New to the forum although have been a modest collector for most of my life now collecting with my son. I have what appears to be a set of uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollars in a set from the US Mint (clear plastic hinge case with blue card stock insert with coin die-cutouts). Set of five coins; 1879O, 1880O, 1881O, 1882O, 1883O. The coins are in excellent condition, crisp lines, no wear except for fine scuff type marks across surface. They do have a rainbow type patina on outer edges or reverse (about 1/3 in from edge all the way around on each coin). The set is part of a grandfather's collection (rest of collection is mostly pocket change collection from 1900s-1980's with a number of US Mint Proof Sets). Unfortunately I don;t have a good picture, will try to add one later. I am trying to establish valus on the collection for my father-in-law so he can split the collection with his brothers -- I am planning on keeping a number of coins for my son's personal collection in exchane for the cataloging work. Any ideas on estimated value and/or a good resourse for tracking/value resouce/software? Any input would be welcomed
Value is dependent on condition and values can rise dramatically from one grade to the next in Mint State grades. Plus toning can significantly increase the value of coins. You will need to post good, clear photos of the individual coins so members here can grade and value your coins.
Welcome to the neighborhood, TF! The Mint did not produce this set. It was probably put together by a dealer. As Hobo said, value is determined by condition and we would need good photos of the obverse and reverse of each separate coin. Chris
Thanks for the replies guys. I realize that value is all about condition (grading) so I'll try to get some pics/scans of the coins up tonight. With that as a given would these coins assuming uncirculated, with only slight bag scratches would these coins typically be $15 coins or $100 coins? If it makes much difference, the toning on the reverse of all five is color like cpm9ball's avitar pic although round from edge to about 1/3-1/2 way towards center (center has no tone/patina). Any suggestions for getting best quality pictures/scans as I know getting enough detail is tough?
It depends. A picture is worth a thousand words. Use the macro feature on your camera, steady the camera (use a copy stand or a tripod if necessary), illuminate the coin (avoid glare on the coin), take the coin out of the 2X2 (if applicable), and shoot the photos straight on (not at an angle). It's as simple as that.
It is possible that a dealer put this set together because the coins were low grades, MS60-63, that wouldn't ordinarily justify the cost of certifying them. Let's assume that they all were MS63. The 79-O may be worth $150, the 80-O may be worth $350 and the 81-O, 82-O & 83-O may only be worth $50 each. However, there are a couple of varieties (VAM's) that may make a couple of them worth more. Check the 82-O for the "O over S" variety. It could make this coin worth $1,000 or more. Let's see some photos before we consider any toning they may have. Chris
I was able to run a few quick scans this morning and see that the reverse toning isn't as wide as I thought. I think the "dealer put the set together" comment is likely on the mark as these do have crisp edges and details but do show signs of scuffing -- I'm thinking likely from bulk baged coins? I'm uploading three pictures: onw of the set as it is packaged and one each or the obverses and reverses.
1882 looks like it might be prooflike... scans make it really hard to judge coins, photographs are a lot better. I'll let someone else take a stab at grading and valuing them accurately.
Looks like my scan resolution may not be high enough to see some details. I have higher obverse resolution of each -- see bleow, but will have to redo reverses at higher resolution tonight. I don't think that the 82 is an "O over S" as I think I would have caught that but will need to check more close and I can't zoom in enough to get clear view wiht current resolution (back to the scanner tonight).
I have to agree with you, and the toning which may be from an album is nothing which would add any premium. Basically, these are probably only worth melt value. Chris
What do yo mean by "sliders" -- it's a new term to me? I do appreciate the comments and will post some higher resolution scans or try to get good pics of the reverses tonight.
Sliders are caused by sliding coins in and out of albums or those old felt boxes for coins. It causes very light wear on the coin that's enough to down grade it from MS to AU. Also, it's not from the United States Mint, it's just the case says so.
1879oFrosty,1881o1904o1898o1904o Here's Mine too! The Value of your coins it depends on the grade and year too. From there and search on ebay you will have some IDEA home much the VALUE of your COINS.
That is not correct. A "slider" is a very high AU coin that at first glance appears to be uncirculated. From PCGS's glossary of numismatic terms: