A little twist GTG 86' Morgan

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Pickin and Grinin, Sep 25, 2026 at 6:56 PM.

?

Whats the grade of this Morgan

  1. AU58

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. MS63

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  3. MS64

    2 vote(s)
    20.0%
  4. MS65

    7 vote(s)
    70.0%
  5. MS66

    1 vote(s)
    10.0%
  1. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I bought this one earlier, really like the die pairing, VAM. I haven't figured that out yet, it's puzzling me. I originally thought it was a 1C 3+2. Nope, I can't be as cool as @Barney McRae :woot: Anyways please GTG of this Morgan.
    The slab condition was also a plus for the price.
    upload_2026-9-25_15-35-31.jpeg
    upload_2026-9-25_15-36-24.jpeg
    Here are some closeups of the die cracks and clash marks that might help with the VAM. It's a fun double clash.
    upload_2026-9-25_15-39-12.jpeg
    Wing clash at neck, there is not much of an N showing.
    next is the double clash at the chin, lips, and nose.
    upload_2026-9-25_15-44-50.jpeg
    Double clash at Hair and Bonnet.
    upload_2026-9-25_16-55-4.jpeg
    The Double profile clash.
    upload_2026-9-25_15-53-16.jpeg
    And the doubled neck clash.
    Also shows some of the chin clash.
    upload_2026-9-25_15-57-24.jpeg
    Here is the wing tip die crack from the F thru the A to the M.
    upload_2026-9-25_16-1-29.jpeg
    And if ya want guess the slab.
    upload_2026-9-25_16-55-38.jpeg
     

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  3. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    For some reason, I'm stuck at MS65. Nice overall coin. :)
     
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  4. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    Pretty sure I have the VAM nailed down.
     
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  5. Spark1951

    Spark1951 Accomplishment, not Activity

    Superior surface and luster both sides, minimal cheek chatter and no major detractions. I gave MS66 on a PCGS slab.

    All around, including the clashing, this is a stupendous Morgan. Congrats.
     
  6. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Does it increase the value of the coin? If not, what's its purpose? For fun?
     
    dwhiz likes this.
  7. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I love varieties, the only thing that is better is original toned surfaces. All metals begin to tone the day they are struck.
     
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  8. ddddd

    ddddd Member

    I have it as a solid gem (MS 65)....if it's a 64, then that's among the nicer 64s you will see
     
  9. atcarroll

    atcarroll Supporter! Supporter

    Whatever the grade, i like it. The clashes, the die wear, the blazing luster. It's an interesting coin.
     
  10. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    It might be due to the angles of the lighting, but I'm seeing what appears to be some pretty severe marks on the cheek. I voted 64 because of this.

    Reverse is 66 all day. Maybe they average out (or maybe the lighting is making the obverse looks worse).... I would not be surprised by a 65 at all.
     
    dwhiz likes this.
  11. Barney McRae

    Barney McRae Supporter! Supporter

    Hard tell the VAM without a scope, but I'll guess 6B and I haven't read any further posts. The railroad track position from the eagle's wing to the N on the reverse makes me guess that without better magnification. (I can't tell if there is a line in 6) I can't tell which slab it's in, but I'll guess MS65 due to good luster even though there are some marks that might penalize it. No one knows what goes through a grader's mind or if they are in a generous mood or haven't gotten lucky in weeks.:p
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2026 at 10:10 PM
    Spark1951 likes this.
  12. Spark1951

    Spark1951 Accomplishment, not Activity

    Not only does it increase the value of the coin but also is tremendous fun nailing the correct VAM. But it simultaneously can be a heck of a lot of work.

    There are Top 50 Morgans, Hot List 40 Morgans…and VAM lists for Peace dollars. Across the spectrum of those 2 dollar types there are thousands of VAMs, and, honestly, there may never be a repeat of this die marriage type of study to achieve the same magnitude.

    VAMs are special, so special, actually, that you really feel like you accomplished something once you identify the VAM associated with your Morgan or Peace. Almost an epiphany of sorts that you actually are speaking the same language as Messieurs Van Allen and Mallis themselves.

    @Pickin and Grinin , Congrats again on your coin and your VAM work…Spark
     
  13. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I bought 2 of them. The second a 2.2.
     
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  14. Barney McRae

    Barney McRae Supporter! Supporter

    ANACs generation slabs? Can't wait to see the whole photo. Regarding VAM1-Cs, a few PUPS..... NO neck clashes on the obverse, nor on the reverse between the wing and N. My first look is to the olive branch, at end of it in the camel toe, there is a double eye clash. That one never fails. Then I look for the 3 + 2 V clashes, on internet photos, they can be hard to see. And on every one of them, the eagle has an adam's apple of some sort. For those who hunt, a turkey's beard.:D
     
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  15. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    It was a tossup between MS64 and 65 for me, so I decided to be generous and voted MS65. Looks like that put me in the majority of poll voters so far.
     
  16. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    I was half way home, realized I didn't have a Hot 50.
     
  17. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    The diagonal marks are true to the coin, I like your style of grading.
     
  18. Pickin and Grinin

    Pickin and Grinin Well-Known Member

    Not an ANACS.
     
  19. dwhiz

    dwhiz Collector Supporter

  20. Barney McRae

    Barney McRae Supporter! Supporter

    See my post, #10. I said there I "think" it is VAM6B. Can't really tell for sure without it under a scope. In the post you replied to, I was just giving the dead giveaway markers for 1-C. Your coin you posted isn't 1-C, but you haven't posted the other one I think you haven't posted yet? Seems like you said you picked up 2, but I only see one.
     
  21. Barney McRae

    Barney McRae Supporter! Supporter

    Where is the photo of the second coin? You are confusing me. :D
     

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