MS 64+ Reverse is perfect. Some nicks on the obverse under the toning, otherwise it would be much higher. Also weak strike, typical of the date.
Strike: 62 Luster: 65 Eye Appeal: 62+ Contact marks: 63/64+ Wow, that strike is pretty bad! Luster appears frosty, which is good. The contact marks on the reverse are small and not in focal areas, but there are a lot of pretty big hits on the obverse. I think most people can agree on most of that. Where I'll get a huge amount of disagreement is on the eye appeal of this piece. On the one hand, it has a really nice rainbow with an attractive color progression. On the other hand (pun intended), there is a giant palm print across the entire front of the coin. Ugh. For me, a giant print like that kills the eye appeal. I know a lot of people don't care (and some even like them), but it is not a look that I would buy. If you like it, then congrats on your coin. The reverse eye appeal is neutral. To wrap all that up into one grade: I'd call it a 63, and wouldn't buy it myself. I would not be at all surprised if this was in a 64 holder, however.
MS64. The reverse is MS65 quality but the obverse will usually determine the grade on Morgans and this obverse has a banged up cheek and a huge fingerprint.
I admittedly am awful (but working on improving) at coins exactly like this where you need to know if it's a weak strike or wear in a few areas. I personally would guess this to be an AU58 but if it's consensus that it's UNC would be curious to know how you all determine it to be a simply a strike issue and not wear anywhere?
Here are the 1st two places i always check for strike quality. When trying to discern wear/weak strike, the talons and wreath leaves are as good of place to start as any . (Outlined above) Obviously the hair and cotton bolls will get a once over as well...Also, AU coins can show a grey appearance in the fields.
MS64 and that die crack over T A T looks like a slightly later die state than the VAMworld plate coins. Nice, I like it!
I believe you aren't too far off... (note: I'm fairly certain I saw this coin listed for sale, so I won't GTG).
Just confirmed that I did see this before and considered purchasing. @Paddy54 did you pull the trigger on this one? I ultimately passed due to the breaks in the toning. How noticeable are those in hand?
Ok, @physics-fan3.14 has started a good trend. I give credit to @Lehigh96 for the original suggestion of the multi-part grading. I will try to do this as well. Strike: 61+ (It's pretty weak even for an O mint) Doesn't mean I don't like it though. Luster: 65 Eye Appeal: 65 Surface Condition: 63 obverse 65 reverse Net to 64 Overall grade: 63+★
She's much better in hand than what's captured by the camera . Is she my favorite Morgan ... no but never had a coin with both the plus + & star * couldn't pass up the chance to own one, at a price that was below value.
Got the grade, but missed the star. Really nice coin. The toning must look nicer in hand. NGC * coins have always been some of my favorite Morgans, and the +* ones are always distinctive.
