Grade Opinions - 1881-S Morgan Dollar

You are very deserving of the compliment, thank you for the positive reply.

 

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I agree with you with regard to cheeks but may go to MS64. I may get it graded by professional service, just once to compare with your thoughts. I have done that with my steelies and was surprised that they graded them MS64+ MS65 and MS 66
Now, I believe I can compare the three rolls that I have to determine their future as well

 

The reverse looks MS66, but the obvious marks on the obverse focal areas should probably prevent a gem grade, leaving us with an MS64+. It is impossible to judge the PL from photos, but it looks like the reverse has a really good shot. I could see this coin in an MS64+* NGC holder.

 

Those cuts on her face are the only things stopping her from gem. As she is, I'm seeing MS63. But she's otherwise exquisite. Outstanding strike, as is typical with this year and mint mark. Tired, old dies, just bursting with glare. All-around uniformity on both sides, just a pleasure to look at.

 

The “Moose” is an 1881s. I have 7 major toners of this date, with a pedigree.

 

Normally, I would agree, but it is an 1881s. Any other date, for sure. But 1881s? I would max out at 63+. I really doubt PL, because there are no die markers striations on the obverse, from die polish. It is a beautiful coin for sure, but I see grade limitations. I would happily own it, and think it deserves a holder.

 

My initial thought on this coin was a solid MS63. I don't think it's any more than that. The nice thing is, in hand...the cheek hits are not distracting but I think they lower the technical grade. Personally, I like coins like this. In hand it has 65 eye appeal for 63 money...lol.

 

Pretty coin.

 

Can't tell if proof like by the pictures but, I would say a solid MS 63 and may slide into a 64. It has a little weakness over the ear but, I don't think it's actual wear.

 

I like your 1881S Morgan. I have one that is similar to yours and I got M64 and was happy with it.
Captain Sulley, Is that the Grumman AE6A or AE6E Electronic Intruder? The tail is a dead giveaway. I used to build models before my father passed and left my brother and I his coin collection. I'll take some pictures and post them sometime.
Whoops! I'm sorry for stealing this thread.

 

The 1881-S Morgan is a very common date that is easy to find in Mint State with lots of luster. I have not looked at graded examples of this coin for a long time. Years ago the grading services were super conservative when they graded them. You needed an really nice looking coin to make MS-65. Some New Orleans Mint pieces that looked like some of the 1881-S MS-65s would have gotten MS-66 or ever higher.

The OP is no better than MS-63. Back in the day it may have been less, given the conservative attitudes. Having it graded at today's prices would be done strictly for sentimental reasons unless you have one of those grading memberships when you have some free certifications coming.

 

After reading posts to this point, I do think it has a chance to grade PL...and even 64...at least on a given day, after or before which it may not grade either, and so-on. Submit it...but don't hold your breath or cross your fingers.

 

Give it up. It ain’t PL. it is a nice 1881s Morgan. There is absolutely not enough contrast areas in the surrounding fields to indicate a PL coin, nor are there die polish striations. It is a nice 63 1881s, which is a common date coin. Submission would be a sentimental act.

 

MS 63 or 64 depending on how much those cheek marks matter to the grader...maybe a compromise at 63+ given that the rest of the coin is solid and the semi-pl look adds to the eye appeal.

 

That was my initial guess. I think you are right on.

 

Glad for you. Guessed 63-64

 

Yeah but you know nickels right. So I like your guess