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My grades just posted. Quick turnaround and I made a 66+ Morgan!

Order #20893459

Order #20893459 / Submission #5170878

1 1 31783890 3680 1862 3CS USA AU53
2 1 31783891 5426 1853 25C USA XF40 Arrows & Rays
3 1 31783892 5673 1916 25C USA AU55 Barber
4 1 31783893 6618 1943 50C USA MS62
5 1 31783894 6701 1960 50C USA PR67
6 1 31783895 7166 1886 $1 USA MS65
7 1 31783896 7252 1898 $1 USA MS66+
8 1 31783897 5655 1909-O USA VG08

Total Items: 8
Date Received: 2/2/2015
Date Shipped: N/A
Order Status: OK

I hadn't submitted anything since 2012 and those were just the 25th anniversary ASE sets. I wasn't happy with my past results with classics though I did have a few decent grades but also my share of body bags and less than stellar results. I also haven't had a lot of money for coins the past few years so I haven't had much need to submit anything. I finally bit the bullet when our hosts announced the CC price increase and bought the Gold membership on 12/29. I had a a couple of nice Morgan's and what I thought were nice Walkers kicking around for 3 or 4 years. I was on the fence about those coins and it had been holding them for possible submission. Frankly my confidence in my grading to PCGS standards isn't very high. Considering the first "super awesome" Morgan I sent in with my first submission came back MS-60. If you can't find the humor in that, well at least I certainly can. I'd also recently bought a couple of nice or at least what I thought were decent coins. I figured I could come up with 8 coins that were worth submitting. I also wanted to test myself and finally see what those 2 Morgans I was positive were at least 65's actually would grade.

Once I started going through my box of all things raw, I actually had trouble coming up with 8 coins without problems I thought were worth slabbing. The Morgans were both P mints, an 1886 and a 1898. I knew those were going and was pretty hopeful. They both looked like solid 65's to me and I was sick of wondering about them. They're the 2 best raw Morgan's I've ever found out in the wild. Both of them were bought locally for a good price. I don't pay strong prices for raw coins and expect them to grade out. Too risky for an inexperienced small fish like me. Some history: I've only been buying/selling coins since 2006. I've got a good dealer buddy that got me in to buying and selling scrap gold, silver, and coins when gold first got to around $650, enjoyed it and have been doing it ever sense. Learning about coins as I can. A lot of that knowledge has come from these boards so thank you to everyone. I'm lucky to work at the family business where I keep a small table in my office. People bring me things from time to time. Mostly junk and broken jewelry and some coins. I never make a lot in a year, but I enjoy it. I try to be honest and fair with people while protecting my interests and not overpaying.

As a collector I really don't have any focus at all, I would more call me an accumulator of a small amount of graded coins that if I ever do decide to get focused, I can sell as a stake to really begin a collection. As you can see none of these are big dollar or key date coins. Closest is the 1909-O Barber which is tough in Fine or better. Ok so on to this submission. It's a bit of a mixed bag but overall I'm pleased.

First things first: Amazing turn around. Coins entered on 2/2 and grades on 2/10. Bravo PCGS.

Second thing second: EVERYTHING GRADED. Small victories can be sweet sometimes. image

1862 3CS AU53 This is not my coin. I was stuck at 7 coins and a buddy wanted it graded. Frankly I had no idea. Guessed it either a 55 or a 62. It also had what looked like a light scratch on the obverse. I told him it might genuine but he thought it was worth a shot. He'll probably be disappointed in the AU53. It had some luster under the fairly dark toning. I couldn't see obvious wear but I'm clueless on this series. Sorry no pics yet.

1853 A&R 25c. XF40 I really like this coin in hand. Has even grey surfaces that look original and really appealing to me. Hoped it was a 45 but knew it might not make it. Really thought the detail was there though. Still a great looking coin in my opinion. With what I paid for the coin, I'm not buried. No pics of this one yet either.

1916 Barber 25c AU55 This coin had me going between AU55 - MS62. I am terrible about seeing AU vs MS. I was hoping for low MS and I guess really didn't want to see the wear but I knew in my heart from the muted luster alone on the obverse, this coin would not go MS. I think if the luster on the obverse was as nice as the reverse, it would have went 58. Still not buried with what I paid for the coin. No pics yet either. I will update the thread with pics once I get the coins back.

