Lately, I’ve been captivated by an 1886 Morgan Dollar that’s sparked quite the conversation among collectors. Many call it the ‘GTG’ thanks to its fascinating grading puzzle. As someone who’s handled Morgans for years, I found this coin perfectly captures what makes our hobby so rewarding – that sweet spot between challenge and discovery that gives us all something to chew on.
Reading the Grade Like a Collector
When this 1886 first landed in my hand, it reminded me how tiny details separate good coins from great ones. My gut tells me it’s solidly in the MS64 camp – there’s just enough holding it back from gem status. You’ll spot a mark on Liberty’s jaw that catches the light, plus a scratch across the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. These are exactly the kind of flaws that make graders pause on otherwise lovely coins. Sure, some folks might hope for MS65, but those marks are too noticeable to overlook when you’re judging high-grade silver. Here’s what I’ve learned to watch for over the years:
- Pay special attention to high-relief areas like the cheek or breast feathers – marks there hurt most
- Always use multiple light sources when inspecting; photos can hide surface quirks
- Trust your own eyes alongside grading standards – I’ve seen PCGS MS65 coins with similar flaws that made me scratch my head
Toning’s Magic Touch
What really gives this Morgan character is the delicate rim toning. That subtle rainbow effect makes collectors’ hearts beat faster and can add real premium to the right buyer. From what I’ve seen at shows and auctions, toning like this transforms an MS64 coin into something special. Even faint peripheral color can make a difference – so next time you’re hunting Morgans, keep an eye out for those naturally toned rims. It’s one of my favorite ways to find hidden value without chasing top-grade prices.
Grading Wisdom and Market Savvy
This GTG experience reinforced why patience matters when grading Morgans. I always recommend keeping reference coins handy – like that MS65 I once saw with a distracting gash that made zero sense to me. With this 1886, the anticipation of the final grade reminded me why we do this: the thrill of the hunt is as important as the prize. Here’s what works for me when evaluating tricky coins:
- Shoot photos from multiple angles – you’ll spot things your eyes might miss
- Prioritize coins with attractive features like toning – they move faster in today’s market
- Savor the suspense! That waiting period makes finding great coins so much sweeter
Whatever grade this GTG Morgan ultimately receives, remember to enjoy it as a piece of history first. Happy hunting – I’ll be right there with you waiting to see how this story ends!