My Journey with the GTG 1899-O Morgan Dollar: Grading, Reslabbing, and Rarity

As a longtime coin collector, I’ve been really drawn to an 1899-O Morgan dollar in my collection. This coin got me thinking a lot about grading details, why professional slabbing matters, and just how rare Prooflike (PL) examples can be. I’d like to share my experience and what I’ve picked up along the way.

Grading Debates: MS63 to MS65PL

When I first looked at this 1899-O Morgan, I completely agreed with the initial grade—it seemed like a solid MS64, maybe even PL. But grading isn’t always cut and dried; opinions can really differ. Some might call it MS63 without PL, saying the luster isn’t strong enough, while others might see MS65PL potential if they see it in hand. Photos can be misleading, so I can’t stress enough how important it is to handle the coin yourself to check for mirrored fields and sharp strikes.

• MS63: Makes sense if there are minor flaws that reduce the PL effect.
• MS64PL: My pick, with strong cartwheel luster that suggests Prooflike qualities.
• MS65PL: Possible in the right light, but that’s pushing it without seeing it in person.

The Reslabbing Decision: Why NGC?

Even though I’m sure about the grade, I’m going to send this coin to NGC for reslabbing. Right now, it’s in a plain 2×2 holder, which doesn’t show it off properly. Here’s why: ICG does a good job grading, but it doesn’t have the same respect in the market as NGC or PCGS. For a coin like this—whether it’s part of a set you’re building or an investment—an NGC slab can really boost resale value and how much collectors want it. If you’re in the same boat, I’d say go with NGC or PCGS for coins that matter to get the best price and recognition.

Tackling the Rarity of 1899-O PL Coins

One of the toughest things about collecting is finding 1899-O Morgans in Prooflike condition—they’re really hard to find. I remember losing out on one at auction because the seller pulled it at the last minute, and that was a real letdown. But I learned something important from that: Don’t just count on auction listings. Get in touch with dealers directly. After my disappointment, I reached out to a trusted dealer like Mbarrcoins, and they had several unlisted ICG-graded PL coins available. It goes to show that reaching out to people can turn up hidden gems in this specialized market.

Practical Advice for Fellow Collectors

After all this, here’s my best advice for handling coins like this:

• Try to see the coin in person whenever you can; online pictures can be tricky when it comes to PL features.
• When reslabbing, pick NGC or PCGS to get the most value, especially for rarities like the 1899-O.
• Get to know dealers—it’s often the best way to find coins that aren’t listed.
• Look for coins that really catch your eye; even coins that are almost PL can be great if they look fantastic in hand.

Collecting Morgans is always an adventure. This 1899-O has reminded me that patience and persistence really do pay off. Happy hunting!