Here is an 1885-O which has been graded and certified by NGC. What grade would you give it if you were the grader? Bone
#1 thing I think of....its an O....weekly struck more than likely... Is that a fingerprint on the eagles left wing?? The front looks PL in one way... Here is what I would grade it and why... MS64....normaly I wouldn't go but to MS63 on this coin but the strike is great for an O....that makes up for the marks IMO.....and a 64 is a nice grade for a nice coin! Speedy
I also figured out another setting on the camera which improves the quality of the picture. Unfortunately it greatly enlarges the picture over 100KB. B
silver- corrected. some S and O mint coins are poorly struck. In Photograde, it says to make allowances for these. :bow: don't be offended, just trying to help
I would have gone MS61 due to the amount of marks BUT due to it being a New Orleans Mint, I'll say MS62. Knowing NGC, it's a MS64.
No problem, that’s good to know, i have a copy of photograde but have not gotten around to reading all the narrative yet. I stand corrected. :headbang:
It does....the D mint for Gold coins... (not Denver) is known for weekly struck coins...the O mint for Morgans are known for weekly struck coins. Not only must you take the mint into count...but also the date....for some years the strike might be great...and for others...it might not be soo hot. The 1881-S Morgan is a good one for a strong strike. WOW...I was right for once in my life!!! ....I think NGC graded that one right for sure Speedy
It DOES matter, especially with Morgans. The SF mint did a fabulous job of making beautiful coins (many of which still exist) so S minted Morgans are graded a little tougher than most. On the other hand, the NO mint was notorious for having coins that were weakly struck. With the current market grading standards O minted morgans are graded a little more leniently, especially is they have a strong strike.
