It's Possible this is an example of Putty on a Morgan

braddick

I could be wrong, but here is what I believe is putty placed on a Morgan to hide a bag mark on the cheek (along with a small spot of it also on the obverse).
This is no way is disparaging the Seller as the coin is holdered and the Seller probably isn't aware of the defect.

This is only in response to the thread inquiring what putty looks like when it turns "bad".

(Edited to add the LINK!) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3008630960&category=11979

gsaguy

That's a tough call Braddick because the quality of the pic is so lousy. And to be honest with you, I've seen a number of CC dollars in GSA holders that have that whitish splotch in that location. I think it's usually a function of strike pressure and planchet prep, but I'm no expert in that area.

However, I think it would be a great idea for Laura, others, to find real-life examples of putty etc and to post high quality pics so forum members could learn what to watch for. I know this, some of these guys are great detectives. I sure wouldn't want to be trying to fleece them!

GSAGUY

braddick

Bryan, I agree- although this isn't a CC dollar (as you well know) and coming across New Orleans dollars with this blotch of white is much more unusual.
That coupled with the smaller blotch above the eye and really no where else, is what leads me to believe this "MS63" Morgan was enhanced to appear MS65'ish.
But, as you correctly pointed out, the photo is fuzzy and it is merely an educated speculation on my part.

coinguy1

Pat,

I share the sentiments of GSAGUY, regarding the poor image quality, as well as the problem possibly being in the way the coin was struck.

I like to refer to such pieces as displaying "die burn" (I don't know if someone mentioned that term to me long ago or if I coined it ) - a mint-made, white colored area on the cheek. I have seen in on examples struck at mints other than Carson City, too.

oreville

Canadian specimin coins of the mid 20th century suffered often from die burns and poor die preparation to create whitish and freakish looking "masks" on the devices of such coinage.
Such occurences cannot be ruled out as indicated by other posters here.

braddick

Oreville, Mark and Bryan (and others!) I have no problem being wrong here. It was just a hunch- based on viewing puttied coins and what they appeared like months down the road.
This one I LINKED to met all those qualifiers but even then I prefaced the Thread with 'possible' as without seeing the coin it would be difficult, at best, to make a final determination.

I stand by my opinion but would certainly not be shocked or dismayed to find I was wrong (after viewing the coin live).

coinguy1

Pat,

I know that you might be right and I might be wrong, believe me! I was reminded over the weekend, just how unreliable images can be.

oreville

braddick: Better to be guarded as you are being at this point unless the date is well known for having such characteristics.....and this is not a well known characteristic of this date/mm.

Carry on!! But unfortunately, you need to buy it to verify what the situation is with this coin.

hughesm1

No way in h*ll that coin is a pure 65. That image is fuzzy for a reason...theres a lot of "hidden chatter" in the left field (and of course the forementioned "putty mark.") 64 at very best and not a nickel more!

Dog97

I snagged the pict and clicked a "quick fix" which cleared the pict up a little. I find it strange that the white area has a huge gouge running through it. Maybe the coin was on the bottom of the bag and was ground between the bag and whatever it was sitting on making the white spot. Maybe the picture was doctored. Maybe the coin was doctored. Really can't tell but it does look like some kind of problem.

kansascoyote

The spot on the cheek looks odd to me, and i know i'm not an expert by far, but what is going on with the eagles right wing on the reverse? Almost looks like it had a hole in it, or something.

kansascoyote

Braddick, I took a longer look at this, pulled a couple morgans out and then looked at them. The lower cheek/jaw area matches up with the mark on the eagles right wing on the reverse. I don't think it was puttied to hide a bag mark, but to fill in a hole drilled through the coin IMO. As I said, I'm far from an expert. Just some observations.