Grading the 1879-S Morgan Dollar: Understanding the Impact of Cleaning on Value

Introduction: The Fine Line Between Original Wear and Artificial Cleaning

Condition is everything in numismatics. The difference between a coin worth $10 and one worth $1,000 often comes down to subtle variations in preservation, luster, and surface quality. When examining a Morgan Silver Dollar like the 1879-S (Reverse of ’78) variety, professional graders must carefully distinguish between natural circulation wear and artificial cleaning that can significantly impact value.

Historical Context: The 1879-S Morgan Dollar

The 1879-S Morgan Dollar represents an interesting transitional period in American coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this particular variety features the Reverse of ’78, which collectors recognize as having a distinctive appearance compared to later reverse designs. With a mintage of over 9 million pieces, this date isn’t particularly rare in circulated grades, though higher-grade examples and certain VAM varieties can command premium prices.

Understanding Natural vs. Artificial Wear

Before diving into the specific grading analysis, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between natural wear patterns and artificial cleaning. Natural wear occurs gradually through circulation, creating smooth, even surfaces with consistent luster breaks. Artificial cleaning, on the other hand, often leaves telltale signs that experienced graders can identify.

Natural Circulation Patterns

When Morgan Dollars circulated in everyday commerce, they developed wear patterns that followed predictable paths. High points such as Liberty’s cheek, hair details, and the eagle’s breast typically showed the first signs of wear. The metal would gradually smooth and lose its original mint luster in a way that appears organic and consistent.

Artificial Cleaning Indicators

Artificial cleaning often manifests in several ways that graders look for:

• Hairline scratches that appear in parallel patterns
• Areas of unnatural brightness or reflectivity
• Loss of original mint luster replaced by artificial sheen
• Inconsistent wear patterns that don’t follow natural circulation

Detailed Analysis of the 1879-S Specimen

Examining the photographs provided by the collector, several key areas require careful evaluation to determine the coin’s true grade and condition status.

High Point Examination: Liberty’s Face and Neck

The area beneath Liberty’s chin and extending down toward the date shows characteristics that experienced graders associate with cleaning. The surface appears unnaturally smooth and lacks the cartwheel luster typical of original mint state coins. This area, being a high point on the design, would naturally show wear first, but the pattern here suggests mechanical intervention rather than natural circulation.

Reverse Analysis: Central Design Elements

The reverse side presents additional indicators worth noting. The area beneath the letter “M” in “UNUM,” along with the two stars to its right and the “TED” in “UNITED,” shows surface characteristics consistent with cleaning. These areas typically retain some original luster even in circulated coins, but here they appear uniformly bright and lack the depth of original surfaces.

Luster Quality Assessment

Original mint luster on Morgan Dollars exhibits a distinctive cartwheel effect when rotated under light. This phenomenon results from the way light reflects off the microscopic flow lines created during the minting process. When a coin is cleaned, these delicate flow lines are often disturbed or removed entirely.

Evaluating the Current Luster

In this 1879-S example, the luster appears compromised in several areas. While some cartwheel effect may be present, it lacks the vibrant, unbroken appearance of an original mint state coin. The luster that remains seems to follow the cleaned areas rather than appearing naturally distributed across the surface.

Strike Quality Considerations

The strike quality of Morgan Dollars from the San Francisco Mint was generally excellent, with good detail in the hair strands, feathers, and other intricate design elements. Examining this particular specimen, the strike appears adequate but not exceptional, which is consistent with a coin that saw circulation.

Detail Preservation Analysis

Key design elements to evaluate include:

• Liberty’s hair details and coronet
• The eagle’s feathers and breast
• The cotton and wheat wreath elements
• The lettering sharpness and depth

While some detail remains, the cleaning process may have subtly altered the appearance of these elements, making them appear softer or more uniform than naturally worn coins typically exhibit.

Eye Appeal and Market Acceptability

Eye appeal plays a crucial role in a coin’s market value and collector desirability. Even if a coin is technically sound, poor eye appeal can significantly reduce its worth.

Current Eye Appeal Assessment

This 1879-S Morgan Dollar presents a mixed picture in terms of eye appeal. While the cleaning isn’t harsh enough to make the coin appear harshly damaged, it does create an unnatural appearance that knowledgeable collectors will recognize. The coin falls into that gray area of being “under market acceptable” for many serious collectors.

PCGS and NGC Grading Standards

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) have specific standards for evaluating cleaned coins. A coin that shows evidence of cleaning will typically receive a details grade rather than a numerical grade, regardless of its actual wear level.

Grading Implications

For this 1879-S Morgan Dollar, if submitted to PCGS or NGC, it would likely receive a “Cleaned” designation. This designation significantly impacts the coin’s market value, often reducing it to a fraction of what an original, uncleaned example would command in the same wear grade.

The Pocket Piece Theory: Natural Wear vs. Cleaning

One forum participant raised an interesting point about the possibility of this being a genuine pocket piece rather than a cleaned coin. This theory suggests that the coin’s appearance could result from years of carrying in denim pockets rather than intentional cleaning.

Evaluating the Pocket Piece Hypothesis

While it’s true that Morgan Dollars carried in pockets for extended periods can develop distinctive wear patterns, the characteristics observed on this coin appear more consistent with intentional cleaning. The uniformity of the surface treatment and the specific areas affected don’t align perfectly with typical pocket wear patterns.

Value Assessment and Market Considerations

Understanding the value implications of cleaning is crucial for both buyers and sellers in the numismatic market.

Current Market Value Analysis

The collector mentioned purchasing this coin for $67.50, which falls within a reasonable range for a cleaned 1879-S Morgan Dollar in circulated condition. However, an original, uncleaned example in similar wear would likely command $150-300 or more, depending on the specific grade and eye appeal.

Investment Considerations

For collectors considering purchasing cleaned coins, several factors should be weighed:

• The potential for long-term appreciation is typically limited
• Resale value will always be constrained by the cleaning designation
• Educational value may justify the purchase for learning purposes
• Personal enjoyment should be balanced against investment potential

Authentication and Certification Advice

For collectors unsure about a coin’s status, professional authentication and grading services offer valuable expertise. However, as mentioned in the forum discussion, the motivation for submitting cleaned coins to these services can sometimes seem puzzling.

When to Seek Professional Opinion

Consider professional authentication when:

• You’re unsure about a coin’s originality
• The coin appears to be a key date or variety
• You’re considering a significant investment
• You need documentation for insurance or estate purposes

Conclusion: The Importance of Original Surfaces

This analysis of the 1879-S Morgan Dollar serves as an excellent case study in the importance of original surfaces in numismatics. While the coin in question may still hold appeal for some collectors, particularly those interested in the historical aspects of pocket-worn currency, its cleaned status significantly impacts its value and collectibility.

For serious collectors and investors, the lesson is clear: original surfaces, even with honest wear, are almost always preferable to artificially enhanced examples. The subtle details that graders examine – from luster quality to wear patterns to eye appeal – all contribute to a coin’s true grade and ultimate value.

Understanding these nuances not only helps in making informed purchasing decisions but also deepens appreciation for the artistry and history embodied in each coin. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your numismatic journey, developing the ability to distinguish between natural and artificial surface conditions is an invaluable skill that will serve you well in building a meaningful and valuable collection.

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