The Awaited ’86 GTG: My Grading Journey with a Classic Morgan Dollar

I’ve collected coins for years, and nothing excites me more than getting my hands on a classic Morgan silver dollar for grading. When this 1886 Morgan surfaced, that familiar tingle of anticipation hit—what grade would it truly earn? Let me share how I approached it and what I discovered.

Assessing the ’86 Morgan

Right away, this coin showed strong mint-state qualities with crisp details, but imperfections grabbed my attention. The light rim toning added lovely character—exactly what toning collectors adore. But under closer inspection, I found a mark on Liberty’s jawline and a scratch across the eagle’s chest. These are classic Morgan trouble spots that often block gems, so my gut said this wouldn’t hit the top tiers.

The Grading Debate

Here’s where things get interesting: grading Morgans always involves some healthy disagreement. I saw this as a solid MS64—those hits kept it from gem status for me. But I’ve talked with collectors who’d argue for MS65 based on its luster and overall eye appeal. Flip the coin, and a single harsh distraction could drop it to MS63 territory. When I’m weighing grades, three things always stand out:

• Marks on focal points: Flaws on Liberty’s jaw or the eagle draw the eye and hurt grades most.
• Field scratches: That chest scratch? It’s in open space where damage really stands out.
• Toning’s role: While attractive toning adds charm, it won’t erase actual damage in the grader’s book.

Tips for Fellow Collectors

Here’s what I’ve learned from coins like this: Always inspect under proper lighting—photos hide too much. With Morgans, pay extra attention to high-relief areas like the jaw and breast feathers; they’re bruise magnets. Even slabbed “gems” can have distracting flaws, so examine carefully before paying premiums. While toned coins like this ’86 might attract niche buyers, stick to cleaner examples for serious sets.

The Thrill of the Wait

That stretch between finding a coin and learning its grade? Pure magic. With this ’86 GTG, days of suspense reminded me why I love this hobby—the speculation, the learning, the shared excitement with fellow collectors. Whether it lands at MS64 or surprises us, the hunt itself brings joy. So keep searching, trust your instincts, and happy collecting!