My Deep Dive into the GTG 1899-O Morgan Dollar: Grading and Collecting Insights

I recently got my hands on an intriguing 1899-O Morgan dollar I’ve been eyeing for my collection, and it really got me thinking about grading, rarity, and how the market works. This coin sparked my curiosity about Prooflike (PL) designations and the finer points of third-party grading, so I wanted to share what I discovered.

Assessing the Grade and PL Status

When I first looked at this 1899-O Morgan, I agreed with an initial grade of MS63 to MS64. The luster and surfaces were solid, but figuring out if it was truly Prooflike wasn’t easy—photos can be deceiving, and there’s no substitute for seeing it in hand. I found that subtle reflections and mirror-like fields are what make a coin PL, but sometimes the lighting can play tricks on you. My advice? Always try to inspect these coins yourself, or at least use high-quality images from multiple angles so you don’t call it wrong.

Why I’m Considering Reslabbing to NGC

I’m planning to send this coin to NGC for reslabbing, not because I think the grade will change, but because of how the market views them. NGC and PCGS slabs are more respected and tend to bring higher prices than others, like ICG—which I think does a good job grading, but just isn’t as well known. For competitive sets, that NGC holder can really make a difference in how easy it is to sell and how much interest it draws from other collectors. If you’re putting together a top-notch collection, I’d stick with NGC or PCGS for your key coins to get the best value.

The Rarity of 1899-O PL Morgan Dollars

This whole thing reminded me just how tough it is to find an 1899-O in Prooflike condition—it’s one of the real challenges in the Morgan series. I remembered losing out on a similar coin at auction because the seller came up with an excuse not to sell, which taught me you have to act fast. When I was looking for one, I reached out to dealer friends like Mbarrcoins, and they had options that weren’t even listed. It pays to get to know trusted dealers because often the best coins never make it to the public listings—sometimes just asking turns up a hidden gem.

Practical Advice for Fellow Collectors

From what I’ve learned, here are a few tips that might help you along the way:

• Grade conservatively: Start at MS63 for borderline coins and check them in hand—photos don’t always tell the whole story.
• Focus on TPG choice: Stick with NGC or PCGS for your important coins to help with resale, even if other graders are fair.
• Chase rare dates wisely: For tough ones like the 1899-O PL, build relationships with dealers and keep a close eye on auctions.
• Evaluate PL carefully: Look for deep mirrors under direct light, and if you’re not sure, get a second opinion before you buy.

Overall, working with this 1899-O Morgan reminded me how much fun and strategy goes into coin collecting—stay patient and keep looking, and you’ll find pieces that make your collection shine.