Hi CT. I am finally getting around to posting some pictures of two coins I got at the NH Coin Expo back in April. I'll post the other coin (an 1908-S Indian Cent) later. The photos were taken with the iPad camera, so sorry if they are not the best. As of April, I did not own a CC Morgan, and I thought this one looked pretty nice: The dealer had it graded as AU53. What do you think?
It is somewhere in the range of AU 50 to AU53. There is a fair degree of wear on the obverse--usual places (hair, hair curls, cap, etc). Feathers are worn on the reverse. Nice coin, but lacking in luster--I agree that it has been dipped. Probably was a dirty looking coin, and had a good bath a while ago. Looks nice now as a circulated coin.
Don't see it a MS, Jello. Just too much wear--not your typical slider. Those are usually dripping with luster, and this one isn't. I think AU is where it stays.
Yes, I examined it with a 10X loupe -- no telltale abrasive hairlines. At the same time, I'm not sure if the surface is original. So, it might have been dipped.
If I remember correctly, the nose die chip indicates a VAM 2a (but please do not quote me on this). The coin does have hairlines and appears to have been at least wiped. As for dipping, why some people make such an issue out of it, I do not know. While over and/or improper dipping can be an issue, thousands upon thousands upon thousands of coins have been dipped yet are still market acceptable - many residing in top TPG holders. If submitted, I'd have to say chances are good that it would come back AU details.
Books, I agree with you completely. It could very well come back from one of the reputable TPGs as a "details" coin. I saw the wiping of which you speak, and noted some scratches on the face of Lady Liberty that indicate a pretty vigorous cleaning, probably years ago. Yes, many coins were dipped and reside in TPG holders, but as you indicated, there is a strong possibility that this coin was PHYSICALLY cleaned, as well as chemically. So, I could definitely agree with an "AU details" verdict, based on the scratches, and a few whirls on the reverse--possibly indicating a polishing with a brush. You are correct--it looks like a VAM 2a, with nose chip, and full lips.
Thanks to everyone for your opinions on this Morgan. I thought that AU was a fair grade for the coin, and I agree with the VAM 2a designation. I thought what I saw under the loupe were circulation marks, but I could certainly be mistaken. Time to give it a closer look.
