Will this 1879 S Morgan make a ms65?

Trooper

It's pretty clean with pl surfaces. Feilds are hit free. Theres a extremely small hit on the chin and one on the neck near the hair. But the big concern is the small scratch along the cheek. Just barely breaks the frost but is noticable. Reverse is slightly toned with no marks.
Will it make a 65?

Thanks ahead.
Tom

Russ

Based on the obverse only, I could see that coin in an MS65 holder.

Russ, NCNE

Stuart

It's certainly a shot-65 -- Although the grading services do grade tougher on the common date/mint gem cobndition coins like the 1879-1882-S Morgans.

The very clean field PL surfaces should get it a 65 (assuming the reverse does not pull it down a grade)... Is the reverse also PL? I've sene alot of "1-sided PL wonders" in 1879-S's

It's got a very pretty obverse...

Trooper

Russ & Stuart
Thanks for the comments. Here's a pic of the reverse. Yes it's pl but has a slight tone to it. The picture doesn't show the pl but it's there.
Since the toning on the reverse isn't that heavy would a quick dip take it off?
Thanks
Tom

Russ

<< <i>Since the toning on the reverse isn't that heavy would a quick dip take it off? >>



No friggin' way I'd dip that coin. It looks great just the way it is.

Russ, NCNE

FC57Coins

<< <i>No friggin' way I'd dip that coin. It looks great just the way it is. >>



What my learned and emotional colleague said - that's a damn nice looking coin just the way it is.

prooflike

DO NOT DIP THAT COIN!

It is nice the way it is and a good shot at 65.

Merc

Nope, it is not a MS65

Russ

<< <i>Nope, it is not a MS65 >>



Yes it is.

Russ, NCNE

stman

Yes by all means dip it. You've got to be with the in crowd and try and get the very best grade possible. Even though the dip ain't gonna bump it up. But yes I'd dip that sucker in a heartbeat. Who knows you might even be able to effect the proof-like surfaces in a negative way as well.

Stuart

Trooper: I agree with the peanut gallery and strongly advise you NOT to dip the pretty 1879-S Morgan. The reverse toning is quite attractive, and can add perceived value to the coin, as is.

The reverse looks (to me) like a borderline 64/65, but since they weigh the obverse grade 60%, it's a shot 65. Based on seeing the reverse, it may end up as a high-end MS-64 -- but still a shot 65 coin.

My personal preference (if you are considering getting it certified & slabbed) would be to save the grading fees for a coin that could have a higher commercial gain by being certified. I've bought loads of beautiful (shot-65) slabbed PCGS & NGC high-end MS-64's for $40-45 each, and have saved on grading fees since they were already slabbed

It will take you a bit of time, but try to find either a slabbed or raw 1879-S that looks like the obverse of yours on both sides of the coin

JTMC

i know that i am not even remotely as good at grading coins as most of you but wouldnt that scratch between 12 O'clock and one running down through the U down to the head nock it down below a 65 grade?
john

Stuart

JTMC: That may be creased cellophane from the cardboard 2x2 holder and perhaps not a scratch on the coin... at least that was my thought...

JTMC

stewart

i gotta get glasses man.


john

Goldfinger

I think you're looking at a 64. But do not, do not, DO NOT dip that coin!

grip

I can see it in a 65 holder.
Al

Dog97

The strike is kinda weak because the hair over the ear isn't well defined and the eagles brest isn't the strongest and that model is common well struck, lusterous and frosty. I think the hits on the jawline and I think the scratch alone is enough to maybe preclude the 65 grade. What's that going through the U in BUS?

K6AZ

If the fields and cheek are as clean as the image, 65 easy. However, there may be a lot of chatter the image is hiding that would cause a lower grade.

K6AZ

Do NOT dip that coin. A lot of crackout artists would have you believe that a coin can be upgraded, but what you wind up with is just another "blast white" common Morgan. I pay a premium for coins like this, the light toning attests to it's orginality.

The only coins that should be dipped are those that have stubborn PVC, or those with just plain ugly toning. This toning is not ugly.

Trooper

Thanks for all the opinions folks.

The coin was still in the cello when I took th obv pic. That is part of the holder that is distorting the obv by the "u".

Ok No dip and its going in the Eagle book.
Thank again all.

Tom

coinkat

1879-s Morgans are one of the most attractive dates of the series and I think the standard for this date is high. I think it has a shot at 65 but 64 is more likely... but then again this view is based on a scan of the obverse only. I would rather see the coin. It is still a nice coin regardless of whether it is a high end 64 or 65.

ksteelheader

I enhanced the obverse photo and don't think it will do any better than 64, if it even makes that. There are lots of marks that don't show up in your photo.....Ken
.
.I can post pic if you want to see it...