A typical 81 S Hammered 81 s Morgan ,unless you look at the silver grey crescent toning. Many may think due to images and lighting the area is darker it isn't....each tip of the crescnt has a burst of rainbow colors, even the grey area has undertones of rainbow colors. That the coins luster glows through.... The reverse nearly spotless...clean surfaces ....sharp semi frosted devices. The reverse luster will blind you...... and yes stole this one at $50! Couldn't get the money out fast enough!
The stealing at $50 part is a hint. That leads me to think it may be either a 64 or a 63*. I'm gonna go with 63*
63+. I'd say 64 because the reverse is quite nice, but the thick toning appears to be hiding a lot of marks. This is not a look that I prefer, and I strongly doubt it would get the star that so many other posters are awarding it.
This is one of those specimens you either love or hate....I can understand completely someones like or dislike on this piece. Some may think that the tone is terminal ,I asure you it isn't. Depending on which way the light hits it either dark looking or quite the opposte .Now the toning on her cheek does hide some scars are more like fine scratches then major hits and cuts. One that runs up the obv. in the fields between star 2 and the E ,there are more on her face and cheek. From the bust tip heading east to NE on the coin again nearly void of any marks. The fields clean, devices frosty. I believe that the vam is an 1 A1 and a late die state of that vam. It is graded MS-63 which is sort of a limbo grade, as the reverse and 75 % of the obv. Is outstanding. Thus was my dilemma as the seller had several more toned Morgans that were also quite nice and had I had the cash would of also come home with me. This coin is one I personally could hold and tilt for hours as its color and luster is quite entertaining to the eye. I can only imagine this coin as it left the press...before it was bagged.
63 ? The reverse, imo is beautiful, no less than a 64. The breast feathers are well detailed and just because of the crescent look on the obverse might be a turn off to some I think it's extremely nice. That is a shame.
I didn't see this one coming in at a 63. I like these crescent toned coins. Your last photo does show a lot more luster in the toning. I am still at a 64.
There's 1 mark on the rev under the E other than that it is just about perfect. I truly didn't need another 81 s morgan but this coin has something that draws you to it...like I posted there were 5 others had I had cash in hand would also been posted here also.
I just picked up my fourth or fifth 81S the other day, an S/S right haven't vamped it yet, But when I saw it I had to have it.
Yes true that way some of us drive white cars and others black....it is all about what makes you happy.I have learned a long time ago to enjoy what makes you happy in life.... no matter if your likes are shared or not... I will admit had I found another half dime in the sellers inventory this coin and the other Morgans would not of even been looked at...so I feel like it was a meant to be occasion, where all signs pointed to yes I'll take that...
I'm a sucker for 78 thru 82 S. Combined I have 38 and I'm still searching for the right 82-S PL example.
One has to admit that the early Morgans were works of art.....I myself love 80 s coins. To bad the mint can't turn out coins as they did at one time. The saving grace is TG theres enough coinage out there that we as true collectors can add to our collections and share with others. And will add "Others" are other collectors as well others whom don't collect and have a hard time understanding why someone whom is educated ,and seems to be of sound mind....would ever pay a $1000 + for the sake of owning an old penny. But that's what collectors do.... and non collectors think....no worries however... as again in the end if you're happy no needs to worrie about them.