I have heard collectors say that when you see more luster near elements (such as along the stars on a Morgan) than in the adjacent fields, it's a sign of circulation wear. Recently, I came across some information saying that this is actually a sign of "bag friction" and can occur on an unc, and that while this will prevent it from getting over MS64, it can still be MS. I am including an example (1900-O Morgan) of this. This one is tricky for me, because it seems to be a bit of a soft strike anyway. It's not really this coin I'm concerned with, (it just shows what I mean), but I may have some coins I thought were AU that may actually be low MS. Thanks!
This coin has bag marks And it also has circulation works. They would be the slightly deeper lines that you see. The lighter lines that are covering the coin on both sides are from an extreme cleaning. So this would be a details Grade coin. It would never receive a straight grade with a number, Just details.
It's not really this coin I'm concerned with, (it just shows what I mean), but I may have some coins I thought were AU that may actually be low MS. Thanks!
On the coin you posted most or all of the different texture in the fields are bag marks/friction, but the coin is also worn. Specifically on Morgan Dollars, I look at the overall luster across the cheek to determine if it's AU or Unc.
It doesn't really matter where the friction comes from - wear is wear. If it got the wear rubbing against the bag, it is still wear.
