1884-CC Morgan Dollar, Toned (Grade Posted)

I grade it:

64. Amazing coin.

VAM-8, I think (from the pattern of cracking through the date), and clearly double-clashed. I wonder what might be there for letter transfer on the obverse? The VAMworld entry for this one doesn't include clashing information, and it might be a nice addition to the page. The plate coin shows a single weak reverse clash.

I began by agonizing whether to call this 63 or 64, from all the marks I was seeing. Then, it began to be like, "Would I give this a 65 if that one prominent mark in front of the ear weren't there? Would I give it a 65 if that were the only mark on the cheek? Yeah, I probably would. So, it's a 64.

And the eye appeal? Off the charts. Not manic, but completely original to date of mintage having survived the entire time in a Mint bag. Note the radius of the toning on half-toners like this one - it should correspond pretty well with the diameter of the Morgan next to it in the bag, covering the part that didn't tone. This one stuck out of the stack.

Don't forget, the atmosphere in a city those days was far more sulfurous than the one we breathe now. The Industrial Revolution turned coal into something everybody had to burn, and coal means sulfur. Coins would tone just laying about, in that atmosphere. It's why Seated and Barber coinage get so dark. It's terminal toning, exactly as you'd expect in that atmosphere. They do say that almost every Morgan has been dipped at one time or another - could these toners be the only for-sure original ones left?

My initial thought MS64.

Great description Dave.

Just goes to show you how super-sized photos can really show off minor imperfections. Nice Morgan!

..One of those "holy cow!" coins in hand.

Spectacular iridescence on the toning, so it looks original
from the mint bag into the GSA slab, then the PCGS slab unmolested. Good explanation SD on how the toning occurs.

Anyway getting proper pics of this type is way out of my pay grade, you will have to take my word for it.

Thanks again for the comments! Aloha! -Ron

Haha! , keep dreamin' .. -Yes I'm an interisland trucker in the islands.. (tug/barge capt.) FOBT - (fresh off the boat today..)

-Ron

Yeah Ddave, that is one thing you taught me that I keep forgetting...