Grade Revealed: 1880-O Morgan Dollar -- PCGS MS-63 -- Your Comments ??

Stuart

Welcome to another exciting and stimulating episode of "Guess the Grade".

I invite you to assign your grade for this 1880-O Morgan Dollar, and also to please post your comments and observations about this coin.

I will check it for the 80/79 overdate when I receive it, because I think that I may see some evidence of it in the loop of the "0" in the date -- but that is very difficult to definitively determine from this image.

Original Seller's Scanned Digital Image

dwssws

I voted 63 PL as its assigned grade but would not be surprised that its ACTUAL grade is 64PL knowing that you are an astute buyer I do not feel, by these pics, that it is an 80/79. Either way another nice pickup!

Oney

I think 64PL.....it appears to have nice contrast and has what appears to be a cleaner cheek than most....

coinkat

63 is fair... and a PL is possible, but tough to confirm from the pictures

ibzman350

I'm going with 64PL.




Herb

TorinoCobra71

64PL

TorinoCobra71

Bunker

64 PL

gyocomgd

Why not 65PL? Surfaces are very clean, strike is extraordinary for the O mint, there's thick, even layer of frost and scarecely any marks.The obverse is fantastic with extra credit for eye appeal, and the reverse doesn't detract in any way.

anablep

I'm saying 64PL... Nice coin.

291fifth

Based on the photo I'd say MS63. Eye-appeal seems to be lacking.

rsdoug81

I think that Stuart went with a PQ 63. The price jump from a 63 to a 64 for this date is rather big. I went with PL for the heck of it...eventhough it's tough to tell from a scan. Nice one Stuart!

construct

Well, I might as well tell you that my guess was 65. I know there extremely few of them certified in 65, and I almost said 64 for that reason. However, I just don't see anything on which to lower the grade. (I usually grade Morgans rather harshly--a point or even two below the TPGs.)

VamGuy

It's in a 63 holder but should be in a 64. It might take a few regrades to get in the "correct" holder.

JMHO

morgannut2

Gee why should this be called PL-- I see zero reflection in the fields. You could send this one in 50 times and it would never 65-- more than a few people have done just that with 80-O's!! Looks like a nice 64--they tend have more frost breaks on the date, similar to the 85CC in a way.

DennisH

1880-O stands out in my mind as the poster child example of how huge price jumps between grades may be a reason why PCGS puts some astoundingly nice coins in 63 holders.

Heck, this one might even be in a 62 holder.

Stuart

Thanks to the 40 forum members who have cast their grading vote, and also the 14 who took the time to post their opinions and grading observations about my new 1880-O Morgan.

Many of you made very pertinent points and observations, from which we can all learn to become more observant -- which is why I enjoy hosting these "Guess the Grade" threads.

As several have noted, this date is one of those that PCGS grades very strictly, similar to the discussion in the 1887-O Morgan example thread that also I recently posted.

Please keep the votes and the comments flowing in. I'll post the results and the grade this evening after the posts slow down, to give others time to participate.

messydesk

It looks like a very nice 63, but given the price jump to 64 and beyond, I'll say it didn't make 64 as perhaps it should have. I'd have hard time saying PL from the pictures, though.

BlindedByEgo

<< <i>I voted 63 PL as its assigned grade but would not be surprised that its ACTUAL grade is 64PL knowing that you are an astute buyer I do not feel, by these pics, that it is an 80/79. Either way another nice pickup! >>

Stuart

Steve and BlindedByEgo: Thanks very much for your posts about my new 1880-O Morgan and for your kind words.

ultradmpldollars

63

grip

I gave it 64PL.
Al

Stuart

Just to make this interesting, please refer to the following 1880-O Image Comparison and let me know if these new images affect your opinion of the coin.

Remember this is not a scientific survey, just a Sunday afternoon enjoyable educational experience amongst friends!!

gyocomgd

Stuart, out with the grade already. Four hours is too long to wait.

Stuart

This beautiful 1880-O Morgan is currently graded PCGS MS-63, however appears from the scanned images to be a well-struck Semi-PL high-end coin that may be worthy of a Shot-64.

Thanks to all 51 who voted in this "Guess the Grade" thread to make it more interesting!!

12% voted for the MS-63 grade marked on the holder, and I agree with the other 88% that voted in favor of the coin appearing perhaps a bit better than as graded, judging by the scanned images provided.

MAD4MORGANS

As gyocomgd pointed out. This is a really great stike for a New Orleans Mint Mark.

I feel this is DEFINITELY undergraded.

The strike at Liberty's hair above her ear is AWESOME. Normally, the strike if pretty flat there.

Nice Coin Stuart!!

Stuart

Mad4Morgans: Thanks for your observations and your compliments about my new 1880-O Morgan Dollar.

I'll post an update to this thread when I receive her, and have a chance to carefully examine her in person. Thanks to all forum members who posted and voted to help make this a fun and educational thread!!

MAD4MORGANS

For comparison. 1880-O PCGS MS-64 Found on a Web Search

I think yours looks better.

dwssws

Mad4Morgans, that is a pic of an 1888-o Stuart's is an 1880-o( yes Stuart's is much nicer)

MORGANHUNTER2

i didn't vote- it's a sweet coin none the same- but I don't think it's an over date.

messydesk

As I was saying, it sure looks like a nice 63. 1880-O isn't one of the pancake strike dates, so the good strike didn't earn it any bonuses. I can only assume the picture has had the Barbara Walters filter applied to it and some fine scratches are hidden.

Stuart

John, Wade, Stave and Mad4Morgans: Thanks for your posts!!

We'll have a lot more information on this interesting coin after I receive her, and have a chance to give her a detailed examination in person.