Hi, I’m in the process of trying to assess what I have. A lot of learning and a lot of surmising. I’ve decided I need other eyeballs on this coin to see if i’m In the same ballpark. Apologies in advance for the photo. The coins are currently living at my mothers home. What grade would you give this Morgan? Why? Another question that has come up in my research is the fact that some collectors like the grey toning of Morgan’s while others only want the finest examples with the most luster. It forks my sense of value to hear that some collectors will pay more for a muted, grey Morgan, than they would for a brilliant coin. Are they just trying to keep their coin collection uniform grey? Any insight would be helpful. Loretta
I grade it F15. Leave it as is and don't touch it or clean it. That will ruin the value. Here's a graded one that sold for $390. Yours looks comparable. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/273017208147
Wow! Nice eBay comparison! Thanks CBD. I’m a big fan. What would you call this 1878 CC? Again, apologies for poor quality photo.
I have never studied VAM's or Large Cent varieties so I know very little about these series. Both collections have just been assembled by date/mint marks except for the Morgan tail feather varieties. I would be the last one to ask for any advice on either series. At my age I have just inserted a note in each album for my heirs to be on the lookout for these before they dispose of them. Maybe one day...
Don’t touch either coin I love the original gray patina of the 93 cc I’m at f-15 as well tho the pic makes it tough I think the 78-cc is better than 62. I’m at 64. That reverse is clean!!
I agree with the grade ballparks others have said. I can speak to your question about the look of a gray patina versus bright luster. I prefer the former for two reasons: 1. The uniformity of a collection in that color looks stunning, IMHO. The contrast in the devices and fields is cool. 2. I like to think about what those costs need did - they circulated, bought things, paid people, etc. for me, that romance is part of the collecting experience.
The 93cc is an excellent date. That coin has value, and definitely should be graded. I would guess it would grade F15.
That 1893-cc was cleaned. Do you see all the dark crud held back in the crevases and around the profile that couldn't be wiped off? It's not going to get a straight grade for that, you watch and see.
+1 what SilverMike said about the patina. I love lustrous uncirculated coins, but those crusty original ones that lived in the wild and still naturally ended up with attractive, dark surfaces... Something special/mysterious about it in my eyes. Different strokes for different folks as with anything.