Where do you think this monster Morgan will close at by end of auction? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Special-1882-s-PCGS-MS66-Gem-Triple-Crescent-Semi-PL-Rainbow-Toned-Morgan-ap2157/372860886639?hash=item56d03d9e6f%3Ag%3AEPcAAOSwKHtd4%7Ed0&LH_Auction=1
That's not a monster. That has very dark toning across most of the coin, with third rotation greens and purples. Any more and it would be black. I find that coin significantly unattractive. However, that particular seller has a significant following, and his conis always sell for far more than they should. So, I'll guess this coin sells for "stupid money."
The more technical term is "axial lighting." And yes, it does amazing things. If you ask an expert photographer like @messydesk or @rmpsrpms , I'm sure they can walk you through how to add this "twist" to your lights.
I don’t find that coin attractive at all. The center toning is not pretty IMO. I would not bid on this piece
I think the third rainbow is right above the last two numerals of the date and first two stars to the right. My guess on the final bid is $275. IMO it's doesn't have much eye appeal and the seller calls it "Semi Proof Like" (?)
The seller describes it as a "triple" & the 2 obvious ones are the one through the hair, & the one across the lips. The 3rd, less noticeable goes partially through the date.
Awful colors... only average luster... here’s my 1882-S “monster”, which graded 65* and which I bought for much less:
Is a 66 and too dark. I find it to have very minimal appeal. But I can see bidiots pushing it to $385
Yikes! It's @ $237 w/8 hrs to go; 10 unique bidders, but here's something really telling - 6 of these bidders came after the $200 threshold!
There are some collectors who think that all toning is good toning, especially on Morgan Dollars. That is decidedly not the case. The “good” or “monster” toning is usual blue, gold, violet and sometimes red. Mint luster must come up through those colors to make it pretty. Gray, black and dull, lifeless toning is not highly regarded by those experts who admire toning. Toning has gone too far when it turns black or when the oxidation, which is what it is, impairs or totally dulls the mint luster. “Dull” is not a factor with “monster” toning.
Not appealing IMO. Why buy a verging on terminally toned 1882-S, when there are so many nice ones out there? There are some truly beautiful double (and, I suspect, triple) crescents out there on common date Morgans. The really nice ones go for real money.
Agreed - it's more of a monstrosity - I abhor that 'monster' description for early stage tarnished silver coins - anybody know the origin of that laughable term, more suitable for Halloween than numismatics?