I've learned a few things since joining this site but I can't yet seem to tell when a coin has been cleaned or not. I have these 3 morgan head's an 1881s and two 1921s's that were given to me by my grandfathers a long long time ago when I was like 10. Plus 3 coin holders which is where they've been ever since. Anyway I've looked at other Morgan head threads to compare and mine seem to be in good condition IMO. My main Question is have the coins been kept very well or were they possibly cleaned before I received them. They seem in awfully good condition for circulated coins and I know it's hard to tell from pictures but if someone could give me a grade estimate I would be greatful.:smile I took some pictures with less light and with more light the first one is the 1881 so here goes...
the second 1921s and here's the second. Thanks for all the help you've given me. Now and in the past.
Parallel lines on the obverse of the 1881 to the Left of the portrait and on the cheek are evidence of polishing. The toning is cloudy and all gray, on both coins, which doesn't look natural. Smoke from cigars/cigarettes causes the look on your coins. How much did you pay for the coins?
Thanks for the info. The coins were given to me by my grandfather many many years ago as a gift when I was 10 and I'm not sure where he got them. They have been in the coin holders ever since I received them eons ago.
There was a time when the majority of collectors cleaned and polished their coins. At the time, it was thought to be "the thing" to do.
