Even with the left field pin scratch I don't see this grading less than unc. Surfaces are otherwise a 62-63 me overall.....bordering on choice unc. The obverse toning is cool. Great looking coin regardless of the one scratch. Don't see many of these that aren't stark white or cleaned.
Here's a pretty scruffy PCGS MS62 on GC a while back. I think I'd rather have this raw obverse...at least based on the photo seen so far....it isn't the best photo to grade by.
The National Silver Dollar Round Table used to have a link to the die progression of this VAM. My old link no longer works. Guess you have to be a member now to see the content. Cool article. The earliest VAM's with less scarring are rarer....though maybe not as desirable or valuable....consult your local VAM expert/dealer.
The scratch bothers me in the photo, but I've learned time and time again that light-ish marks like that don't always translate to the same thing in hand.
More like a solid 63 coin before accounting for the scratch or toning. The eye appeal is outstanding imo for one of these. Don't see why it wouldn't grade out as 62 or 61. Scratch looks minor. And even if it did grade only 61 or NG, imo probably has the value of a 62 or 62+. I like it. Where do you find another "toner" scar face in frosty unc? In some specialist's eyes it could bring an extra grade price premium for the "look." The GC 62 coin I linked above doesn't have near the appeal or surfaces of this one. I wouldn't trade the look of this coin for the minor pin scratch.
Very cool that this is in a Dansco with other toners. It appears they got that way from this album.
@roadrunner said:
More like a solid 63 coin before accounting for the scratch or toning. The eye appeal is outstanding imo for one of these. Don't see why it wouldn't grade out as 62 or 61. Scratch looks minor. And even if it did grade only 61 or NG, imo probably has the value of a 62 or 62+. I like it. Where do you find another "toner" scar face in frosty unc? In some specialist's eyes it could bring an extra grade price premium for the "look." The GC 62 coin I linked above doesn't have near the appeal or surfaces of this one. I wouldn't trade the look of this coin for the minor pin scratch.
Very cool that this is in a Dansco with other toners. It appears they got that way from this album.
They were in a different album. Here's another from the original album.
@roadrunner said:
More like a solid 63 coin before accounting for the scratch or toning. The eye appeal is outstanding imo for one of these. Don't see why it wouldn't grade out as 62 or 61. Scratch looks minor. And even if it did grade only 61 or NG, imo probably has the value of a 62 or 62+. I like it. Where do you find another "toner" scar face in frosty unc? In some specialist's eyes it could bring an extra grade price premium for the "look." The GC 62 coin I linked above doesn't have near the appeal or surfaces of this one. I wouldn't trade the look of this coin for the minor pin scratch.
Very cool that this is in a Dansco with other toners. It appears they got that way from this album.
Here's an MS63+ example that sold for $12,000. I think mine is more unique and visually appealing. The scar on mine runs into the hair of lady liberty too.
Super nice Scarface!
If it were mine I would expect the scratch to hold the grade back but don't think it would keep it from grading. (fingers crossed)
I do think the scratch would keep it out of the 63 range so I would be happy at a 62 it could even 61 on a bad day. If it were mine I don't think I would sell it for quite a while but if I had to in today's market it would be $4500 - $5500 for a 62.
I am not sure how the scratch will affect the coin grade... In the pictures it almost looks as if it would details... in hand, as mentioned, it seems it is not nearly as prominent....It is a good example of scarface though...Cheers, RickO
Somehow this made MS62 with the scratches on the face.
@ricko said:
I am not sure how the scratch will affect the coin grade... In the pictures it almost looks as if it would details... in hand, as mentioned, it seems it is not nearly as prominent....It is a good example of scarface though...Cheers, RickO
That's one carved up cheek. It could have gotten to 62 on luster blast. Of the other 62's shown here, yours has a better strike on the face and above the ear. How many toner scarfaces are there in MS holders?
@roadrunner said:
That's one carved up cheek. It could have gotten to 62 on luster blast. Of the other 62's shown here, yours has a better strike on the face and above the ear. How many toner scarfaces are there in MS holders?
The only toned version is the highest state known. An MS64. Mine has a very unique reverse. Reminds me of a lifesaver candy.
Comments
Nice coin. Scarface....tough to grade from pic but would say UNC.
Reverse pic would help but I'm sure your gonna be to busy replying to pm's
I have one with the same terminal stage. Mine has a little more chatter in the devices as yours. I would guess 62 or so based on that photo.
Welcome to the CU forums @Coins1776.
Wow, what a Morgan! Looks like it’s in an album. What’s the history, if I may ask?
Whether the coin is AU or unc., I think it could receive a details grade, due to the scratches in the left obverse field.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Heritage Auctions actually followed up with me regarding consignment.
Even with the left field pin scratch I don't see this grading less than unc. Surfaces are otherwise a 62-63 me overall.....bordering on choice unc. The obverse toning is cool. Great looking coin regardless of the one scratch. Don't see many of these that aren't stark white or cleaned.
Here's a pretty scruffy PCGS MS62 on GC a while back. I think I'd rather have this raw obverse...at least based on the photo seen so far....it isn't the best photo to grade by.
https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/195152/1888-O-Morgan-Silver-Dollar-Scar-Face-PCGS-MS-62
The National Silver Dollar Round Table used to have a link to the die progression of this VAM. My old link no longer works. Guess you have to be a member now to see the content. Cool article. The earliest VAM's with less scarring are rarer....though maybe not as desirable or valuable....consult your local VAM expert/dealer.
What do you approximate value?
Here's a few better.




