Which of these 2 Morgans to buy? 1885 S and 1889 S
Spartcom5
Posts: 399 ✭✭✭
I am thinking of buying one of these two coin, however I am torn on which one. This for me will be a somewhat big purchase. Both coins have good qualities about them. It'd be around $275 for the 89 S and around $310 for the 85 S. The 89 S has great luster all around and the 1885 S has only decent luster on the obverse but has a PL reverse. Which of these coins would be the better buy? Both are MS63, maybe I will splurge and get both (somewhat leaning towards the 85)....
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I will go with door #1.
I could maybe get a nicer deal if I did buy both together?
If you are determined to buy one of them then my default answer is to get the coin that you like better. However, before the images appeared I read that one had good luster and one just so-so luster and a PL-ish reverse. In my opinion, I would avoid the so-so luster coin and go for the coin with better luster.
Now that I can see them, I definitely do not like the 1885-S.
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If I were forced to choose just one; I'd pick the 1885 S, as it is a better date and I also like the looks of that particular coin better.
If it were me, I'd likely try to find a way to buy both....in a perfect world.
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The 89-s is the more appealing of the two. How many examples of both dates have you examined? I think you might find better ones if you put out the dragnet. Hope that helps!
I'd purchase the 85-S and take the time (and expense) to have it professionally currated.
peacockcoins
I would pass on both. The 1885-S has negative eye appeal. The 1889-S looks very "ordinary". This is not the time to be putting money into coins with negative eye appeal or which are ordinary. The "market" is likely to care less and less about MS-63 Morgans as time passes. That is my opinion.
...if you like the look of the 85s then I say get that one...if you like the look of the 89s then don’t worry cause you can always make the 85s look exactly the same with a can of dip and a vice
They are both fairly priced. Obviously I am only going by images but I like the 89-S more. But I am not you and you should get the coin you like more. Both coins come very nice so you don’t need to settle. What is the reason for pursuing these two semi-key dates? Are you going to complete the set?
85-s.
The 89-s has a good sized gouge on the cheek.
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From these 2, i prefer the 89s
Unless the price is really low, keep looking. Lots of very nice Morgan's out there. You can be picky.
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Keep looking until you find a Morgan you love, sounds like you’re talking yourself into these coins. If you’re tempted to spend $5-600 on theses two, I’d reccomend putting that amount towards one very very nice Morgan
Forget about buying "fairly priced" coins in this market. The overall trend is downward for all but the very best coins and MS-63 Morgans aren't in that category. You want coins that are an excellent value for the money not coins that are "fairly priced."
Think about it ... "fairly priced" ... for who? Probably not you.
85-S all day long. Crack it out and remove the nasty toning. If it is on eBay, buy it tomorrow with the 10% eBay bucks.
I'd go with the 85 S.
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85-S is devoid of luster on the obverse due to the thick toning. I'd venture to guess that it'd be a 64 after a dip.
The 89-S is the more flashy of the two, but is definitely maxed out at a 63.
Both are quite baggy for 63. I would find a better example of either or both unless you're in a hurry...
I'd get the 89s if it was me......but, alas it is not. Enjoy whichever you decide.
bob
I think I'd have to see the 85s in hand. The tone/color might look different than the photo.
The 89s, being white, is easier to picture in one's mind....
I wouldn’t typically recommend purchasing a coin that requires professional conservation.
However, in this case if you decide to purchase the 1885-S, I agree with Braddick’s following quoted post that this coin could benefit from professional conservation.
There’s significant commercial upside potential if the coin upgrades from MS-63 to MS-64.
Stuart
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I also think the 85-S has a better look...
I think I'd take the 89-S
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