The reverse of this coin looks "funny" and I suspect that this means it's been cleaned. I was hoping, though, for either confirmation or correction from one or more of the experts here. Thanks for any help you can provide!
With the toning around the rim on both sides I don't believe this has been cleaned. It is a good looking 1881-CC, nice luster, slight amount of wear on the relief both sides, I'll say it's MS-63 value around $475-$550.
Thanks for all of the input so far. Certainly, I'm liking what I'm hearing! Just to draw eyes to the part of the coin that had me worried, it's the reverse, where you can see a whole bunch of scratches running from the "southwest" to "northeast" of the coin. Almost looks like it rubbed against a strip of sandpaper! Maybe it's the pictures that are not good. Or maybe I'm just worrying too much. Would more/better pictures help?
A larger photo of the "lines" area and your opinion as if they are raised and pass under the devices, or incluse and pass over the devices ( not good, as could be considered " scratched" if TPG determines bad enough). Otherwise MS-62 or MS-63 range. Not cleaned. Besides the lines on the reverse, the scrapes/marks in front of the face is a bad spot for grading. IMO. Jim
Here's the close-up photo I took tonight. I think this gives a pretty good representation of how it looks in hand. I really can't tell, though, about whether the scratches are raised or not. I don't think they are -- on the left wing in particular, it seems like the scratches are over the design. I hope that this picture helps. Thanks again!
I don't know if that picture ended up helping or not. Since my goal would be to sell this coin for the best possible amount, while also ensuring I describe it honestly, would getting it graded be my best option?
Without knowing what you paid for it, there isn't a very big spread in value between MS60-MS64. I don't see the point of spending the money to have it certified especially since an MS64 would seem unlikely. Chris
Good point. I hadn't thought of it in those terms, but that makes perfectly good sense! Thank you, again.
I suspect the lines are roller marks, although I wouldn't be able to tell for sure without the coin in hand. These are fairly common on large silver coins of that era, and come about because of the way planchets were prepared. MS62-63 IMO; neither would surprise me.
Thank you, swhuck. I have noticed similar marks on several other coins from this collection. I'm glad to know that there's a "good" (relatively speaking) likely explanation for them.
Very nice Morgan for sure! My guess would be an MS62 tops and approximate of a GSA same year and condition goes for around $250-$275, ungraded. just my 2 cnts
