Grade Opinions - 1879-S Morgan Dollar

One of my goals has always been to assemble a graded set of Morgan Dollars. Cost and just generally being overwhelmed as stopped me from starting seriously collecting my favorite series. I think it's time to start taking that seriously.

I think the first place to start is by examining my raw collection and seeing if there are any coins in there "worthy" of being in such a collection. Coins I might want to one day have graded rather than buying another example.

Here is one such coin. A common date 1879-S (the common Rev of 1879). But, I would like your opinion on grade. I have a grade in my head...but I want to see what you guys think.

Please note, I am not asking you to GTG. This coin is raw. So, I have no grade to reveal. I just want your opinions.

Thanks.

 

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I see marks on the cheek and some hidden in the field so I will say MS-64

 

MS65+ at least in my opinion. Nice skin to boot.

 

64+ with eye appeal. Could very possibly certify at 65.

 

I would say MS-64. It has a figure print or two which keeps it out of the "Gem Quality" MS-65 level, but standards are lower today.

 

I would say MS-63 .

 

MS 64 but, the toning may be hiding something that could knock it down to a MS 63. Looks to be original.

 

Great toning.

 

Very pretty. I'd say 64-65

 

I love the coin. It has appealing, original toning, great luster for a toned coin, clean surfaces, and is strong on eye appeal. I would normally say that it would be MS 65, but given the fact that TPGs are tough on the 1879s, 1880s, 1881s, and 1882s, it would net grade as MS 64. I would definitely have it graded, and add it to the full set.

 

Nice one 64,wouldn't surprise me if its gem.

 

My compliments to the photographer, first off. Secondly, the way they grade them, these days, MS66 and CAC.

 

Except for the date. TPGs are brutal on that date. Same as an 1881s. They would net grade it as a 64, because of the date. It is a gem grade coin, but I have seen stunning 1879s coins graded as 64, when they are obvious gem grade.

 

Just for comparison, here is my 1879s.

 

Just a wild guess at MS64 or 65. Looks just like mine which I bought in 1990 in a ANACS soap bar holder. It was fully brilliant then and graded 64.

 

MS 64, and a chance of 65 with nice original surfaces, worthy of TPG in your set.

 

The one that sends this babe over the edge for me is that toning, they like that toning. I can’t describe it other than to say it’s uniform and a compliment to her age. You can’t fake that. And next to a blast white, I’m thinking, move over, you dip, who are you trying to fool?

 

I think MS-65 is quite reasonable.

I don't like the toning but that's a personal thing.
But I don't think it significantly affects the grade.

 

If the fields and cheek are as clean as the photo shows, I'd send it in as part of a larger batch (not worth all the fees on its own)....looks to be a 65...64 if they are conservative with the date and 66/66+ if they are having a good day at the office

 

Agree completely. If it is 66, it is a $300 coin, and well worth sending in. If it is a 65, it is still a $200 coin. Makes sense to grade it.