My GTG Sunday Coin Grading Adventure: Surprises and Insights

What was supposed to be a quiet Sunday coin grading session turned into a real head-scratcher, and honestly? I loved it. I settled in to evaluate what I thought was a Kennedy half dollar, only to discover the actual coin in question was supposed to be an 1886 Morgan dollar! Talk about a plot twist. We’ll get to that mystery Morgan in a bit. These little surprises are why I collect – they keep you sharp and constantly learning.

The Unexpected Twist: Grading the Unseen Morgan

So, there I was, ready for a GTG-style challenge focused on a Kennedy half dollar based on the photos provided. Imagine my surprise when I realized the real target was an 1886 Morgan! And here’s the kicker: there weren’t any photos of the Morgan available. Faced with grading a coin I couldn’t see, I leaned on past experience. I’ve handled plenty of 1886-P Morgans, often hunting for VAM varieties, and I know firsthand how finicky they can be to grade. This whole mix-up really drove home a collector’s reality: sometimes you have to go with your gut when visuals are missing, but always, *always* insist on clear photos for an accurate grade.

Taking a Closer Look at the Kennedy Half

With the Morgan temporarily out of the picture (quite literally!), I turned my attention to the Kennedy half dollar that *was* photographed. Giving it a good look, a few things stood out. Obvious hits near Kennedy’s cheek and in the left fields caught my eye – classic wear spots for these coins. But then I noticed finer lines around the nose. My first thought was scratches, but I soon recognized them as die polish lines. Here’s how I saw it:

• My Grade: Considering the hits and the overall look, I landed on MS-64. It’s a nice coin, but those marks prevent it from reaching gem status.
• Die Polish Lines: These are fine, parallel lines you see when the mint polishes the dies to fix imperfections. They aren’t damage, just a part of the coin’s story. On this Kennedy, they added a bit of character without really hurting the grade.
• Holding it Back: Like Morgans, Kennedys need to be pretty clean for top grades like MS-65 or better. Those minor hits? They’re usually deal-breakers for the highest tiers.

Why That 1886 Morgan Matters

Thinking about the phantom 1886 Morgan got me reflecting on why this date is such a staple in collections. I’ve picked up quite a few myself, largely drawn in by the VAM varieties that make each piece unique. While 1886 Morgans are common, finding one in truly high grade is tough. They often show bag marks from rough handling back in the day. An MS-64 is respectable, but getting to MS-65? That demands minimal contact marks and strong, original luster – something I’ve seen be surprisingly elusive. This whole exercise reminded me: even common dates like the 1886-P can be worth a significant premium in top condition, so it pays to check for VAMs and eye-catching surfaces.

Grading Tips From the Trenches

This little adventure taught me a few things I’ll definitely use next time I’m grading. Here’s what I took away:

• Look Closer: Always double-check features like die polish lines. It’s easy to confuse them with damage, but they’re usually harmless mint artifacts.
• Photos Matter: If the images aren’t clear, hold off on grading. Guessing doesn’t help anyone – not you, not the coin.
• Focus on Key Spots: Pay extra attention to high-relief areas like faces and open fields on coins like Kennedys or Morgans. A single noticeable hit there can easily knock down a grade.
• Specialize a Bit: Getting familiar with specific series, like hunting VAMs on Morgans, helps you spot the small details that really affect value.

Wrapping up, this GTG-style puzzle was a great reminder of why I love this hobby. Whether it’s a Kennedy revealing its secrets or a Morgan hiding from the camera, staying curious and paying attention always leads somewhere interesting. Happy hunting!