AU 58 mysteries
I got a wonderful Morgan 1883P VAM 20 that graded out at AU58. These are often a mystery to me. Reviewing the ANA guild for coins and grading, I really don't see any wear spots on this coin. I thought it should be Ms. It is certainly cleaner than many MS63s so I was hoping for a grade even higher than that. But it came back an AU58. I see no wear on the wing tips of the hair highlights of the portrait, or the breast. How would you grade this coin?
http://www.mrbrklyn.com/images/tmp/IMG_9085.JPG
http://www.mrbrklyn.com/images/tmp/IMG_9086.JPG
http://www.mrbrklyn.com/images/tmp/IMG_9088.JPG
Comments
Randall55
Level 2
If I felt strongly that the grade received was inaccurate, I would consider submitting to a different service if you're looking for value. Over the past ten years I have sent many ANACS coins to NCG, and more often than not they are returned in a different grade. The averages have been surprising, approximately 30 to 35% have been returned same grade and about and even split for returning in a higher or lower grade. In fact, I recently submitted five (5) PCGS graded mint state, key date Morgans in the older holder which were chipped as crossovers. Everyone I know has felt sure two were under graded. I use both services; however, through the years when looking for value, at times it has paid off to resubmit or cross over.
mrbrklyn
Level 4
Thanks Randal!! I have graded a few hundred Morgans+ over the last 20 years and my grading for them is pretty good. This grade is either accurate or it is actually MS. But, FWIW, I have no faith in NCG or PCGS, and less so CAC. They are just a starting point for discussion. What is worst though, is then they (that is NCG particularly, although they are not alone in this) slab counterfiet coins or artifically toned coins. I ALWAY grade with anacs, and would never ever spend the fees to cross to NCG, let alone sit and wait forever for the coin to return as they are sooo slow. That being said, all the grading services have been problematic in grading, and this turns into an endless conversation of "Guess the Grade". Anyone who has faith in the grade of a slab is under a misconception, IMO. That is why this example is fun. The one thing that they could do for me that would be actually useful is to track stolen coins and identify coins without the slab... which can be done today with AI. They won't though. And it upsets me a great deal. I am particularlly fed up with NCG in this matter as two of my coins were removed from their ddatabase but they won't told me who took ownerhip of my coins. I would never ever do business with them based on that experience. As for your number, FWIW, that is what I would expect for cross overs. A third return with the same grade? Wonderful. That is quite a bit better than I would had thought.
AC coin$
Level 6
Beautiful coin .
coinsbygary
Level 5
I often buy a nice-looking AU-58 over an MS version of the same coin, especially if the MS costs too much for me to acquire.
Kepi
Level 6
Beautiful Morgan! It is hard to tell from photos... But sure looks like an "MS". ; )
I. R. Bama
Level 5
I've read that high AU coins often look better than MS 60- 63
mrbrklyn
Level 4
58s - show in theory look better than most MS's - but the 3rd party graders use market grading :(
Golfer
Level 5
What is that on her forehead? Looks like a rub maybe? Maybe that knocked it down?
CheerioCoins
Level 5
Yeah I think it might be MS but I’m not a professional grader so I won’t challenge ANACS. Nice coin!
Longstrider
Level 6
Can't tell without it in hand. Your photos on your web site are much better. It appears to be MS but what do I know.? I'm a Peace Dollar guy. I wish I could see the doubled 18. Thanks. Still a beautiful Morgan and AU58 ain't too bad.
It's Mokie
Level 6
The reverse looks MS from your pictures but there is no way I would challenge the AU grade unless I could see the whole coin in person (preferably before slabbed). The obverse picture is problematic since the glare obscures any ability to evaluate the surfaces.
mrbrklyn
Level 4
http://www.mrbrklyn.com/coins/melville_Sept_Oct_2021/IMG_8476.JPG http://www.mrbrklyn.com/coins/melville_Sept_Oct_2021/IMG_8478.JPG
mrbrklyn
Level 4
http://www.mrbrklyn.com/coins/melville_Sept_Oct_2021/IMG_8451.JPG http://www.mrbrklyn.com/coins/melville_Sept_Oct_2021/IMG_8450.JPG
Golfer
Level 5
Your morgan looks nice. Would think MS for sure. Cant imagine how minor the wear must be? I had some morgans graded by anacs and they came what I expected.
Mike
Level 7
Its very hard to grade a coin. Epically with a picture.. Even if it was a sharp picture.. I sent a new one in. Came back a 69. I took out my microscope and looked all over the coin. Got to the cheek. At 55 power I found an indentation. Can't see it with your eyes or a loop. When it looks like a 70 they increase the power. Mr. Yeoman the writer of the Red Book was asked what makes a good grader.? He replied a good loop, a good light and twenty years experience.