Uncertified 1897 Morgan. Any ideas on a grade would be greatly appreciated. :hail: I personally give it an AU-55.
Could be a weak strike MS61. I base the weak strike on the apparent (but not necessarily) wear on the hair over the ear on the obverse, and the lack of definition of the breast feathers on the reverse. Alot of O mint Morgans have this weak strike. The P mint are usually fully struck, but there are exceptions. The scuffing on the cheek and in the fields look consistant with an MS61. This is almost an unfair grading challange. I think you really are asking if we think this is an AU55-58 coin, or some sort of low MS coin. I would have to see it in hand. It could be anything from AU53- MS61. Absolutly not less than an AU53-55, but absolutly no higher than MS61, even on a very good day.
"That coin was cleaned and altered IMO" I'd have to completely disagree with you. Im just curious how you reached that conclusion.
I would give it an AU-55 also. There appears to be slight wear on the obverse and the eagle's breast on the reverse shows slight wear. I would need to have it in hand to see if this is wear or a weak strike. If its a week strike, I would say and MS-61.
I would say the wear warrants no better than XF45 - this date & mint is not known for weak strikes and there is no luster in the flat areas. I do think however that the coin has been over-dipped due to the lack of remaining luster in the fields that shoulld be there for a coin with this amount of wear.
Today when I was at the my local coin dealer and had them take a look at it and they called it an AU-55. I think the picture was a little to misleading. I can call a clean/dipped coin when I see one, and I know for a fact that isnt one.
Fair enough Chop, but hopefully you also realize that approximately 80% - 90% of all older US silver coins in existence have been dipped - that includes Morgans.
