What do you think this 1878-CC GSA Morgan grades?

Unsure whether to send this one in. NGC has been stingy on the PL and DMPL designations... especially considering they have to grade through a plastic holder. I think this is a 64 with a decent shot at PL. DEFINITELY not anywhere near DMPL. In 64 I can probably get $700 or so. In 64 PL they go for well over $1000. I thought it was a steal at $550. But maybe it isn't a 64... idk. What do y'all think?

 

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If this was a GTG I might guess 63+PL. A lot depends on what that cheekbone rub looks like in hand....and the obverse fields might be marginal for the designation. Nice though.

 

I think it could make PL. But as far as a grade goes, I’m not sure how the cheekbone would play into it.

 

First I saw the shiny hits on the cheek and hair. Then I saw the SCRATCH.

 

I’d call it a 63 borderline pl a high end 63 tho

 

I think that the reverse compliments the obverse. 63PL

 

Tough one. It might have a shot at 64, but I think it might go 63+ more often than 64. As far as PL, it might get it. I'd just send it in and get it over with. LOL

 

Ive seen worse morgans get 64, I think this could get 64 PL

 

MS-62 definitely; MS-63 maybe.
Lots of "noise" on the cheek.

 

That's actually just like the other little chatter areas. I put it under a loupe and inspected it really closely. The way it came out in the pictures definitely makes it look like a scratch, but it isn't.

 

I'd say 63 based on what I've learned of grading. I'd say 64 based on what I've SEEN in other holders. Not sure on the PL, but I hope you get it! Sweet coin!

 

63, but might get a 64 with today's standards.

 

MS63 ...nice reverse!

 

You have the coin so just consider me a moron! Here's the deal.

Look at the frosty cheek. Now, look at the shiny spots where the frost is
broken, all that is natural. Now, a simple definition of a scratch is a thin line into the surface of various lengths and severity. Your coin has one of these across the cheek. It is a thin line, of moderate length (not too deep) into the coin's surface at a greater depth than the shiny scuffs. It can only be two things. A mark on the planchet that was not struck out OR a scratch.

Without seeing the coin in hand some observations:

1. Marks on the planchets are not usually curved as yours seems to be - so SCRATCH.
2. A scratch on an original, "white" coin should be shiny so NOT A SCRATCH, but a planchet flaw.

In any case, whatever it is should keep the coin out of the MS-64 grade. That's my opinion. And to the other member...the coin's reverse will have no bearing on how this coin grades at a TPGS. That's just my opinion.

EDIT: Now I just saw the big picture again. It is a planchet flaw for sure.

 

First of all good grab

 

Dude. You know your coins and you got a deal with price And you might be right with it not grading at 64. but i trust your gut

 

Dude. You know your coins and you got a deal with price And you might be right with it not grading at 64. but i trust your gut

 

GDJMSP, posted: "But that doesn't that depend on how old that scratch is ? Granted, if it's fairly new it's gonna be shiny. But it it's been there a while the underlying metal exposed by the scratch is going to have had time to tone and not be shiny any longer."

True, since the coin is not toned I left that out. Old scratch or not, you will NEVER, Ever see a scratch tone down to original "frosty white" as on this coin.

Note that I removed this part of my original post: When the inside of a mark is the same color as the surrounding surface the coin has either toned or the surface has been altered to help hide the mark.

I've said many times that a scratch on a coin creates not only am incuse line, but also a raised line beside the incuse line. This is true because the metal displaced by the scratch has to go someplace - it doesn't just disappear. And because of the nature of the metal - the metal being displaced sticks to itself on one side or the other, and remains attached to the coin. And the place where it goes is right beside the incuse line, and sometimes if the angle was right when the scratch was created, it goes to both sides of the incuse line.

While this is basically true, it depends a lot on the severity of the scratch. For most of the scratches I see on coins, rarely is there any evidence of a raised border unless I crank the scope up to some ridiculous power.

However, with a coin like this, one that we know was stored in bags for a long period of time, that raised metal that was created by the scratch can be easily rubbed off from coin to coin contact within the bag, while it was in that bag. Thus leaving only the incuse line of the coin with no raised metal beside it. And if that scratch occurred some years ago which it certainly had to do given that coin is in a GSA holder, then it logical to assume that the metal exposed by a scratch would have had more than adequate time to tone and thus not be shiny. In point of fact, given those circumstances, expecting it to be shiny would be a large stretch of the imagination. Would it not ?

No, A scratch on that coin should be practically as shiny as the scuffs on the cheek for all the reasons you have given. Additionally, the sides of the mark are rounded (and stained) indicating a planchet flaw.

Now this in no way proves that it is NOT a planchet mark, but it most definitely does not prove that it is one either. Nor do the edges of the line not being sharp as one would expect with a scratch, because being in a bag for a long period of time, would allow ample opportunity for those sharp edges to have been worn down.

We'll disagree on this, especially your contention that the sides of a scratch on this "fresh" coin have worn down. There are scratches and SCRATCHES. Only SCRATCHES have any significantly raised edges.

My point in all this is - yeah, it's possible it is a planchet mark. But it is equally possible it could be a scratch. And when you're grading a coin can you really assume one way or the other ? I'd have to say you cannot. But even more than than, if it is a planchet mark, or a scratch - either one - can the coin be graded 64 given the rest of the condition of the coin ? And to that I'd have to say no.

I don't think it will grade MS-64 either but it is a nice looking piece. If the surfaces are borderline PL, they may kick it up and omit the PL. I'd save my money and price it high so the next guy can try to get that grade.

PS Big Money is in Guatemala and I don't know what to do with myself...LOL.