Guess the grade (side by side) Morgans

I recently purchased two slabbed PCGS 1881-S Morgan dollars of different grades. Thought I'd post them side by side and see the forums thoughts on the grades. I know the photos of them slabbed will make accuracy difficult but figured it'd be fun nonetheless. Im really enjoying this forum and look forward to your thoughts!

Coin 1


Coin 2

 

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1880-S? You're certain? Umm...

 

Whoops! 1881-S...damn thumbs! I fixed it.

 

Outside of the date, they all look the same to me.

 

Ditto, only I impulsively count the eagle's feathers

 

The first one, earlier die state, 65 .
Second one 64 ..

 

Your first Morgan is very nice - 64/65... semi PL? I'd say 65 but common year Morgans sometimes receive pretty low grades. The second coin has a weak strike and less luster, so it may be only a 62/63...? If there's wear (not sure, but it looks like) then AU58 seems to be the appropriate grade.

 

I'd grade them both MS-64. Both are good coins, but compared to most other 1881-S coins, not gem.

 

First One MS64 and that is just my good guess because not being able to see the Coin for the Plastic.

Second one AU58 Obverse has wear on Forehead in Front Under Liberty, Small area above Ear and some at the bottom curls of her hair. Reverse has some wear on Wing Tips, Breast Features and Neck of Eagle.

 

64 rev PL
58

 

+1.

The second does look to have rub in the pics, though photos can fool you.

 

A couple more sets of photos with different light...

Coin 1


Coin 2

 

New image revision...

62 maybe 63. Rev PL

58 but could be 62/3

 

63 #1 58 #2

 

With new image I think those would make the first one 62/63

Second One I will stay with AU58

 

So here's the actual grades of the two coins. I find it intersting that every person who weighed in gragded the first doing higher (and some substantially) than the second. I would certainly chalk it up to the photos rather than the actual coins. This is very interesting to me as a new collector with regard to evaluating a coin based on eBay photos.
Anyhow....
Coin 1 ---- MS63 (PCGS)
Coin 2 ---- MS64 (PCGS)
Thanks for all the input, I'd love to keep the conversation going!

 

wow ... sure missed those .. I need whatever they get for breakfast @ PCGS

 

I disagree w the almighty PCGS!!!
I believe the 1st coin is about right, but that 2nd coin, if thats not wear, then it should get docked pts 4 being such a poor strike on a '81S. That coin is an AU58, that tops out at MS62 imo, if there IS no apparent wear.
Oh the humanity!!!

 

Exactly my thoughts as well... maybe the grader tossed a coin to determine the grade: head=63, tails=64, rim=look at it and assign correct grade :-D

 

I'm terrible at deciphering between minimal wear 58s and UNC morgans. Where are you seeing the wear on the second and in general are there a few areas to look first for wear?