My GTG Sunday Coin Grading Adventure: Twists and Insights

I was wrapping up a relaxing Sunday coin session when I ran into a real puzzle that turned into a fun grading challenge. What I thought would be a straightforward look at an 1886 Morgan Dollar took an unexpected turn when a Kennedy Half Dollar stole the show—now that’s a numismatic curveball!

The Unexpected Twist in the Tale

I had my loupe ready for that 1886 Morgan, but surprise! Only photos of a Kennedy Half Dollar popped up. This mix-up made me laugh—it felt like the coin gods were keeping me on my toes. With no clear Morgan images, I switched gears to focus on what was right in front of me. Turns out, that adaptability is something we all need in this hobby.

Grading the Kennedy Half Dollar

Taking a closer look at the Kennedy photos, I spotted several marks, especially a cluster of hits on the cheek and left fields that jumped out. Here’s what stood out:

• Hit marks and die polish lines: Those marks near Kennedy’s nose? Mostly die polish lines rather than handling damage, but they still hold the grade down. Always examine coins under good light to tell mint features apart from later issues.
• Grade assessment: I settled around MS-64. While I hoped for gem status, the hits and field marks held it back. For Kennedys, anything above MS-64 needs near perfection, so this felt right.
• Practical tip: Snap multiple photos from different angles. I’ve learned lighting and focus can play tricks, hiding flaws or making them look worse than they are.

Insights on Morgan Dollars and Market Musings

Since the Morgan never materialized, I thought about why these coins test us. An 1886 Morgan needs to be exceptionally clean to reach MS-65 or better—they’re famous for bag marks. I’ve gathered a few 1886-P Morgans myself through VAM hunting, which makes collecting more interesting but grading trickier.

• Grading Morgans: Seek coins with minimal hits in key spots like the cheek or fields—even small flaws matter. If you enjoy VAMs, building a specialty collection around die varieties adds value without demanding perfection.
• Market observation: Mid-grade Morgans in MS-64 are friendlier for newer collectors and easier on the wallet. But if you find a high-grade one? That’s a real score given how scarce flawless examples are.

Some Thoughts for Your Collection

This whole experience reminded me: always double-check your coins before grading—even simple mistakes like misreading dates happen. And grading needs patience as much as sharp eyes; sometimes stepping away and coming back later helps. Whether you collect Kennedys, Morgans, or metals, it’s these surprises that keep our hobby fresh and exciting!