1943 Walker 50c. MS62 What can I say. Time to go back to school. I really thought this coin was a 65 or better. Great luster and clean. Hopefully I can get some good pics and post them. I thought this was the best coin of the 3 MS Walkers I had. I could really use some pointers on this series. I guess it would be good for a grading set. Also tuition.

Update: Trueview:
image

Tell me why this coin is a 62?

1960 PR Franklin. PR67 Not much to say here. I figured it for a 67. Was hoping for a cam, looked close but I didn't expect it, or maybe a 68. Yes when this is one of the 8 best coins you can round up, you aren't trying very hard.

Trueview in: image

I had it Trueviewed since I knew if it went CAM I'd never get a good pic of it.

1886 Morgan $1 MS65 I knew this damn thing was a 65. Not a big dollar coin but it makes me happy. I knew it was a nice example but I dreaded a 64. I have some older pictures of the coin. They aren't great but it's all I have right now. The luster is great and it has some nice clashes on the reverse. I couldn't identify it as a VAM though.

imageimage

1898 Morgan $1 MS66+ This is the coin that makes it all worthwhile. I was hoping for maybe a 65+ on one of these, but I'll take a 66+ any day! I really like this coin but thought the hits above the eye might limit it. Has a bit of nice rim toning as well. Here are some older pics that aren't very good. The reverse pic it horrible. I might have to send this one back in for Trueview.

imageimage


1909-O Barber 25c I was worried on the 1909-0 Barber quarter due to some dark album toning on the reverse and a big hit on the nose and maybe a scratch by the hair ribbon. Thought I might get lucky with a F10 or even F12 if it didn't genuine. I think the detail is there for F10 but was net graded for the dark toning and hits. The red splotches on the obverse near the hair ribbon dissolved in acetone and are no longer there with no surface damage present. This coin was in my 7070 for about 6 years. Here is a not very good picture:

image

I'll try to post pics of the other coins if I can get some good shots when I get them back. I'm disappointed in a couple of coins and embarrassed by the Walker, but I am thrilled to make a 66+ on that 1898 Morgan. Opinions welcome. I can take the good with the bad.

Updated and added the 2 Trueviews I had done.
GMan

Comments

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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,500 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congrats....beyond beautiful 1898 66+ Morgan.

    Hope you liked the grades.


    edited to add: Is that a tiny die crack at 9:00?
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    Yes it has some small die cracks on the the reverse. Can't wait to get some better pictures to share. I'm happy with the results with only the MS62 Walker as an exception. Can't win them all though.
    GMan
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    BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congrats on the 66+ Morgan.

    The differences in grading standards for Morgans and Peace dollars continue to surprise me. A Peace dollar looking like that would be lucky to make it into a MS65 holder, tops....... I dunno.
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    BarndogBarndog Posts: 20,525 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I got excited with the grade on the 1916 quarter until I read it was a Barber image

    Congratulations on a successful result across the board.
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭


    << <i>I got excited with the grade on the 1916 quarter until I read it was a Barber image
    >>



    That made me laugh. One can dream. Thanks for the congrats.
    GMan
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    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭
    huge congrats on that ms66+
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭


    << <i>Congrats on the 66+ Morgan.

    The differences in grading standards for Morgans and Peace dollars continue to surprise me. A Peace dollar looking like that would be lucky to make it into a MS65 holder, tops....... I dunno. >>



    I originally posted both those coins years ago (same pics) and asked what people thought. Nobody would even call it lock 65. So maybe it's just the pics or maybe I got lucky. That reverse pic is terrible but it's all I had. My luck it's a database error and it's really a 64+

    I'll take better pics when I get it back and most likely send it back for a Trueview with the quarterly special before too long.

    Edit: I found the original thread. Interesting to read now: Anyone think these 2 Morgan's might make MS-65? Updated pics!
    GMan
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    That old thread has some better pics that I can't access on Imgur any longer, (subscription expired), but are still working from the original links.


    image
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    GMan
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    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭
    btw

    awesome thread in how you've presented it
    reading it
    i felt like i wasn't alone...i'm just a small fries type here
    so i share your enjoyment right along with ya on this submission

    even that "you suck" with your ms66+ as surely you didn't shell out much for what it now shows to be worth
    exciting and a bearer of some hope that all this stuff just isn't a money pit of a hobby

    but you bet
    i love how you walked us along like over your shoulder here in your write
    huge congrats

    if it means anything...i give ya a "YOU SUCK"
    sincerely
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


