GTG: 1898o Morgan Dollar

And the 66s routinely make that grade with deep cuts all over them.

 

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Ok, no surprises with this one. It was obviously an ultra gem coin. The only debate was how high did PCGS go? Just to dispel misconceptions, PCGS and NGC will definitely certify a MS 67, 68, and 69 Morgan, with a high degree of surface preservation that has one or two stray bagmarks. As long as the stray bagmarks are not in major focal areas, or are not distracting, the coin is not penalized. The highest grade Morgan I have ever owned (sold it in 2015) was an Eliasberg MS 69 1881s. It had a couple of very small bag marks. It is hard for Morgans to be “perfect,” given their size, and method of storage.

This particular Morgan is one of the nicest I have ever owned. As @CamaroDMD pointed out, it is a good strike for the date, and 1898o is a good strike date for the New Orleans mint. The coin has loads of luster, in a satiny glowing patina. I use this coin as my favorite debate to support my opinion that it is more enjoyable to own an ultra grade Morgan common date than a key date low grade Morgan. Since the 1893s had 100,000 minted, with at least 10,000-15,000 survivors, it isn’t all that rare for its celebrity. Only 353 MS 67 1898o coins have been certified by PCGS, with 67+ being the finest.

 

I went 66 as I felt the reverse marks would hold it back. Glad I was mistaken.

 

Stunning coin.

 

My second favorite that I own. It only holds a back seat to the 1885cc MS 65+ PL, that I have posted a few times.

 

I guessed 66+ before scrolling down to the coin reveal. Really only because of the huge (triple) price break between 66+ and 67.

 

MS66

 

You are always a grade or 2 low on every single coin, Anthony Mazza, and also always late, after the reveal, 100% of the time

 

MS 66+,1898-o Best struck "O" mint Morgan in series

 

1898-O is generally not the best struck New Orleans date.

 

Your coin is so nice, that I don't know if I want to look at mine. I have a couple of 65's, but nothing like yours.

 

MS-68

 

If that's not a 66+ or 67, somethings wrong...and it ain't with the coin...! And if I were grading, might even go 68 assuming in-hand review.

 

67 is my choice due to minimal bag marks and blems. There are some bag marks on all Morgans...just the minting process and handling by mint employees after striking, being thrown into oak wood bins and later weighed and approved, thrown back into the bins, then bagged, they were baggy before ever leaving the mint. Then the shipping by wagon or train, or both, the vault storage and handling for many years before ever being un-bagged. They ALL must have some bag marks and to find one in the top grades is nothing short of a miracle. A 67 grade for a Morgan is comparable to a 65 grade on a modern coin of smaller size and weight in my estimation. Even a 67 grade on a circulation strike Ike dollar is nearly unheard of for most dates. If this coin were nearly any other date besides a common, it would probably grade at least 68. I wouldn't doubt if this coin wasn't handed to a collector before ever leaving the mint.

 

Agreed. 1898o is an average to below average strike in my experiences.

 

I voted before the reveal, 66+ but have a question about her ear and the hair directly above it. Is that from a weak strike, or worn die?

 

Agreed. Based on my research and study, 1879-O and 1880-O are the best struck New Orleans dates.

 

Die wear, I would think. Minor strike issue.

 

Wow! Easily MS-67 - even among Braille TPGs. Recommend that chronic nit-pickers go find a corner and color.