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What to look for in a VF grade Morgan Dollar?
jphendren
Posts: 75
When buying a VF graded Morgan dollar in a PCGS or NGC holder, what constitutes a nice PQ example? I've seen several that slabbed, yet I would consider cleaned from what I have been told are signs of cleaning. There seems to be lots of diagonal/parallel hairlines on the obverse. This coin is nice and white looking in the images, and some others are dark and dirty looking. Which is more desirable? I'm looking for a premium quality 1889 or 1893 CC Morgan dollar, in the VF20-35 range, and want to make sure that I get the best coin I can in that grade range. I just need to know what to look for. I know to look for no rim dings, or dents. No ugly/distracting scratches. Nice denticle detail on both obverse and reverse. And lastly original surfaces, that last one is the toughest for me. I think I can tell if a coin has been wizzed, but wiped or dipped is a bit tougher. As circulated coins will have some hairlines, correct?
1893 CC on ebay
1893 CC on ebay
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no offense to the seller but that linked coin is just yuck!
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As mentioned above, it appears to be lightly cleaned, maybe dipped as well. What else makes it "yuck?" I am trying to learn what makes a good/PQ Morgan.
<< <i>As mentioned above, it appears to be lightly cleaned, maybe dipped as well. What else makes it "yuck?" I am trying to learn what makes a good/PQ Morgan. >>
For starters, one that isn't cleaned. if you can eyeball it and quickly tell that it's been cleaned, it isn't PQ for the grade.
for you. I like a medium grey color on a VF Morgan, with no obvious scratches or damage. Many
have been cleaned and recolored to look EF, since there is a big jump between grades. You also
need to look out for pieces that have had the hair re-engraved, especially above the ear. Expect
to pay a nice premium for an above average coin.
Take-em dark and dirty with lighter grey toned motifs, no significant marks in the fields.
Ever wonder how a VF could be white in color
<< <i>http://www.pcgs.com/photograde/#/Morgan/Grades >>
The examples listed in the PCGS Photograde manual are perfect examples of decent VF Morgans. Notice the minimal amount of marks and the smooth, even gray color on each of them. To me, those are decent examples for the grade.
If you ever see excessive hairlining like in the coin you linked, you should pass as these have certainly been cleaned.
Lastly, here's an example of the only Morgan dollar I have in a PCGS VF holder. It's a 25 with a green CAC sticker. This and the example 2ltdjorn posted are IMO, nice examples of decent circulated Morgans (smooth color, lack of marks, minimal or no hairlines).
<< <i>"no offense to the seller but that linked coin is just yuck!"
As mentioned above, it appears to be lightly cleaned, maybe dipped as well. What else makes it "yuck?" I am trying to learn what makes a good/PQ Morgan. >>
lightly cleaned. i think not.
raw it is ok for the right price. just down right hypocritical in a holder without a problem designation. just a shame.
i made my statement so there would be no confusion to stay away from coins like that, unless they are picked up on the mega cheap. i pass on half price problem coins more than i care to admit. too much decent stuff to go down those roads. exceptions may be for varieties that are tough to find. i pick up a junker every now and then and dispose of it quickly after realizing what i did.
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<< <i>I like my circulated CC morgans to look like this... its not VF but its ok with me!
a circ cameo, no?
a highly sought-after look
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So this example would be considered harshly cleaned? Thanks for all of the examples so far gentlemen, I think I am seeing a pattern here of what an original surfaces example should look like.
<< <i>I don't like that coin either...been cleaned. You can find circulated coins that have nice original surfaces. >>
The 93cc linked coin is cleaned.
The two below (above this thread) have not been cleaned but are absolutely what you see in a
circulating dollar. The contrast from the high points to the low points are due to the skin rubbing
in a pocket or such. The lower areas are more proteted and thus are darker in appearance.
bob
<< <i>"lightly cleaned. i think not."
so this example would be considered harshly cleaned? Thanks for all of the examples so far gentlemen, I think I am seeing a pattern here of what an original surfaces example should look like. >>
good job being smart enough to know to ask before venturing into such a purchase.
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<< <i>Take-em dark and dirty with lighter grey toned motifs, no significant marks in the fields.
Ever wonder how a VF could be white in color
I have a 1921 Morgan that I have carried for years. Started out as BU now down to a nice WHITE VF . . . That's one way.
HH
1947-P & D; 1948-D; 1949-P & S; 1950-D & S; and 1952-S.
Any help locating any of these OBW rolls would be gratefully appreciated!