I just got back from my local coin dealer where i picked up this 1880s for $45. I already own an NGC-MS-64 and i think this raw piece looks every bit as nice. The high point of the cheek has very minimal scratching and the reverse looks even better. What do you Morgan collecters think. (it has considerably more luster than the scan shows)
I don't collect Morgans so I may be wayyy wrong... The back looks better than the front...so we grade by the lower side--is the luster as good on the front as it is on the back?? I would grade it MS65 with a hit at going 66 but don't think so...the front doesn't do it for me... As I said...I don't collect Morgans and I'm still learning grading so I might be way wrong. Speedy
Yes Speedy the front looks just as good but the scans came out different for whatever reason. Thanks for the feedback everybody,i'm going to consider it at least MS-64 and may even get it graded someday.
I thoughted that was a bit of cardboard in the holder...I think that hit for 66 just lost it...sorry but I think 65 is the best it will go... The funny think is--I think my dad sent off a 1880-S to ANACS he had...(I'm 90% sure it was 1880-S....he also sent in an O so I can't be sure but it was the S that came back sooo good) and it came back MS65...it was hand picked out the of roll by me!! Speedy
I considered that and decided that both are on the coin. Obviously I don't have it in hand so i could certainly be wrong, but I was doing what I could from the photos given. After my second look I think it is prolly a 64
I think 64 about describes it. Remember, the '80-S is a very common coin in BU condition, and one really has to stand out to achieve higher grades. You paid a fair price for the coin, and it's an excellent addition to any collection. I'm collecting Morgans at about MS65 level, and the 1880-S is one I'm going to be able to afford in MS66. I had two in about the same shape as your coin, and gave them to the best man and maid of honor at my wedding this July. Both seeds took root. They're asking me about finding them more Morgans these days.
I read somewhere that if you compare an S Morgan with an O of any random date the S will usually grade higher in most cases. Apparently the O mint changed the dies much less frequently than the S mint. What would a MS-66 cost you retail Superdave?
Huge jump between 64 and 65. I think you'd have to actually look at the coin to tell, might come down to a few dings or breaks in luster.