Is this MorganDollar Ruined?

I'm certainly no expert numismatist and actually just learning about coins. I do think I will try to take the bezel off as was suggested earlier. Even though it has no numismatic value, it was my dads and to me it is pretty.

 

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Thanks everyone for your input and expertise!

 

The bezel can be safely screwed off.

 

It's not necessarily damaged. I'd carefully remove the bezel.

 

I'm not seeing a "ruined coin," I'm seeing a keepsake which might be best-served by re-creating the necklace which it was intended to be a part of. Have some perspective here.

 

Thank you!

 

I see we share an interest in New Orleans Morgans. You might like my recap of life in New Orleans in 1881. http://www.1881o.com/mint_study.html

 

That is so interesting thank you! I love history!

 

Only because of who gave it to you, keep as is to pass down to your family. Also, nice piece to learn what natural toning looks like.

 

I especially enjoyed researching the environmental issues. I never thought much about life during the era of horse transportation. Really made Henry Ford look like an environmentalist.

 

Nice coin to carry in your pocket...it was your Dad's.

 

And welcome to CT...

 

I don't mean to be harsh--not my intention. It is a lovely keepsake. The question originally posed was whether the coin had numismatic value, and the answer is NO. I answered that as per coin valuation, and condition, not as a sentimental treasure for the owner. Does it have sentimental and jewelry value for the owner? Of course.

 

It looks happy right where it is.

 

If the bezel was attached by mechanical means (not soldered), the coin's rim and edge should be ok - if the metal of the bezel is harder than the coin, there could be some minor damage, depending on how tightly the bezel was torqued shut - since the item was probably a pendant, there will be extra wear on the reverse/obverse from friction, handling, cleaning, etc. - nice piece w/ more sentimental than numismatic value

 

How is it low grade? The feather details on the reverse are fairly nice. I find it attractive. If the rim is not damaged I'd say it has SOME value over melt.

 

PCGS alone has over a hundred thousand of these in Mint State. From that perspective, it's low grade.

 

Look at the wear on the obverse.

 

I have almost 1,000 PCGS graded Morgans lined up by grade from Poor to MS65DMPL. Compare the wear to those and you will see it is way down the line. It doesn't mean it isn't a nice coin, just not a higher grade coin.
http://www.1881o.com/all-coins.html

 

@HawkeEye, that is one really fabulous website you threw together, not one upside-down picture in the bunch! Oh, lol. But that is some achievement, I am still trying to take it all in, somewhat awestruck by it, still. What instruction you have for us there, though. Real good work! This is really, really well-done.