I apologize for posting such an unworthy coin for evaluation, but I'm just having a hard time believing such a good looking 123 year old coin is only worth $20. I have no doubt that it is worth that, but for my own edification I'd like to hear what you guys think about it. I'm sure you all will find about a billion things that make it a $20 Morgan. The only thing that really catches my eye are the dark spots above the 'U' in 'UNUM' on the obverse, the spots in various places around the reverse, and the black around the edge. Thanks for any input. BTW, I promise I won't be posting every coin I buy. I'm just very curious about my first Morgan.
For a few seconds I was wondering how in the heck you could see fingerprints. I was *almost* impressed beyond words...then I looked at the photos again. Hey, most people recommended I use it as a pocket piece so it's not like I have a compelling reason to keep my fingers off.
Mainly mintage and I would assume that plenty are available in higher grade. As for that coin it is too nice for a pocket piece or to be holding like you did. I think I see some rubs thru the hairline that would put it in the AU range which would make it a $20 coin(or around there). I can't tell about cleaning, but it looks nice to me. Just because someone says it is only a $20 coin does not mean it is not a nice coin. A coin does not need to be MS to be a nice coin to me.
It is a very nice looking coin, and I don't think I would use it as a pocket piece. It has a pretty good strike, complete breast feathers and almost complete hairlines. It does have a few carbon spots, But I would refrain from holding it other than by the edges and put it in a 2X2. If you want a pcket piece, I would pick up another in VF or so. As far as The $20 value, the common date Morgan dollars were minted by thye millions and did not circulate all that much so there are still a lot of uncirculated coins around, probably more than any other coin design. I think it's a great bonus that you can hold that much history for such a low price.
Thanks for the input, folks. I guess I did make a major faux pas holding it like that. I'll make a habit of holding every coin by the edges no matter the value just to make a habit of it for when it really counts. I know coin cleaning is a no-no, but could/should I wipe the finger oils off?
