1881-S Morgan Dollar

Hi All,

A snow day here. My boss at work wants to sell this to me for $40...he and I both collect coins (I started recently). I'm a bit new to grading, and I wanted to get a good idea on the grade before I just shell out $40. What grade would you guys give it?

Obverse: http://img249.imageshack.us/my.php?image=obversesc9.jpg

Reverse: http://img172.imageshack.us/my.php?image=reverseuy8.jpg

Thanks in advance,
Nick

 

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Looks like it has been in a saddle-bag at some point in the past. I'd say it's in the AU-55 range.

Take Care
Ben

 

I would also grade this coin right in the AU-58 range as well (plus something about the luster isn't sitting right with me...but I could just be paranoid). The 1881-S Morgan Dollar is well know for having an exceptional strike and as a result, this coin is avilable in higher grades easily and is not overly expensive. This coin is probably worth in the $30 range (give or take a little)...I personally wouldn;t oay $40 for it.

 

AU-50 tops. Look at the eagle's breast and the right side of Liberty's cap.

 

Au

It also looks like a weak strike for a SanFrancisco coin. $40.00 seems a bit much to me.

 

I agree with Richie, the luster looks off. If you are going to spend $40 I would try to pickup a PCGS 62/63 off ebay instead. I don't think I would even go $30 for the coin.

 

Thanks guys...really appreciate your input.

Nick

 

Keep your money in your pocket.

 

Yeah, I would definitely pass on this coin. This coin is an AU piece, and you can buy a well-struck MS 63 1881-S for $40.

 

The hair directly above the ear looks worn also. Definitely not worth $40. I agree with everyone...AU50-55

 

You are all looking over one thing though... This is his boss we are talking about

 

Then his boss shouldn't be ripping him off.

 

I wasn't sure whether I should just buy it because he offered it to me, and even though its not that good of a value, just eat the cost, so that he'd be satisfied.

But I think I'm going to pass on it and just find one on eBay or teletrade thats a bit better grade.

Thanks again everyone!

 

If you go the Teletrade or Heritage route, just remember to factor in the buyers fee when bidding on coins. For moderate priced coins (like the $40 you are considering), this can be higher than the quoted percentage as they have minimum fees ($8 in the case of Teletrade). As long as you factor that in to your bid, then you should be ok with these auction houses. Having said that, you can absolutely trust Teletrade and Heritage to provide exactly the coin you bid on and have excellent customer services (at least in my experience).

 

Heritage

I have had great experiences with Heritage as well. I was a little surprised at the packaging, though. They put the slabs in the package next to each other with no protection so the slabs can get scratched. Other than that, great coins and great prices.