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    Timbuk3Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sweet, congratulations on that
    1898 Morgan !!! :-)
    Timbuk3
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    Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image Very nice. image


    Hoard the keys.
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    Updated with new pics:

    image

    Why is this limited to 62?

    image

    No CAM.
    GMan
  • Options
    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭
    from trueviews...you got robbed on that walker
    of course i don't have it in hand to know...but that looks like better then 65 luster...minor scuff and hit free...should be a 66 if you ask me

    the frankie...another story though
    trueviews of cameos...i have a hard time with being they're too dark
    so dark the fields get lost in blackness....a person can't see the top surface of fields

    i lightened your trueview
    now i see it...too much mint bloom in the field for cam is my wag...especially by the date...i hope you don't mind a lightened version as i can pull it down
    but it demonstrates the issue i have...one can't see the quality of the fields mirror when it's lost in blackness
    image
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • Options
    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    No problem with the pic teddy. Any input is appreciated. I can see why no CAM on the Frankie but that Walker has be baffled. Of course I don't know the series at all. Was hoping to get some opinions. Appreciate all the good words from you.
    GMan
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    MeltdownMeltdown Posts: 9,247 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I agree the tru-view on that Walker is seriously nice! Looks much better than a 62 from the images.

    Nice score on the 66+ Morgan.
  • Options
    Congrats on a good and quick submission. Your 66+ Morgan is very nice, I'm guessing it has more luster in hand. And I agree with the others based on the true view your walker looks undergraded by at least 3 points.


    Dozens of BST deals completed, including: kalshacon, cucamongacoin, blu62vette, natetrook, JGNumismatics, Coinshowman, DollarAfterDollar, timbuk3, jimdimmick & many more
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    7Jaguars7Jaguars Posts: 7,981 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I really don't get the walker as from the photo the coin looks to have pretty nice surfaces with good orange peel and no friction. Perhaps there are hairlines not showing? I have had coins like this that seem to be down 2-4 points (a couple even more).

    Love that Milled British (1830-1960)
    Well, just Love coins, period.
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    DollarAfterDollarDollarAfterDollar Posts: 3,217 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice submission.

    I think the Walker might have been net graded because of color/dipped. The surfaces seem acceptable enough where a higher grade is warranted. That's the only explanation that makes sense to me. The coin is common and they are after all determining value.
    If you do what you always did, you get what you always got.
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    winkywinky Posts: 1,671
    Love, Love, Love them all, they are beautiful. image
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    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,178 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The MS62 half is actually an AU58 that has excellent eye appeal ... at least that is why I think it got the 62 grade. (Wear is visible on the high points.)

    The 1898 Morgan is, in my opinion, seriously overgraded at MS66+. I wouldn't give it more than a 64.
    All glory is fleeting.
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    david3142david3142 Posts: 3,686 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Congratulations on the great result with the 1898. I've recently submitted a bunch of things to PCGS and been quite disappointed on the whole. I also think the Walker is a beauty and it will look even better when you crack it out of that 62 holder!
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    georgiacop50georgiacop50 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭✭
    Congrats! Always good to see someones eye improving.

    In regards to your comment about the dark toning on the Barber....

    With circ Barber material, the majority of collectors prefer "dark". IMHO the reverse of your half is superb, if both sides were dark, I would have made you a very strong offer (if you were selling). But the lighter fields of the obverse would prevent me from offering premium $$$.
  • Options
    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    Thanks everyone for the comments. I'm still not sure on that Walker. Larger Trueviews are available but after looking at them I still have no idea. I don't remember any hairlining or obvious problems. I've missed something and would like to know what. Would be a fun coin to have a knowledgeable person look at and educate me.

    As for the Barber, I didn't know toning that dark was preferable to some collectors. I'm just happy it straight graded as I had some doubts. I think it's a bit nicer in hand than that image. The nose hit isn't as pronounced and some gunk came off with the acetone soak. Not a bad coin and this date isn't getting any easier to find.

