Guess the Grade with a Twist: My Morgan Dollar Grading Adventure

I recently tackled a fun and eye-opening challenge in numismatics: guessing the grade of three Morgan Silver Dollars that all received the same PCGS grade. It was a twist on the usual grading game, and it taught me heaps about the subtleties of coin evaluation.

The Setup: Three Coins, One Grade

I examined three distinct Morgan Dollars: an 1881-CC, an 1895-S, and a 1921. Each had its own character, but the big question was what grade PCGS assigned uniformly across them. Right away, I spotted key flaws—like a gnarly gouge on the upper cheek of the 1895-S and noticeable rub on the eagles’ breasts across all coins. These details made me think they couldn’t hit the higher Mint State tiers.

My Grading Journey and Surprises

As I pondered, I leaned toward AU58 initially, focusing on the bag marks and hits that seemed to drag them down. The 1895-S, in particular, felt like it fell short even for MS-62 in my eyes—it just didn’t have the luster or sharpness I’d expect. But when the actual grade was revealed as MS-62, I was stunned! I would’ve guessed MS-63 for some, especially the 1921, which appeared cleaner. This inconsistency highlighted how grading can be all over the place, with no clear rhyme or reason at times.

• I realized that TPGs might overgrade rarer coins to include them in higher tiers, leading to head-scratching results.
• For common dates like the 1921, coins often don’t get marked as premium quality unless they’re exceptional.
• Even minor defects, like that cheek gouge, can be overlooked by graders, making it crucial to trust my own observations.

Practical Grading Tips I Learned

This experience sharpened my approach to coin grading, and I’ve got some solid advice for fellow collectors:

• Always scrutinize coins for hits, rubs, and wear—especially on high points like eagles’ breasts—as they can tank a grade quickly.
• Build your grading skills starting with coins you know well, such as Lincoln cents, to gain confidence before tackling rarities.
• Don’t rely solely on TPG slabs; develop your ‘buyer’s eye’ to spot when a grade feels off, as inconsistencies are common.
• In group submissions, if one coin gets a certain grade, others might follow suit, so evaluate each piece individually.

Final Thoughts on Numismatic Nuances

This twist on the grading game was a humbling reminder that numismatics is as much art as science. Even with multiple guesses, I could’ve been wrong—but it reinforced why I love this hobby. Whether you’re into Morgans, precious metals, or just starting out, trust your instincts and keep learning. After all, every coin tells a story, and sometimes, the grade is just the beginning.