Guessing Grades with a Twist: My Morgan Dollar Adventure

Recently, I got hooked on a fun coin-grading puzzle involving three Morgan Dollars, all PCGS-certified at the same grade. What started as curiosity turned into one of those “aha” moments that remind me why I love collecting.

The Coin Lineup

The trio included an 1881-CC, an 1895-S, and a 1921 Morgan. Each had its own personality, but that 1895-S really caught my eye – its rarity meant every scratch mattered. I spent ages studying surfaces and eye appeal under my loupe.

Grading Challenges and Guesses

My first thought? That 1895-S screamed MS-63 to me. But grading’s never that simple, is it? Around the club table, we batted around grades like AU-58 and MS-62, debating specific trouble spots:

• All three showed rub on the eagle’s breast – classic handling marks that can tank a grade
• The 1895-S had this ugly cheek gouge that shouted “bag mark” to me
• Some folks argued for MS-64 until we spotted the cumulative wear patterns

Funny how even seasoned eyes can miss things when coins share similar flaws.

Market Observations on TPG Consistency

This exercise got me thinking about grading services. We’ve all seen inconsistencies, especially with scarcer dates like the 1895-S. Sometimes it feels like common coins get less scrutiny, and overgrading slips through – whether from fatigue or unconscious bias. When one coin in a group gets downgraded, others often follow suit. That’s why I always say: trust your own eyes before the slab’s opinion.

The Reveal and My Reflections

Turned out all three were MS-62! I was sure that 1895-S deserved better. Getting it wrong reminded me that graders weigh overall condition heavier than rarity alone. Those bag marks and storage hits? Grade-killers every time. And high-mintage coins like the 1921? They often show their age more clearly. Still keeps me humble after all these years!

Practical Grading Tips for Collectors

This little experiment changed how I grade Morgans now. Here’s what works for me:

• Good lighting is non-negotiable – it reveals sneaky rubs like those breast marks
• Check high points first (cheeks, hair) – they’re make-or-break for mint state
• Cut your teeth on Lincoln cents before tackling rarities
• TPG grades are helpful starting points, not holy writ – cross-check with reference books

Guessing games like this keep my skills sharp. If you collect, try it sometime – there’s nothing like hands-on learning to deepen your appreciation for these metal marvels!