Guessing the Grade: My Take on a Corroded Coin Puzzle
June 28, 2025Silver Screen Treasures: My Adventures Spotting Coins in Movies and Television
June 28, 2025
Like many of you, I’ve been following the chatter about an 1886 Morgan dollar collectors are calling the ‘awaited ’86 GTG’. What drew me in wasn’t just its history, but the passionate arguments about its grade – a real-world lesson in coin grading.
The Grading Puzzle
When I held this Morgan, I understood why opinions varied so much. Here’s my take:
- The surfaces show a few hits that would likely keep it from gem status. I’d call it MS64 – respectable but not pristine.
- While the luster and eye appeal might tempt some toward MS65, those visible marks make me lean toward MS64+.
- That scratch across the eagle’s chest and marks on Liberty’s jawline? I’ve watched coins in my own collection get downgraded for similar flaws.
How Flaws Affect Value
These imperfections aren’t unusual for Morgans, but they really matter for value. Consider:
- A mark on Liberty’s jaw sits right in the focal point – if it’s noticeable, it often costs a grade.
- The eagle’s scratch is a real distraction. I’ve sometimes questioned grading service labels when coins have flaws like this.
The light rim toning was a pleasant surprise. Many collectors (myself included) appreciate that kind of subtle toning, and it can add value despite other issues.
Some Grading Tips I’ve Picked Up
Looking back at this experience, here’s what I’d tell fellow collectors:
- Trust your eyes over photos every time. Hold the coin, use your loupe, and see what’s really there.
- Pay extra attention to high points: on Morgans, check Liberty’s cheek and jaw, plus the fields. Small marks might pass in MS65, but anything significant suggests MS64 or lower.
- Remember that toned coins often bring premiums – I always factor that in at auction.
Waiting for the final grade reminded me how subjective grading can be – and that’s part of what makes our hobby exciting. Whether this ’86 GTG lands at MS63 or MS65, it perfectly captures why I collect coins: every piece sparks conversation, and the stories behind them are just as valuable as the metal. Happy hunting!
