1882 O/S Morgan Dollar

Very nice O/S, based on the scratches on both side of the coin. I'm going to say MS-63.

I like this coin, with the scratches in the face, I'm going with MS62,
for MS63
I would expect less major scratches....the REV is a great MS64/65
but unfortunately the reverse is about 5% of the grading....I don't find it fair either....

Here's a pic the seller took which shows the O/S better. Based on their picture I thought it might've been a recessed O/S because it looks like I can still see the inside edges of the O where the line connects.

So then it sound like I got a good deal getting this for $200, right?

With all due respect, I have serious doubts as to the originality of the surfaces. There's far too much shine on the higher points of the devices, and I see the characteristic haziness in the tighter areas (especially around the wreath) which makes me think the coin's been polished. The details are not sharp; especially based on the seller-provided mint mark detail, I'm inclined to think the coin has seen circulation.

I hate to rain on the parade, and I'm quite prepared to change my mind (especially regarding grade) through photos shot in different lighting, but what I see is what I see.

It's a LDS VAM-3; the crossbar is a bit higher with this VAM than the other two. The die progression saw the crossbar become increasingly heavier as the die wore - it's easy to imagine a state where the bar was full but not yet flush.

It's currently considered R3/4. An AU58 EDS coin went for $180 earlier this year. Although Mint State examples of these are rare in any die state, AU VAM-3's aren't uncommon. I would have to disagree that $200 was a reasonable price for this coin.

I'll try to take some pictures in some different light, but are there any suggestions? The first set is natural light and the second set is a regular light bulb. There's obviously a big difference price-wise between an AU and MS O/S so I would like to provide pictures that enable you to make a more accurate grade. I appreciate all the info and while I would love for it to be MS I'm prepared for it to bu AU.

I would like to lend my opinion, I 1st would say that SuperDave is one of the resident Morgan silver dollar experts,Believe me ( in my opinion )! I too believe this coin has a very UN-natural finish appearance, I would agree it has been altered at sometime. I also would say there is no natural luster left!

I would also say this coin, in the condition I see it in is in no way a MS condition, I have also been collecting these coins for many, many years and have come to know what to expect from a "natural luster" finish on a Morgan. I would suggest you look at this coin under a microscope and you will see a complete different picture, compared to a known MS Morgan.

If my memory is correct, this variety has an EDS and an LDS, This is, IMO, a LDS example, with the EDS example being of more value. This is just my opinion......