1897-S Morgan What's it worth?

I can not tell the difference between proof like and just regular on these old coins. How can you tell the difference like on this 1897-S Morgan coin? Is this one proof like?

And what would you say this one is worth?

thx.

Eve

 

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I believe that the PL designation would require fairly clear mirrors on the field of the coin that would allow you to read some reflected text off of the coin from the distance of a few inches away. From the images, I do not interpret your coin as PL.

 

ok... even on the old coins it should show the mirror look. thanks on that.

Anyone on the value of this one? MS62 ... MS higher?

 

I agree with Tom. For a Morgan to get the PL designation it must have 2-4 inches of clear reflectivity. Here's a link that describes the standards, and a way to test for PL and DMPL coins: Prooflike Morgans

 

I don't know if I'd put it at MS62. It appears more like AU-50 to AU-55. I'd price it slightly less than $30.

 

Eve,

I might also add that you should be able to see some cameo contrast between the fields and devices on PL or better coins. The devices should have some frost to complement the partially mirrored surfaces in the fields.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the PL standards posted on About.com. Unfortunately, you will often find that their "experts" know a little about a lot of things and a lot about nothing. The major grading services, NGC & PCGS, use stricter standards for reflectivity, and oftentimes coins graded PL or DMPL by other services like ANACS, SEGS, NTC, ICG, etc. do not meet these standards.

The 97-S is a common-date Morgan which you can find quite readily in MS64 at a reasonable price. It's hard to tell from your photos, but I think yours is no better than MS62 (not PL) on a good day. What bothers me, is that I'm coming to the conclusion that you are buying Morgans (on eBay?) when you know little to nothing about grading. I'd suggest that before you spend any more money on these coins, that you invest in a couple of books like the ANA Grading Standards and The Red Book of Morgan Silver Dollars.

If you insist on buying them from eBay, then you should stick to those which are graded by either NGC or PCGS. If you prefer to buy them raw, then you should limit these purchases to only those you can look at in-hand at shows where you can compare them side-by-side to same-date certified coins.

Chris

 

That's how I have been taught...PL is you can read type off of it from 3 inches and DMPL is from 6 inches.

IMO your coin is an AU not MS and regular not PL.

 

If the original poster is actually buying these coins on Ebay without knowing about grading or prices, that is dangerous. I'd be careful buying Morgan dollars via ebay. There are a lot of counterfeit Morgan dollars floating around out there.

Also, what is the reason for buying Morgan dollars? Do you like them? Is this an investment? If you like them, buy what pleases you. If this is an investment, you'd do better with ASE's or buying CC Morgan dollars or rare date and mint mark Morgan dollars.

 

1897-S Morgan What's it worth

 

And whats a "good price" to you? $18 bucks?

 

Raider know his Morgan!!! and all the Vam too as do a few other folks.

:eat:as for PR-70 Pcgs AME proof at $18.00 per coin I will take 10 of any date!!!!:thumb:

 

Well I look on the PCGS website price guide and try to stay below the price they say.

Eve

 

The price guide prices tend to be inflated. The NumisMedia price guide is a little more realistic, but nothing is better then completed auctions. If you sign up with Heritage you'll have access to their completed auction prices, it's a great resource. Heritage Search

 

Chris

 

Ok... let me ask this question...:

Would it be more profitable to buy the Silver Eagle still in their boxes and buy 3 of those which could be or not be PR70DC... vs buy one PGCS PR70DC at the same price?

 

Thank you... I will check that out.

Eve

 

Eve, I'm not a collector of Morgan dollars or Silver Eagles, but I can tell you right now that you are skating on extremely thin financial ice with your present strategy. Slow down. Learn. Ask for advice. Learn. Plan a strategy. Learn. In the short run you may be frustrated by this approach, but in the long run you will be quite happy that you took the time to understand the hobby. This is not to say that you cannot purchase coins or that with a more patient strategy you will be guaranteed to make money; I am simply writing from the experience of watching scores of others jump in like yourself and get seriously hurt.

 

It,s a nice coin but dont think it would get the PL designation!!

 

Before I try to answer that, let me ask you what you are paying for the PCGS PF70DCAM's. There is no point in dealing with suppositions because there are many variables.

Chris

 

I agree 100%.