The Anticipation of Grading: My Experience with the ’86 GTG Morgan Dollar

I’ve been buzzing with excitement over taking a close look at grading an 1886 Morgan silver dollar—you might know it as the ‘awaited GTG’—and it really reminded me why I love coin collecting. As someone who’s spent years studying coins, I live for these moments where opinions differ and every little detail counts. Today, I’ll share some thoughts on grading, toning, and why patience matters, all sparked by this classic coin.

Grading the ’86 Morgan: What I Saw

When I first saw photos of that 1886 Morgan, I understood why collectors were debating its grade. In my experience, coins like this often land somewhere between MS63 and MS65, and it comes down to spotting those make-or-break flaws. Personally, I’d call this one an MS64. Why? Because marks like the one on Liberty’s jaw and that scratch across the eagle’s breast really hold it back from gem status. It’s a good lesson: always check high-traffic areas carefully under strong light—those little hits can change everything.

How Toning Adds Value

What really caught my eye was the light rim toning on this Morgan. From what I’ve seen at shows and auctions, subtle natural toning like this can add serious value, especially with collectors who appreciate beautiful color shifts. It’s not just about the grade; attractive toning can mean 10-20% more—sometimes even higher—for Morgans. My tip? Look for coins with even, natural toning and steer clear of anything artificial. This ’86 dollar shows how just a touch of character can make a coin more desirable.

Grading Tips I’ve Picked Up

After years of handling Morgans, I’ve learned a few tricks to avoid grading mistakes. Here’s what works for me:

• Always inspect key areas: Pay extra attention to the cheek and the eagle’s breast—that’s where little nicks can really hurt the grade.
• Compare to slabbed coins: If you see flaws like that distracting gash on a PCGS MS65 I once examined, trust your gut and question the grade.
• Keep it consistent: Use your loupe and good lighting every time—photos can hide details that might lead you to overgrade.

For this ’86 Morgan, I’d stick with MS64 because of those marks, but it’s still a beautiful coin worth holding onto.

Why Waiting Is Part of the Fun

That nail-biting wait for a grade—like with this GTG coin—is just part of our hobby. I’ve come to appreciate the anticipation; it builds excitement and teaches patience. Sometimes life gets busy or the process takes longer than expected. What helps me? Using the downtime to study recent auction results or chat with other collectors. When the grade finally comes, it makes the whole experience richer. It’s a good reminder to enjoy the journey.

All in all, this ’86 Morgan adventure has reminded me why I love the hunt. If you’re looking at similar coins, focus on the details, appreciate great toning, and remember—good things come to those who wait. Happy collecting!