My Twist on Guessing Grades: Insights from Morgan Dollars

I recently tried a fun experiment: guessing the grades of three Morgan Dollars that all shared the same PCGS certification. Let me tell you, it was both humbling and eye-opening – really shifted how I look at grading.

The Coin Set and Challenge

I had three Morgans in hand: an 1881-CC, an 1895-S, and a 1921. The catch? They’d all been graded identically, which forced me to see beyond individual flaws and focus on overall condition. That 1895-S had this noticeable gouge on Liberty’s cheek, while the others showed rubs on the eagles’ breasts. Got me wondering how these different marks affect the final grade.

Grading Predictions vs. Reality

At first glance, I thought the 1895-S might hit MS-63, but those hits made me second-guess. Other collectors I polled leaned toward AU-58 or MS-62, pointing to the heavy marks. Turns out it was MS-62 – I missed it completely! Shows how tiny details can tank a coin’s standing. A few observations stuck with me:

• Flaws like cheek gouges or breast rubs often limit Morgans to MS-62 territory
• Some coins in the group looked sharper than others, but consistent bag marks leveled the playing field
• It explains why third-party graders sometimes catch flak for inconsistency, especially with rare dates where personal bias might creep in

Practical Grading Tips

This little exercise changed how I evaluate coins. Now I always start by checking high-wear zones – the breast, cheek, and fields – for contact marks. Side-by-side comparisons reveal subtle differences better than solo inspections, and I’ve learned to value strong luster and surfaces over isolated flaws. Some advice from my notebook:

• Target trouble spots: The eagle’s breast and Liberty’s cheek show wear first on Morgans
• Count bag marks: Multiple hits add up fast and drag grades down
• Practice with common dates: Grading Lincolns built my confidence, but Morgans play by different rules

Personal Takeaways for Collectors

Turns out my grading skills need more work – I nailed Lincoln cents recently, but these Morgans tripped me up! It’s a good reminder that grading isn’t pure science. Even the pros miss the mark sometimes. But that’s what keeps coin collecting interesting, right? Through challenges like this, I’m learning to trust my own eyes more and appreciate the market’s little quirks. Whether you’re into silver dollars or colonial coppers, nothing beats hands-on experience for sharpening your skills.