Then, you are in for a surprise also. My coin photography is notoriously mediocre, and I acknowledge that.
LOL, I really like surprises. Now, read between these lines: Unfortunately, NOTHING ANY professional grader at ANY TPGS does ever surprises me. That's why collectors can find examples of overgraded , correctly graded , and undergraded coins in ANY TPGS slab. Edit after the like was given: Then the coin must be frosty white and I'll go with the MS-65 guesses and be surprised.
Nothing would "shock" me from TPGs, so will venture a 66/67...not that it's MY grade for the coin (it isn't), but taking the clue.
Ok,here it is. A few correct responses, and a number were close. Yes, this coin was one of the poster children for the VAM 8A pictures. A lot of what appears to be marks are die artifacts, consistent with being a VAM 8A. Even though I am not normally a VAM enthusiast, this is a very interesting coin, and is quite attractive.
That clean for a CC, so I'm guessing 65 (without looking at any comments)...now time to check my work as I see this thread is 3 pages long
66 and a rattler surprised me a bit (didn't study the prongs in the original image too long, which are a big clue to something being in a rattler holder). The luster and clean surfaces must have pushed it up even in that era. I'm ok with it as a 66.
I,ve had a couple 1883-CCs which would dwarf ...but few in 65 territories ...I used to think CCs were over valued... i WAS WRONG Me too!
I guess I'm living in the past...These used to be 65s at best, and hundreds less, but quantities are shrinking, and there's only so many to be had these days...all are becoming rare...just another sign of the times!
This is a rattler, meaning it was graded in the 1980s, when grading was tougher. So, if it was graded at 66 back then, what would it grade in today’s submissions? Also, it doubles in price between 65, and 66. I don’t see any reason it should not have graded at 66, given all the interesting die markers, screaming luster, clean focal points, and solid strike. Even 67, and 68 Morgans have some marks,as I said before. Given the size of the coin, every mark looks twice the size. I really think the grade is reasonable.
It looks much nicer in the slab but FWIW from this poster ("0") don't try to cross it into a modern PCGS 66 slab.
Beautiful coin but that's not inportant. I am so happy to hear your family is safe. I hope you are breathing a little easier.