What would you grade this Common Date Morgan?

I was going through some of my raw Morgan Dollars the other night and this one kind of caught my eye. I had forgotten about it. Now there is something about it that I shall reveal later, but I thought I would ask for your opinions first. Some of you sharp eyed Morgan aficionados might pick up what I am referring to (and no it's not hidden damage or cleaning).

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

64

 

65.

And I'm assuming this is a type of VAM judging by the die crack over 'E' on the obverse.

 

I'm saying 65 or maybe 66 because there isn't much action going on on the cheek and the fields left of the cheek. And I will also say it is a VAM with the obverse die crack from the star to E and the and the substantial reverse die crack from S all the way past OF and to A of AMERICA. Personally I would send it in because of the cleanness. Very nice coin!

 

All Morgan and Peace dollars are VAM's. Die cracks are very common on the old cartwheels because it takes about 150 tons of pressure to strike them. So, die failure is not uncommon. The cracks that do occur are, most often, used to determine die state rather than the assignment of a VAM.

The 1881S has always been considered one of the best-struck years and usually comes dripping with luster. I'm not sure what you see @jtlee321 that makes this specimen unusual, but I, too, think it should grade 65.

Chris

 

My thoughts also.

 

I’d say it’s a solid MS 65 and I wouldn’t be surprised if it got the + or bump to 66 as the cheek and fields are quite clean (fairly mark-free).

 

I grade it send it my way.

Looks like a 65 all day. I bet you are glad you found it!

Looking forward to learning what the surprise on this one is.

 

65 PLUS...interesting "S"

 

66

 

MS-66

Is that a very small struck thru over the S in STATES on the reverse?

 

I have to be with the 66 crowd.

 

Over 12 million minted and estimated that half survived in a Mint state grade. Most popular for a type set. It will probably grade a 66 but I'm at 65 due to the small but present rim bruises. Several letters and a the last 1 on the date also have a small hit mark.

There's something about this coin that I can't put my finger on. Odd mm.

 

Yes, I thought the mint mark looked odd, too.

 

Great photos Justin.

 

Thank you guys for the feedback so far. A lot of you are confirming my thoughts on grade. I would be happy with a 65 and ecstatic for a 66 although I personally don't see it as a 66. A 65+ would be most welcome as well. More to come later.

 

Oh the suspense!!

 

Is it possible it is S/S.

 

I'll stay tuned.

 

Nice piece. I’m at 65.