I'm not a collector of Morgans but, of course, a nice CC is hard to ignore. This coin is being offered locally (in New Zealand). What do you think? Is the grading accurate? What would be a reasonable price? Yes, I know the pics aren't that great. Thanks.
It's really hard to say with the photos and how they are angled...but I feel that the front has a few too many marks in the focal areas to be a 65. I see a pretty good mark on the cheek and a couple in the fields. I would say probably a 64 would be more appropriate...but without seeing it in hand it's really hard to say for sure.
According to the website for PCGS Certificate verification coin details for that cert, the value is $1175.00 USD. No photo attached. Are you concerned the coin was replaced or the holder is counterfeit? PCGS states: "Verification of certification numbers on the PCGS Certification Database does not eliminate the risk of buying counterfeit and altered coins. Though uncommon, counterfeiters may also counterfeit PCGS grading inserts using actual certification numbers derived from public sources. As a general rule, PCGS encourages the purchase of PCGS verified coins from PCGS Authorized Dealers."
Seems to me PCGS seen it in hand and saw it at a MS-65 sez so right on the label. And that would put it in the $1100/1200 range retail.
Hard to tell, but I'd say the visible marks I see need to be pretty light to make it a solid 65, also the obverse strike isn't great either.
The PCGS guide price is too high based on recent sales. The last 5 examples on Heritage sold between $750-$810 and ebay sales are around $800. The coin looks ok for the grade but not premium quality. So the $750-$850 range seems like a fair price.
Thanks for the feedback. I have no reason to believe the coin is counterfeit. I asked about the grade simply because I don't want to take the TPG score for granted (and I don't know enough about Morgans to trust my own judgement). There are also been recent eBay sales in the $800 range. The seller is asking a fair bit more at this stage but, who knows, he may budge. Thanks again.
