The Awaited ’86 GTG: My Deep Dive into Grading an 1886 Morgan Dollar

Lately, I’ve been studying an 1886 Morgan dollar that’s getting a lot of buzz among collectors—they’re calling it the “awaited ’86 GTG” thanks to all the speculation about its grade. As someone who’s handled countless Morgans, I spent some quality time with photos of this coin and want to share my thoughts on its condition, value, and what really matters when grading.

How I Graded the 1886 Morgan

After really studying the images, a few things stood out that tell the story of this coin. I couldn’t miss the marks along Liberty’s jaw or that scratch running across the eagle’s breast feathers. While they’re not major, these are exactly the kind of flaws that typically hold a Morgan back from higher grades. Here’s what jumped out at me:

• Jawline marks: Pretty common on these, but enough to keep it out of gem territory
• Chest scratch: More noticeable and hurts the overall eye appeal
• Strike and luster: Still shows crisp details and a nice cartwheel shine – no question it’s mint state

Putting it all together, I’d land at MS64. It’s that sweet spot where the coin’s strengths balance its visible wear, and honestly, I’ve seen many collectors reach the same conclusion on similar pieces.

Grading Tips I Swear By

Let’s be real – grading from photos isn’t perfect, but I’ve found a few approaches that work. Always insist on high-quality images with proper lighting to catch those sneaky flaws. Pay extra attention to high-relief areas like Liberty’s cheek and jaw, and don’t forget to scan the fields. A single distraction can easily cost a grade point – I still recall an MS65 Morgan with a glaring scratch that made me scratch my head! For this ’86, the light rim toning is gorgeous and will tempt toning lovers, but remember: grade the coin, not the toning. Focus on strike, luster, and surfaces first.

What Collectors Should Know

Morgans like this ’86 with attractive toning are hot right now. That subtle rim color could add 10-20% for the right buyer, but please – get toning verified before paying extra. If you’re hunting for one, look for clean fields to avoid grade surprises. And about that waiting game for grades? We’ve all been there staring at the mailbox. Use that time to connect with fellow collectors or dig into auction archives. That’s how you build the knowledge that leads to great finds. At the end of the day, coins like this remind us why Morgans endure – they’re pocket-sized history you can hold in your hand.

This ’86 Morgan shows us that grading isn’t just technical – it’s about seeing the whole coin. You might see it as MS65, and that’s what makes our hobby interesting. The anticipation of that grade reveal? That’s the magic. Happy hunting, and I hope your next find makes your heart skip a beat!