GTG Sunday Edition: My Coin Grading Adventure with an Unexpected Twist

I recently settled in for what I thought would be a straightforward coin grading session, centered on an 1886 Morgan dollar. But here’s the twist – it ended up being all about a Kennedy half dollar instead! Just another reminder of how wonderfully unpredictable this hobby can be, especially when grading throws you curveballs and you start spotting die variations.

The Kennedy Half Dollar Grading Puzzle

Once I had the Kennedy under my loupe, I noticed marks on the cheek and left fields that looked like hits at first glance. My initial thought was, “Okay, this is topping out at MS-64.” But looking closer? Most were actually die polish lines – those subtle ridges left from the minting process. They’re super common on Kennedys and easy to mistake for damage. Here’s what stood out:

• Die polish lines usually don’t tank a coin’s grade like real hits do. They’re part of the coin’s story, a result of the mint’s finishing work, and often don’t hurt the eye appeal much.
• Even so, the minor marks near Kennedy’s nose sealed it for me – I still think it’s a solid MS-64. Kennedys often land here unless they’re exceptionally clean, kind of like how Morgans need to be nearly perfect to hit MS-65.

The Elusive 1886 Morgan Dollar

The real surprise? That Morgan dollar we planned to grade just wouldn’t cooperate for photos! It stayed hidden. Having handled plenty of 1886-P Morgans, especially hunting VAMs, I know they’re common in lower grades but tough to find in true gem condition. Not seeing it meant no grade, but it got me thinking about the pitfalls of remote grading:

• For a Morgan to hit MS-65, it needs minimal marks and strong, vibrant luster. Anything less – common hits, a weak strike – usually drops it to MS-64 or lower.
• This whole episode drove home why crystal-clear, well-lit photos are absolutely essential. A single blurry shot can lead to a costly misjudgment when buying or selling.

What I Learned (And What You Can Use)

This GTG-inspired session was a great learning moment. Here’s what I’d tell any collector based on it:

• Double-check the basics – date, mint mark – every single time. Trust me, I’ve misread a holder date mid-grading frenzy myself!
• Learn to spot die polish lines versus actual damage. It’s a skill that saves you from overpaying for a coin that looks better than it really is.
• For high grades, eye appeal is king. Look for minimal distractions, full luster, and clean fields. This holds true whether it’s a Kennedy, a Morgan, or just about anything else.
• Never settle for one photo, especially online. Ask for plenty of clear pictures from different angles. Hidden flaws can turn a potential gem into a real disappointment.

All in all, this unexpected turn reminded me that coin collecting is full of surprises. But with a careful eye and a bit of know-how, every little mystery is a chance to learn something new. Happy hunting – here’s hoping your next find is a real beauty!