Wasn't this same coin posted here recently?
No. Possibly saw it on VamWorld
The scratch is more of a scuff.
Through the loop.
$5-7,000 is my guess. If it grades 62.
bob
Wow... I'm not a Morgan VAM fan, but this on certainly gives me pause! Nice coin. .. and welcome to the boards...
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The scratch bothers me in the photo, but I've learned time and time again that light-ish marks like that don't always translate to the same thing in hand.
Most accurate photo of scratch.
The scrapes from the L through the forehead bother me the most.....but I do think it would straight grade.
bob
What's your thought on grade?
MS62+
More like a solid 63 coin before accounting for the scratch or toning. The eye appeal is outstanding imo for one of these. Don't see why it wouldn't grade out as 62 or 61. Scratch looks minor. And even if it did grade only 61 or NG, imo probably has the value of a 62 or 62+. I like it. Where do you find another "toner" scar face in frosty unc? In some specialist's eyes it could bring an extra grade price premium for the "look." The GC 62 coin I linked above doesn't have near the appeal or surfaces of this one. I wouldn't trade the look of this coin for the minor pin scratch.
Very cool that this is in a Dansco with other toners. It appears they got that way from this album.
They were in a different album. Here's another from the original album.

Here's an MS63+ example that sold for $12,000. I think mine is more unique and visually appealing. The scar on mine runs into the hair of lady liberty too.
What's the grade? Interesting how the length of the scar towards the base of the neck differ between coins.
Super nice Scarface!
If it were mine I would expect the scratch to hold the grade back but don't think it would keep it from grading. (fingers crossed)
I do think the scratch would keep it out of the 63 range so I would be happy at a 62 it could even 61 on a bad day. If it were mine I don't think I would sell it for quite a while but if I had to in today's market it would be $4500 - $5500 for a 62.
I am not sure how the scratch will affect the coin grade... In the pictures it almost looks as if it would details... in hand, as mentioned, it seems it is not nearly as prominent....It is a good example of scarface though...Cheers, RickO
Here is the one I made in 2014 and sold through GC for $10,005.



bob
Somehow this made MS62 with the scratches on the face.
That's one carved up cheek. It could have gotten to 62 on luster blast. Of the other 62's shown here, yours has a better strike on the face and above the ear. How many toner scarfaces are there in MS holders?
The only toned version is the highest state known. An MS64. Mine has a very unique reverse. Reminds me of a lifesaver candy.
Practiced my photography on this.