right on by.

 

I would think it will be a 63 DMPL

 

Possible, but unlikely. 63 PL is far more likely. That date is hard to find new, raw DMPLs, since raw coins have been picked through, and the newer, tougher standards.

 

Check out this one I stumbled upon recently: http://www.ebay.com/itm/282475525988?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

1880-S super common in 66 (granted has a star), currently bid is at $520 with 2 days left.

Here are NGC pics of same coin. Looks like a fine coin (as it should have a nice look with the star) but nowhere near seller pics of course and also not even close to a $500+ coin: https://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/3660426-002/66/

edit: and great title "looks like 68 DCAM". Right...

 

I think the coin will grade MS63 PL. My first impression of the obverse was MS62, but considering the cleanliness of the reverse and the fact that it is a CC, I think it will max out at MS63.

I hope Bellman doesn't also buy from this seller, that photo is ridiculous.

 

But look at his photos....

Great forensics btw..

 

Here are some better photos I took now that I'm home.