Well, what do you guys think? I will probably submit this one for grading, as it has very nice eye appeal, and I plan on keeping it, even though I already have a few 81 s.
I would give it definitely a MS-65, but probably better. I didn't see anything wrong with it, then again I only got a quick look, but a conservative MS-65 from this view.
65 from the pics, could easily go 66 ...San Francisco minted Morgans always have exhibited better strikes and appearances (compared to New Orleans minted coins who were pretty lax on the quality control). 1881-S Morgans are easily available in MS condition and your coin is a prime example showing the beauty of the Morgan dollar. So a strong 65 for sure and I bet in hand, it could go 66. Here is the obverse of a 1881-S graded by NGC as MS66...yours looks just as good
I don't believe it is either of those things. I can see what you are talking about in the picture, however in hand I can't see it at any angle, which leaves me baffled?
HI ZANE Contact mark on cheek, but strike is sharp nice eye appeal - reverse head feathers, breast, and wing tip feathers look sharp nice luster. ms-64
Well pics are pics, and I think you know as well as I do that they don't always tell the truth. Given that, and since you have the coin in hand and you say the marks aint there - I'd say it has a shot at 66.
