My GTG Sunday Edition Coin Grading Twist

I started my Sunday coin session thinking it’d be a straightforward grading exercise. What a surprise when the Kennedy half dollar turned out to be an 1886 Morgan dollar! Just goes to show – you never know what might pop up in this hobby.

The Unexpected Coin Swap

There I was, loupe in one hand and coffee in the other, fully expecting to examine a Kennedy. When I realized it was supposed to be an ’86 Morgan, it gave me that little jolt of excitement we collectors live for. Happens more than you’d think, especially when photos don’t show all the details clearly. I’ve learned to always confirm dates and types upfront – saves plenty of head-scratching later.

Grading the Kennedy Half Dollar

Back to the Kennedy photos. Right away I noticed marks near the cheek and left fields – the kind that can really hurt a grade if they’re significant. But here’s where it got interesting: most weren’t actual hits, just die polish lines. You know how these can look like scratches in bad lighting? That’s why I always tell folks to check coins in natural light before making judgments.

• Several marks turned out to be die artifacts – these don’t count against the grade like real contact marks do
• Even with that good news, the visible hits kept this one at MS-64. Kennedys need near-perfection to reach MS-65 territory

This whole thing reminded me why grading isn’t just about first impressions. Understanding minting quirks makes all the difference. If you’re starting out, compare your coins to reference images online – you’ll quickly learn to spot the difference between polishing lines and real flaws.

The Elusive 1886 Morgan Dollar

That Morgan – all the talk but no show! Felt like hunting for a ghost coin. I’ve always had a soft spot for 1886 P Morgans – I’ve built quite a stack of them chasing VAM varieties. Those little die differences turn an ordinary date into a treasure hunt. A decent ’86 Morgan can hit MS-64 without much trouble, but for MS-65 or better? Needs to be practically flawless – no distractions in the fields or on Miss Liberty’s face.

When you’re after Morgans, never settle for fuzzy photos. Blurry images hide critical details and lead to disappointment. And if VAMs interest you, invest in a good magnifier – spotting those tiny die markers feels like unlocking secret levels in this hobby.

Practical Grading Takeaways

This session gave me some fresh reminders about grading:

• Confirm coin details before starting – saves so much trouble
• Die characteristics come first – polishing lines often mimic damage
• For high-grade coins like Morgans, eye appeal rules – check from multiple angles
• Good photos aren’t optional anymore – insist on clear shots, especially online

What a fun GTG Sunday! These little surprises remind me why I love numismatics – it’s never just about the metal, but the stories and skills we pick up along the way. Still hoping that Morgan surfaces someday – here’s to hoping it’s a real showstopper!