    I'm really pleased with the 1898 to be sure. To be honest, the pictures I posted don't make it look like a 66+ to me either. However, they are not very good pics. I'm definitely going to send it back in for a Trueview. In hand it has a very clean cheek with fantastic luster. Yes it has some light hits that magnified look worse than they do with the naked eye, and it may not be the best 66+ out there, but from looking at the few I could find on Heritage, I think it's good for the grade.
    GMan
  • Options
    Congratulations on the grades. PCGS makes tough grading calls every hour of every business day. There are many layers of quality control and a balancing act between all the pluses and minuses. They have the eyes, lighting, experience and objectivity to make those judgments.
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    BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭
    FWIW, I sent this Walker to our hosts, figuring it to be gem or better. It also came back in a MS62 holder. I covered up the label at the Summer ANA and showed it to a dealer who specializes in the series. His guess was MS66. I uncovered the label and he said a very funny thing that I shouldn't repeat. I can see some MINOR chatter in the right field, and perhaps a little toning spot on the sun. It's not significantly different luster-wise than the last MS67 I compared it to....... This series has me scratching my head more often than not.

    image
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    DeepCoinDeepCoin Posts: 2,781 ✭✭✭
    I always enjoy reading criticisms of PCGS grades from a PICTURE when they had the coin in hand. And at least a couple of grades as well....
    Retired United States Mint guy, now working on an Everyman Type Set.
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    I'm not criticizing PCGS at all nor am I saying they made a mistake. I'm trying to figure what I'm missing that made me think this coin was at least 3 points higher than they saw it. I want to learn so I don't make the mistake again.
    GMan
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    IrishMikeyIrishMikey Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭
    Grading from images is dicey at best, but those two Morgan dollars look like they are the same grade to me. Hope
    the grades on the labels are the same as your electronic results. Good luck!
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    rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice grades...congratulations on the 66+. That Walker does look better than a 62 IMO...Cheers, RickO
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    BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,931 ✭✭✭✭✭
    ..... lest anyone take my last post as criticism.... it isn't. When in doubt, I generally put more stock in the opinion of three professional graders than my own. In this case, there remains a significant gap between their understanding of that particular coin and my own. There could be lots of potential reasons for that.
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    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I always enjoy reading criticisms of PCGS grades from a PICTURE when they had the coin in hand. And at least a couple of grades as well.... >>


    ^^^image^^^at best
    those who offer opinions are at least offering opinions...they have a voice...and notably are offering opinions on coins
    not on other people who are replying in a thread
    it's the quiet ones that can make a person question their presence

    pcgs makes mistakes...but their consistency rate is very high,respectable and noteworthy as being a very high rate
    we as people make mistakes...unless we clam up with pride

    this thing about grading from images...it's something we all do....<<< WE ALL DO
    many a coin has been bought from a catalog's image....under a grade appraisal made by it's buyer

    many authors of numismatic specialized reference textbooks devote chapters to what one is to look for in images

    this "criticisms of PCGS grades from a PICTURE" thing....is why even pcgs themselves offer photograde

    is for those who submit coins for grading to appraise their coins for a submission
    to assess their values to be claimed on submission forms and finally to select the right service level coins should be sent in under

    why imply assessing and grading from an image to be something of ill report here?
    toss that walker up along side the photograde images of walkers...it's what even pcgs wants us to do image

    they even have a video...titled..."New PCGS PhotogradeTM Online lets just about anyone get approximate grades for their coins."
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16KDgQv4m8U photograde video
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • Options
    DeepCoinDeepCoin Posts: 2,781 ✭✭✭
    My point was that PCGS assigned a 66+ grade and an individual thought it was a 64. Morgans are among the easiest coin for a professional to grade. PCGS had the coin in hand, and yes, they might have missed high a bit. However, there is a HUGE difference between a 66+ and a 64. And PCGS has its price guarantee on the line as well. The price guide difference is between 750for a 66+ and 79 for a 64. Just a relative scale as it is just a guide, but 10x more for the grade assigned.

    I am not saying that PCGS is perfect as no grader is perfect. Sometimes people enjoy making a statement regarding grading that is just that, a statement, not necessarily accurate. My comment was addressing that an opinion is not necessarily fact in these cases. Certainly everyone gets to share their opinion here freely, and that includes my opinion of their opinion....lol
    Retired United States Mint guy, now working on an Everyman Type Set.
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    Deepcoin, I see what you're getting at. I think it's difficult in general to grade high MS coins from a photo no matter how good the photo is. Just look at that '43 Walker. Everyone looking at the photo thinks 62 is too low. I guess it's possible PCGS made a mistake, but I doubt it. So my question is why? It looks great to my untrained eye, but there had to be a reason. I may crack it and send it in again just to see what happens. Would be an interesting experiment.

