Z, I'd have to give it a MS-65 if it hasen't seen any circulation. If it has then you know what it'll have to go then. Take Care Bone
I think it would be AU58....the high points seem darker than the rest and I think that points to light wear... Speedy
I would grade it MS-63 if there's no wear but if there is which I do think I see some too yes It would be AU-58 IMO. B12
Pics like this one make me wonder if they are honest pics. Those dark spots Speedy mentioned - they could easy be frost breaks just like those you normally see on Morgans. Or they could be signs of light wear. But there is not a contact mark on the coin that I can see besides those breaks in the frost. But consider this - if they are frost breaks then they came about because of the coin rubbing against other coins in the hopper or bag. And if the coin rubbed against enough other coins to produce those marks - then there should be contact marks, small dings & hits, elsewhere on the coin. If the marks are the result of light wear, then there should also be contact marks elsewhere on the coin. But there are not any contact marks. It's not difficult to take a pic at an angle so that contact marks don't even show in the pic. It's quite easy really. That's what make me wonder if this is an honest pic or not. Anyway - if they are frost breaks - MS64. If not - AU55.
Interesting. So you're thinking the lack of detail over the ear is from a weak strike rather than circulation?
Morgan dollars with o mint marks constantly have poor strikes, that when compared to other morgans may look like rub.
You make some interesting points. The seller I purchased the coin from, has impeccable feedback. Nearly everyone who has bought something from him stated that the coin was better than the pictures show, and he had no negatives, so I am hoping this coin is nice. However, if it's not, I paid a minimal amount for it(which is a reason to believe it may not be nice). I should be receiving it soon, and will update with some better photos. On a side note, could you explain how much does frost break play into the grading of morgans? I haven't read much about it, however I do believe most coins do not receive grades higher than 64 if there is much frost break.
For the most part you are correct. The grade of 65 is supposed to be reserved for what they call Gem quality coins. And lots of bag marks in the form of frost breaks will keep a coin from achieving this grade. So will excessive bag marks ( little dents and dings ) in the devices and fields. There really isn't any hard science to it with the grading system in use. It's more a matter of experience and knowing what the market will accept.
