Was going to bid on this one, but decided not to--

I think you did the right thing by passing on it. There are too many negative possibilities. If the toning was legit, it would surely be in a certified slab.

Chris

 

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Looks like it sold for $100.

Of course that doesn't mean you would have gotten it for $105. It all depends on the other bidder's max bid, which could have been $300.

 

I collect a lot of toned coins and this one could be real but i think its not. My first reason being it is incredibly even spread of color and the way it has interacted with the raised devices. Also notice the lack of canvas pattern i would think if just the obverse toned i would have been lying face down in a bag but like i said the toning could be real. I have been wrong before and have no problem admitting it.

 

What put me off were three things--first, the coin does in no way look MS to me, as represented. Second, I was not sure of the toning- as was said before, it probably would have been in a slab if it were NT. Third, over 50 negatives and neutrals in one year from the seller. Sure $100 isn't a lot for a Morgan, but I like to pick and choose which ones I get. I have my eye on another that is nice and toned, and in plastic, so no big deal.

Ended up with this one instead. I like this type of toning on the reverse, and it is a solid 64 with a decent strike. This is typical Morgan attractive toning--sometimes, the "neon" effect does come into play, but not really that often naturally, as a longtime Morgan dude.

 

I would prefer this one, too!

Chris

 

Ya that 1904-O is nice!

 

Thanks--was a "buy now" at $90, and that is 5% over book for a 64. This is classic "New Orleans" toning. The golden-blue obverses and rainbow reverses are not unusual from Nawlins. Must have had to do with the humidity in the air, and the oxidation process (just my theory, as the "Big Easy" is so humid, and lots of coins from Southern locales pre-air conditioning have this subtle but colorful tone). So many of the ones from the late 90s thru early 1900s have this kind of toning, and it can be really nice. I liked this one a lot, so pulled the trigger.

 

I bet its quite a bit more colorful in hand???

 

I think so. It is in the mail as we speak, as I hit the trigger last night, and won't see it till I get back from vacation next week.

 

I see nothing that indicates that this coin is AT. The toning pattern and color scheme are classic for a bag toned Morgan Dollar and the interaction with the raised devices where there is a different color is actually an indicator of natural air transfer toning. Textile toning on Morgan Dollars is extremely rare even on coins that are 100% toned on one side. It can't be used reliably to determine the originality of the toning.

The surfaces are pretty clean but as the OP has pointed out, there are areas of weakness on the obverse that are concerning and without seeing the coin in hand, there is no way to judge the luster of the coin. IMO, this would be a nice coin for a gambler. You might lose $50-$100 if the coin is AU or the toning is questionable in hand, but if this coin ends up in an MS holder, it will sell for $300+ easy.

 

Which coin? The 1900 as originally posted, or the 1904o, which I ended up buying?

 

I agree Paul. I was starting to think I was crazy....

 

The 1900, I think you bought the wrong coin. I would have snapped up the 1900 in a heart beat. But considering my poker background, gambling comes a little bit easier to me.

 

I don't think the condition was in any way MS. Besides the seller had a million negatives, so I passed. I prefer the one I bought. Like that kind of toning, which in my experience is quite common for o mint Morgans. Oh well, to each his own.