I almost couldn’t decide. I almost picked a crusty 1904. My dad gave it to us at our wedding in 2004 as “something old”. But in the end, I would have to pick this 85 cc. As a little kid, I would always tag along with my dad to the dirty, dusty, smoke-filled local coin shop. I specifically remember my dad eying this coin for a long time as he was saving up for it and I was with him when he bought it. So it’s been in the possession of my dad/me for 35-40 years. I had it graded by ICG in December 2020. With a mintage of 228,000 and at a MS64 (same grade that I had judged)... it’s the most valuable Morgan I own. A true beauty with dazzling cartwheels:
Looks like a solid 63 if the coin’s luster is good enough. I can’t tell from the pics. It could also not get a straight grade due to the scratch on the obverse.
I picked this one (I don't own many) because it was in my Dad's bank box after he died. This one and several other common dates were in an old, inexpensive cardboard coin folder, where he put them during the bank releases in the early 60s. I do like the colors from the high sulfur paper of the folder.
I was intrigued by this coin when I first saw it and really liked the 1893-O Morgan date/mint mark combo regardless. It took me a while to make a decision because it was in an ICG Holder but thought the strike, while not perfect, was good for an 1893-O. I really like the coin, however, feel free to post any disagreement with my analysis of the strike and/or grade. As long as it's constructive, I won't be offended because I'm always trying to learn more.