    It is true that PCGS has money on the line. The actual price guide on an 1898 64 is $80, 66+ is $1400. They must have seen something in the coin that made it worthwhile or they wouldn't have put the grade on the label (assuming it's not some kind of clerical error which I doubt). Regardless I can't be anything but happy with the grade, even if some others don't think it's solid. I wish I could submit directly to CAC but I can't. I would like their opinion as well.
    GMan
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    291fifth291fifth Posts: 25,178 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Every collector needs to set his own standards for coin grading and not just accept someone else's opinion.



    All glory is fleeting.
  • Options
    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭


    << <i>..... lest anyone take my last post as criticism.... it isn't. When in doubt, I generally put more stock in the opinion of three professional graders than my own. In this case, there remains a significant gap between their understanding of that particular coin and my own. There could be lots of potential reasons for that. >>




    image
    GMan
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    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭
    if you crackout the walker
    stand it on it's edge on a piece of paper
    if it's unc....it will reflect the paper fully
    if it's au...they'll be a line that appears and doesn't reflect.....going up the center of it

    surely you know that trick

    291fifth may be right...it maybe an au58 that got bumped for eye appeal to ms62
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • Options
    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    I didn't know that trick teddy. If I crack it, I'll give it a shot. I'll try it on the other 2 I bought from the same lot as well. However, that will have to wait until tomorrow. Will be interesting.
    GMan
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    7Jaguars7Jaguars Posts: 7,981 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Re: the Walker - I don't see 58 rub at the high points any more than PICTURES of higher grade specimens. Yes, yes, the usual caveat about the picture vs. in-hand, I agree. But since we have only the picture to go on, that's what we have to blow steam on. I have seen some in-hand pretty badly graded pieces off by more than a couple of grades but these were foreign GB coins (one came back on resubmit FIVE points higher).
    Love that Milled British (1830-1960)
    Well, just Love coins, period.
  • Options
    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭
    it's an old trick that's mostly been used for....standing liberty quarters and walkers

    if it's au...you'll know it...as that line that breaks reflection...well...it pops right up
    but if unc
    you got a full mirror going on with no break in reflection
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • Options
    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭
    hey deepcoin
    i'm sorry for being brash there or offensive in anyway image
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


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    crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 14,214 ✭✭✭✭✭
    image And a 66+ Morgan.....WOW!!!!!
    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
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    crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 14,214 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>hey deepcoin
    i'm sorry for being brash there or offensive in anyway image >>



    What did you do image
    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • Options
    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>hey deepcoin
    i'm sorry for being brash there or offensive in anyway image >>



    What did you do image >>



    let my trigger fingers type image
    made a public apology for brashness versus private...means a lil more
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • Options
    crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 14,214 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>hey deepcoin
    i'm sorry for being brash there or offensive in anyway image >>



    What did you do image >>



    let my trigger fingers type image
    made a public apology for brashness versus private...means a lil more >>



    I'm just playing with ya. I have a hard time with you, Ted, being abrasive in any kinda way. I just can not believe it!
    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
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    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,490 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>hey deepcoin
    i'm sorry for being brash there or offensive in anyway image >>



    What did you do image >>



    let my trigger fingers type image
    made a public apology for brashness versus private...means a lil more >>



    I'm just playing with ya. I have a hard time with you, Ted, being abrasive in any kinda way. I just can not believe it! >>


    it's probably a deep seeded thing with you buying all the sweet buffaloes that hit the open range

    keep your powder dry i say
    as we could go flintlocks at 50 paces but i'd be looking anytime after 40 paces in.....just incase

    you're all good there crazy
    love ya
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • Options
    DeepCoinDeepCoin Posts: 2,781 ✭✭✭
    I never felt any harshness... we All get our opinion here, including folks who want to post their views on grades... It is ALL good here ;-)
    Retired United States Mint guy, now working on an Everyman Type Set.
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    GManGMan Posts: 790 ✭✭
    Got the coins back today. Quick and dirty slab pic of the 1898:

    image

    When I get time I'll set up the camera and try to get some decent pics of all the coins. I'm going to send this back in for Trueview next week because my photog skills stink.

    Very happy with the 66+ 1898!
    GMan

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