I've had this Morgan for a while, and since I've actually never submitted coins to a TPG, I was wondering if I should even bother. I normally dont rely on TPG's for my coin grading, but sometimes I just cant help but wonder what a coins "official" grade might be. As a note, I will either go through PCGS or NGC authorized dealers. Any advice offered would be most welcome, considering some of you don't have the greatest respect for TPG's either Here are some scans for detail OBV http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/scroodgetape/COINJPG.jpg REV http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/scroodgetape/COINREVJPG.jpg some blurry, regular photos for the overall feel of the coin OBV http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/scroodgetape/COINOUTJPG.jpg REV http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/scroodgetape/COINOUTREVJPG.jpg ...and some close up photos with a cheap jerry rigged magnifying lens OBV http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/scroodgetape/coin1.jpg REV http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e38/scroodgetape/coin2.jpg
I think I understand - you want to challenge a professional. As far as I am concerned if you like the coin and think it is worth the $30 to $40 to grade (including shipping). Then go for it. Remember you may learn an expensive lesson. As for the final grade - all I have is your scans, and I believe you have the final say on the grade. My father and I both have returned body bagged coins that I still think are nice. So I think it is a 64, but without being able to see the luster and the surfaces it is only a guess. Good luck on whatever your decision is.
IMO, even if it reached MS-64, it doesn't have enough value to merit the expense of sending to a TPG.
That depends if you want to have it holdered for future ease of sale, and safe storage. My two year old loves to try to "touch" my coins if you know what I mean.
I don't know which way to go on this one. The scans make it look like a coin covered in dip residue that I would expect to be body bagged. The other pictures make it look like it would go 64 PL.
are there any suggested methods (i.e. things to look out for) to determine if its been dipped? The coin itself has only a moderate luster, but could that be due in part to its mirror-like fields?
Look at your first picture, the scan, see how the recessed areas in the hair and finer details have a whiteish almost bluish cast to them. That is often an indication of dip residue. Take the coin and turn it slowly under a light, no need to use loupe. If that bluish cast is there then I would suspect that I am correct. As for the diminished luster, no that is not a result of the mirror like fields. But it easily could be and most likely is a result of an improper dipping.
moderate luster and mirror like fields can be independent of each other usually if the luster appears subdued one of the reasons can be that a coin has been dipped multiple times
