Here’s my ACG Morgan Dollar with “altered surfaces”

dan1ecu

I bought this 1879-S MS64 Morgan before I knew anything about ACG. Anyway, PCGS thinks that its surfaces are altered. Can you see any evidence of alteration from the scans? For around $50, it’s not too costly a mistake. In fact, the coin is pretty nice to look at (except for the holder that it’s in, of course). The mirrors aren’t 8 inches, but I’d say it’s semi-prooflike. Anyway, why do you think PCGS didn’t like it? Is there anything obvious?

Note: the scans don't show many of the blemishes.

braddick

What's going on in the 10:00 to 12:00 obverse position?

-Could also be the slight PL appearance is artifical frosting on the portrait.

Regardless, I like your attitude. $50. tuition isn't so bad.

dorkkarl

presumably it is artificially frosted, since i can see nothing wrong in the image. a situation where, despite how much i dislike dipping, it may be necessary. however, i don't know that a coin of this ilk warrants the effort.

K S

Steve27

They may be referring to the hazy area near the "PLU." It could be artificial and covering some kind of flaw.

TomB

In truth, I cannot tell anything definitive from the scan. However, PCGS may have thought that it had artificial frost applied to it. There are a number of artificially frosted dollars floating around and I believe they are known as California Cameos.

gmarguli

That 10:00 to 12:00 obverse position also gives me concern. The frosting looks like it was accidentally applied to that area also.

Check to see if any bag marks have been "frosted over" and that might be a give away.