My newest Morgan

Also, there are no slanted 8TF.

 

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Now see, there's something I didn't know. I'll check it out.

And yes, I do appreciate the knowledge shared here. I don't mind hearing the truth, but it can be delivered without assumptions and consideration for the poster.

 

But I wasn't looking for a particularly valuable one, just wanted to have an 8tf 1878 Morgan. Yes, I may have let my pursuit of one override my sense of caution, but isn't that that a part of learning?

 

Yes, it is.

 

Thank you very much for the details I had overlooked. Your pictures were very informative. Another lesson I take from them is to make sure I have a better magnifier with me than what I now carry.

I really didn't like the color to begin with, and would have passed on it, but just like people I've met who speak without thinking, I need to remember there's always something better if I just wait for it. Thanks again.

 

Right you are. I was just a little confused when going through my book.

Now I think I'll put the coin in an Airtite and see what I can get for it at the next coin club meeting.

 

You are ticked off that an experienced Morgan collector gave you an honest response? Then, don’t ask questions if you don’t want the answers. I would have been even harsher, having collected Morgans for many years—the posted picture is a junk coin, worth melt value. It is unattractive, ungradeable, and yes, you paid DOUBLE its value (melt). If you are going to collect Morgans, get some of the MS slabbed common dates, and get familiar with what a decent Morgan looks like. MS 63 common date Morgans are not expensive, and it gives one the sense of owning a coin that is attractive, and has some value. You would also get some experience with the series, as opposed to buying junk box coins, that look abused and unattractive. Sorry if the truth hurts, but it is the only way to learn a series.

Example,? Here is a pretty nice looking common date one for $66: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1881-S-Mor...=264140035991789c65e3d5eb4916b4198931db30731b

 

I think you missed what bothered me about his reply. In fact, your response was a bit more reserved, although I probably would have disliked your attitude even more if what you indicate it would be is true. My main complaint was passing judgment without providing supporting evidence. If you're going to criticize, make it a teaching moment. That's what I come here for, opinions backed by examples that don't always come in books. He did reply to me with examples of what he was talking about, which I thanked him for. He did give me the answers I wanted, so I can be better at this. And I didn't get it out of a junk box, the dealer had it in his showcase with other coins in 2x2s like this one was. Not everyone can afford slabbed coins.

 

I would rather buy one good coin, than a few melt value coins. That is using self control, and waiting until you have the funds to buy an attractive coin. We have all been there. That is certainly a teaching moment. The Morgan I linked to you was $15 more than the coin you bought that has no numismatic value.

 

Common year Morgan dollars are not more expensive because they’re slabbed, but because they aren’t damaged or improperly cleaned. Listen to the others and stop buying overpriced junk or you soon won’t enjoy collecting coins anymore. I’d sell this coin, save up and buy one decent looking certified Morgan.

 

If you're just getting into Morgan's you can get 1921's under 40 any day.

 

Okay, sorry, but no, that doesn’t fly. I told you the coin looked mounted, that it had holes/damage on the surfaces on both sides, that it was details and I provided you my estimated grade for it. I offered you further advice of taking it back to the dealer and learning more before buying again. After you responded with more questions, I took the time to go into more detail and explain, taking photographs and circling for you, and telling you why your coin was a poor choice. I started by saying my words were going to sound harsh, and I won’t pretend I sugar coated anything because it wasn’t “nice”, but I’m not going to sit here and let you accuse me of “passing judgment without supporting evidence”. You’d be well correct to say it was mean, but the characterization you provided is out of order.

 

If you’re going to ask for an opinion — Did I pay too much for this coin? — you’re going to get our opinions. And several member explained their views in a straightforward manner and offered very workable alternatives to getting better coins on a budget. That’s a goal of 99 percent of the collecting members on this site.

 

@John Skelton - Sometimes, when everybody else seems to be wrong, maybe... just maybe... they aren’t.

 

Be sure to rinse the coin in distilled water after your acetone bath. be careful in the drying—no wiping, rubbing.

 

Your coin looks like it spent much of it's time in slot machines...as did thousands of bags of others. A nice pocket piece to remind you what not to buy.

 

Maybe I'm wrong but my understanding is you never finish with water. Even distilled water has trace minerals in it that will stay on the coin.

 

With that coin, it doesn’t matter what one finishes with. It is so damaged that it belongs with all the other posted coins that newbies post, and want affirmation that they bought the perfect coin. Oh, and the best rinse to avoid mineral deposits after an acetone bath is distilled water.

 

Brutally honest! ❤️It

 

Congratulations on your purchase of an 1878 8 tail feathers Morgan. Now it's time to study. Go to VamWorld.com and research the variety of your coin. There were only 750,000 8 tail feather Morgans minted. I'll agree the grade is in the mid VF range and with the issues from circulation would not straight grade. Unless this coin was a rare variety, one wouldn't have it encapsulated and graded anyway. But that doesn't mean it is only worth silver, spot X .7734. To the critics, I would say, send me all the 1878 8 tail feathers Morgans LIKE THIS ONE at silver value. It's collectible if you are putting a set together of the 5 varieties of the 1878 in a price YOU can afford. That's an accomplishment. Not everyone has a bundle of money to buy the best 1878 8 tail feathers. Your coin doesn't have any HOLES in it. It has circulation marks and digs. It also has a History. Wish it could talk. As you study coins, remember eye appeal. Look for the BEST coin at what you can afford. Don't be afraid to ask questions here and keep collecting. You have the books. Read them, study them, learn grading, learn eye appeal. You have the Internet. Research coins. Enjoy the hobby and the History of coin collecting.