NEWP: 1903 S Morgan Dollar

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Hey everyone!

Just picked up this 1903 S last week. Thought I would share with the forum and ask two questions:

Question 1: Do you think it would straight grade if sent in to PCGS?

Question 2: What grade do you think it would come back with?

Thank you if you decide to share your thoughts, I do sincerely appreciate it. In case anyone was wondering about cost, it was literally a melt bucket rescue - so I paid just under melt ($50) for it. Second visit in a row I've found a nice Morgan in that bucket - last time was an 1895 O (in much worse shape, but still...that's better than a melt coin.)

Here's the coin:

(My thoughts: I think it has enough remaining luster for an AU grade, but there are a few rim issues I'd be concerned about - primarily check the obverse around 9 o'clock. The color seems just a bit off to me in hand, my gut tells me it may have been PVC contaminated at one point and dipped to remove the sticky stuff. If I were to have to share my opinion, I'd probably go XF45.)


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Comments

  • cheezhed
    cheezhed Posts: 6,405 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    AU is optimistic. Details seems right.

    Many happy BST transactions
  • tradedollarnut
    tradedollarnut Posts: 20,754 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I’m net VF30

  • defcatnumismatics
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    I sincerely appreciate the comments thus far. I wouldn't consider myself an expert in grading Morgans (as I never really enjoyed the design, and the only coins I've sent in for grading have been cherrypicked die varieties.) I consider everyone's thoughtful responses very helpful in educating me. So thank you to all who have (and might) comment with their opinions!


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  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,051 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 7, 2026 2:04PM
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    Im in at vf 30/35 maybe

  • defcatnumismatics
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    @tradedollarnut and @johnny9434 - do you both mind sharing why you'd go as low as VF on this coin? I'm trying to understand as I compare to PCGS Photograde images that look much worse than this coin to my eyes (which, fairly enough, have been quickly failing me as I approach 50 years old, haha...)


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  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,051 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I see a lot of wear on it. If like stated above its an xf then it's a beautiful thing, just my opinion 🙂

  • BigFrankie
    BigFrankie Posts: 60 ✭✭✭
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    XF Details. But I would still send it in, since it is still a valueable coin.

  • fathom
    fathom Posts: 2,201 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    There is a lot to like on that key date. No major scuffs or scratches, unfortunately surfaces possess a moderately harsh wipe or two. Details XF.

  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,051 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 7, 2026 2:17PM
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    @defcatnumismatics said:
    @tradedollarnut and @johnny9434 - do you both mind sharing why you'd go as low as VF on this coin? I'm trying to understand as I compare to PCGS Photograde images that look much worse than this coin to my eyes (which, fairly enough, have been quickly failing me as I approach 50 years old, haha...)

    66 here, I was lied to when told it will get better .... 🤥

  • hummingbird_coins
    hummingbird_coins Posts: 1,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Probably XF45, I have seen worse in straight graded holders

    Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
    Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled

  • defcatnumismatics
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    I'm now at the point where everything past my arm length is still in focus...but everything inside is a mystery. It really stinks in at least two circumstances - looking at coins (have to use glasses now) and when I see a mosquito heading for me. That little stinker just fades away as it gets closer. Wish my cats enjoyed catching them as much as the occasional fly or moth that wanders inside.


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  • coastaljerseyguy
    coastaljerseyguy Posts: 2,127 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    XF Details but nice pickup from the bucket. Not sure the dealer was paying attention on this one.

  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 9, 2026 7:06AM
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    VF 30.

    Investor
  • dcarr
    dcarr Posts: 10,255 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    It seems to have the luster of an EF/AU, but the wear of an EF40.
    So I think it will grade EF40.

    .

  • Morgan13
    Morgan13 Posts: 2,691 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 8, 2026 4:20AM
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    I believe its an XF45 details also.
    Nice grab.
    I wonder what its worth.....anyone have an idea?

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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  • MFeld
    MFeld Posts: 17,131 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Cougar1978 said:
    VF 30. Wager straight grade.

    You should look at a lot of pictures of VF30 Morgan dollars and compare their details to those on this coin.
    Hopefully that will help you to see that your grade assessment was off.
    And don’t wager on a straight grade unless you get better than even odds.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • marcmoish
    marcmoish Posts: 6,936 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Looks details EF .

    Unless scans are waaay off then 40 at best.

    Too much wear, circulation and field chatter for higher.

  • coastaljerseyguy
    coastaljerseyguy Posts: 2,127 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Posted this before, here is my NGC XF40. Although your coin appears to have more luster, appears the design was scrubbed when cleaning. Look at the obverse hair over the ear and lower leaf, and the neck feathers (what's left) on the reverse. Think these were worn down by cleanings and not circulation so much. You found a nice coin for $50, but chances of a straight AU grade, are very slim.

  • pursuitofliberty
    pursuitofliberty Posts: 7,926 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I would not expect a straight grade, but you know what they say ... on any given day.

    I see a lot of wear and yet still some protected luster. This happens on on CBH's occassionally too.

    I'd call it a net VF30/35


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

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  • LeeBone
    LeeBone Posts: 4,889 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    30/35 IMO
    Wouldn't expect a straight grade.
    Still cool pulling it from a dealers junk box though.

  • mattniss
    mattniss Posts: 863 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I'd wager it comes back XF Details. Solid pick for the price from the junk box!

  • cameonut2011
    cameonut2011 Posts: 10,868 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    XF details cleaned

  • TallahasseeCoinClub
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    I am thinking VF-35 and cannot tell from the OP pics whether cleaning is likely.

    Official PCGS account of:

    www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com

  • Goob
    Goob Posts: 576 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    XF40, (with the potentiality of details) seems fair. Nonetheless a very nice find!

    "Another day, another Collectors Universe forum scrolling session."
    - Someone, probably

  • Cougar1978
    Cougar1978 Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    XF 40

    Investor
  • lermish
    lermish Posts: 4,998 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Cougar1978 said:
    XF 40

    Are you sure about that?

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • WinLoseWin
    WinLoseWin Posts: 1,912 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @lermish said:

    @Cougar1978 said:
    XF 40

    Are you sure about that?

    .
    .

    It is like spot metal prices, it changes each day and he's just giving an update. :)

    "To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin

  • MFeld
    MFeld Posts: 17,131 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @WinLoseWin said:

    @lermish said:

    @Cougar1978 said:
    XF 40

    Are you sure about that?

    .
    .

    It is like spot metal prices, it changes each day and he's just giving an update. :)

    Except that @Cougar1978 posted a grade of 30 and then another post of 40 later in the same day.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • lermish
    lermish Posts: 4,998 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @MFeld said:

    @WinLoseWin said:

    @lermish said:

    @Cougar1978 said:
    XF 40

    Are you sure about that?

    .
    .

    It is like spot metal prices, it changes each day and he's just giving an update. :)

    Except that @Cougar1978 posted a grade of 30 and then another post of 40 later in the same day.

    The Producer Price Index report just came out an hour ago, inflation is up. It affects us all ;)

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Someone FOOLED with that. VF details.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • scotty1419
    scotty1419 Posts: 1,172 ✭✭✭✭
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    I think netting to XF40 details.

  • MFeld
    MFeld Posts: 17,131 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @scotty1419 said:
    I think netting to XF40 details.

    “Netting” is lowering the grade (a coin would otherwise receive) due to an issue. For example, a coin is AU, but very lightly cleaned. So, instead of grading it AU details, cleaned, it’s netted to a straight grade of XF.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

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