I made my way over to the ANA show for the last afternoon. It was really interesting seeing the museum pieces, and really overwhelming looking through all of the dealer tables! My dad decided to join me today, and we walked around the booths and asked a lot of questions. After making our rounds, we headed back to the dealer who really spent time educating us on different coins (many didn't even look up from their tables, which I thought was odd). There, I picked up an 1854 large cent, and an 1883-O Morgan for my type set. I was really happy with the purchases, and am really enjoying working on the type set! I'm also practicing my grading. I put the large cent between VF35-XF40, and the Morgan maybe MS61-62. Any thoughts on grade?
I'd personally be a tiny bit more conservative on the large cent; say VF20-25 ... maybe 30 on a really good day - but not XF. However, I really like it and think you picked an attractive example for the grade. As long as you paid VF money or less, it looks like a solid buy to me. That is the ideal coin for a 7070 album. Nicely done! The Morgan... I dunno. Based on those pictures, without seeing the luster, it's hard for me to say. I don't see any rub on the hair over her ear or on the eagle's breast, so if it is indeed MS (and I don't see why not), it's better than a 61. I'd concur with 62 and say it's got a shot at 63. Bear in mind that I've never collected Morgan dollars, but I've bought and sold a few over the years.
I think on the large cent, I would be at 30 to 35, it looks like a very nice original Cent. I am with Lord Marcovan, MS63 on the Morgan. I spent a day there with my Son, we had a great time.
I am at VF30 on the cent. I'll go with MS63 on the Morgan. Although I would not want to pay 63 money for the coin. They are nice coins for your type album.
