Recently started collecting Morgans, (started with a few raw, common dates), just to get a hands on feel for grading them. Regarding this 83 O, which was sold as BU to me for $45; Overall it looks really well preserved to me and wanted some more experienced opinions. I'm not sure if it's a weak strike, or if it's been circulated based on the hairline above the ear. If a weak strike, how much does that affect grading typically? I don't think this is a candidate for professional grading due to it's value. Thanks, AG
That's a decent strike for an 83o but the lines in the ear are planchet striations that weren't fully obliterated by the strike so the strike is weak in that area. Looks UNC but there is a hint of what might be rub on eagle breast and hair high points and high cheek. That said it looks more like bag or friction rub from the pics rather than circulation rub. The pics aren't the best to adjudicate a slider from but I'd be willing to say it's got a good shot at MS
I don't think it is MS, from those pictures. I see a bit of wear on the tips of the eagle's feathers. AU 58 for my call. It is definitely a decent strike, as the eagle's breast is fairly solid in terms of feathers. That, combined with the faintest bit of softness in high spots makes me call it high level AU.
Appreciate the input. I'll be buying some already graded commons to get some better frames of reference. Pictures don't necessarily give enough feedback
Emphasis in the quote mine. You've already learned one of the most important lessons about discussing/evaluating coins in an online setting. Especially with lustrous silver, it's darn near impossible to post images of sufficient quality to make that vital determination between AU58 and MS64 or better (the lower MS grades tend to be easier, as they'll contain marks which circulation would have almost immediately begun visibly wearing down). Even the brutally-high resolution of your detail images doesn't help, because it's subtle differences in color more than visible physical wear which make the difference.
I cant judge the luster very well, from the images but ill agree with the seller- it appears BU to my eye as well. BTW, is that raised metal, beneath the tailfeathers to the left of the ribbon loops?
Looks like it's probably a BU coin that I wouldn't bother grading. I'm a little concerned about the luster, but that could just be the pictures. The coin looks stark white and as if it may have been gently hit with a baking soda paste once. Can't tell from without coin in hand, though. The strike is typical for 83-O.
It has a nice cartwheel luster to me, but I'm new at this. As for the raised metal: I don't see any damage below tail feather/left of ribbons.
Pics definitely not the best for luster. It has a nice reflective spiral in motion. I liken it to a vinyl album, playing under bright lights while it spins around on Tommy Lee's old drum set, (circa 1989, the one that moved him around and upside down for those who are too young, or old to remember). And for the record, I'm pretty sure that's the first time Tommy Lee has ever been used in comparison to anything on this forum.
