My Passion for Classic Commemorative Half Dollars: 1892-1954
July 3, 2025My Path to Mastering the Art of Grading Raw Coins
July 3, 2025
You know, as someone who’s spent years chasing Morgan dollars, I still get that little rush when a coin like the 1886 Morgan sparks so much discussion. Looking back on my own experience with this beauty—especially after that long wait for grading results—I want to share some thoughts on what makes these coins tick.
My Take on Grading the ’86 Morgan
Holding this coin under the loupe, a few things jumped out. That mark on Liberty’s jawline? Seen it before. The scratch across the eagle’s breast? Classic trouble spots. In my book, these are exactly what keep a Morgan from hitting gem status. I remember a coin show last year where similar hits bumped what looked like a solid MS65 down to MS64. It’s proof that grading isn’t just about shine—those tiny flaws shout louder than you’d think.
- Check high spots like the face and eagle first—they’ll tell you most of what you need to know.
- Don’t let slabs do your thinking for you. I once saw a PCGS MS65 with a gouge deep enough to catch your fingernail. Trust your eyes over the label.
Why I Love Light Rim Toning
What really hooked me on this particular ’86 was that soft rim toning. After handling hundreds of Morgans, I’ve learned collectors will pay extra for these subtle rainbows. It turns a good coin into a showstopper—adding both beauty and bucks to your collection. My advice? Go for coins with natural, even toning if you’re hunting these.
When Graders Disagree (And They Will!)
Getting grades all over the map—MS63 to MS65 for the same coin!—just shows how personal this game is. Here’s how I handle it:
- Take photos from every angle. I’ve spotted hairlines in digital shots that vanished under the loupe.
- Find a grader whose eye you trust, or swap notes with collectors online. Saved me from disappointment more than once.
- Remember that oddball features like toning can outweigh flaws. Saw a scratched ’81-S with electric blue toning fetch double book value at auction.
The Waiting Game: Part of the Fun
That nail-biting period waiting for this ’86’s grade? It taught me patience pays off in collecting. I filled the time digging into the New Orleans mint’s history that year and watching price trends. Whether it came back MS64 or surprised us, the hunt itself was the reward. Keep looking, keep learning—and may your next find give you that same “aha!” moment this GTG did for me.
