When ascertaining the grade of a raw Morgan when you only have a pic as reference what are some key elements you look for? What are the key differentiating factors between MS61, MS62, MS63 and MS64?
Generally strike, wear, chatter all play a big part in determining mint state grades. It definitely takes practice but there are a few Morgan specialists on here that have the science down.
Since grading is subjective, I am not even sure it is possible to tell a 1 or 2 point grade difference from just one or two photos. The person viewing the coin in person, usually with a good magnifier has the clear advantage. Alternatively, just about all of us can tell an AG from an XF with a photo.
Granted, but don't grade your coins using a magnifier. 95% of all grading should be done with the naked eye.
True dat. Where I find magnification to be great is on those little parallel fine scratches the seller forgets to mention.
It is also important to turn the coin under a light, shows some of the scratches and bag marks. I have seen many coin dealers and graders do this.
Unless you're as blind as me . lol Good point though Doug , as most newbies tend to use too high of a magnification . TPGs 1st look at a coin with no loupe and will use one only if they need to see something better .
If you are into Morgans check for The Guidebook of Morgan Silver Dollars. Think it's in it's third edition and can be found for around $20. I have the one for Peace dollars and it's a great resource.
Try down loading the PCGS app.. I have most of the books out there for grading Morgans but I still find myself using this great application.
If I may add to your suggestion... Van Allen and Mallis' excellent "The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace Dollars" (or the "VAM Book") is a worthwhile investment. I believe the 4th edition (late 90's) is the most recent, and while not a complete up-to-date variety listing, it still contains a wealth of information and is well worth the price of admission. Stanton presently has the 4th available at $53, while a quick scan of Amazon shows the same to be starting at $60 new or $44 used (an older cloth edition starts at $23). Also, QDB's "Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States - A Complete Encyclopedia" is available free online courtesy of PCGS. http://www.pcgs.com/books/silver-dollars/
There is a lot more in Van Allen and Mallis' book than just photos of VAMs. Tremendous amount of information on mint marks, location, GSA dispersal inventories, etc. than people can get just looking at the VAM web pages. I have a working copy and a reserve copy of the hardbound. The working copy needs some glue
I don't know if they took it out but their recommended method of making a baking powdered paste to clean coins should be discarded , lol . Though mine is a 1st edition . Can anyone tell me if that's still in there . In their defense that was an accepted method back in the day .
