1882-S Morgan: Not Rare, But Exceptional--Please Help!

MS-63, possibly a star candidate, but I don't see it hitting 64... There are a couple of hits in the focul areas that would hold this back... That said, it is an absolutely gorgeous coin that I would love to have any day of the week...

This is a coin you would want to grade in hand because of the dark tone, but it looks like MS details.

The clinical shots make it clear to me that the questionable areas I'm seeing in the more flattering shots are in fact nothing more than luster grazes. It's at least a MS63. I wouldn't think of slabbing it, however, until and unless you're ready to part with it. Until then, just tuck it away in a mylar 2x2, or some such thing.

Just a word on learning how to grade these--that's the whole fun of it. A slab has become a status symbol, these days, IMHO, and, you don't want to fall into that psychological trap. Once you do, IMHO, you're finished as a collector. Sometimes, I think, in the "old days" (that is to say, before the TPGs), we were a lot brighter than we are, today. That's not hard to understand. The simple fact was, back then, we had to know how to grade, in order to avoid getting ripped-off. Today, a great many of us are psychologically-accustomed to delegating that grading responsibility to third-party eyes, and, for that matter, to paying for it, dearly, without so much as even a second thought to what they're doing. The upshot is, they "learn" how to collect slabs, stars, plusses and stickers; e.g., "status symbols." Learn how to collect coins, instead. That's more satisfying. OK, soap box off.

Nice looking Morgan. I would call this a lock at MS63 based on the "glamour" photos. I would agree the consensus to not send this one to a TPG to have it slabbed. This would destroy the profit you have achieved. IMHO the only reason to send a coin to a TPG is if you are considering the resale of a coin that has a substantial value gain moving up from one grade to the next. Just slap it in your Dansco or a 2 x 2 and enjoy!

I am sorry, but I have to humbly disagree with what I intially began to read. My opinion---this coin is a RETONED with OLD CLEANING (heavy dipping). The coin was retoned probably in an old yellow 2x2 paper flip. An old-timer trick. The coin's surfaces are MS62-63ish. But I noticed the grayish toning in the 'flash' / overexposed shots. I have seen many such coins. If you dip this coin, the luster will be subdued. I hope you did not pay much for this coin. I'm confident you didn't from your description of your purchase. In my opinion, it will not slab for PCGS or NGC. Other services might, but the grade I expect it will get will not make it worth the $25-30 you would spend.

Yes. You are absolutely correct. I hated slabs when they first came out. You cannot touch and closely examine the coin. You could not 'smell' the silver, copper. It became impersonal and hence, almost, NO FUN. Enjoy this hobby. Enjoy the discovery. Enjoy THE HUNT!

You are correct West. I've tried a number of those 'experiments' decades ago. Oh no! I am revealing my decrepitude!...lol
Kidding aside. That is a very important insightful tool. Thanks.