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 Replies: 7 / Views: 1,033 |
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Valued Member
United States
394 Posts |
I have posted two images and would like some help on grading this Morgan. It belongs to a friend and he thinks it is a proof. I really don't get into Morgans, so need some help. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Berry Image:  berry-1885-morgan-obverse.jpg95.83 KB Image: berry-1885-morgan-reverse.jpg95.54 KB |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
the Obverse looks like it was polished to me, looks like the cameo is as shiny as the fields, the reverse looks like it is very sharply struck and could have been a proof for all I know but that Obverse just looks way too shiny on the Liberty
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
Polished...NOT a Proof. It's value is basically melt.
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Rest in Peace
United States
2684 Posts |
Per Bowers, there were only 930 Proof 85 Morgans struck, so I doubt this is one of them. Also, there's die cracks on the reverse which aren't found in a Proof strike. Proof-like is another story, but in addition to Bryan's observation the obverse looks like it's been buffed up a little, this one isn't as sharply struck as a prooflike Morgan should be as evidenced by the weak hair over Liberty's ear. Despite the really nice looking reverse, the obverse looks like it's seen some rough handling with those dings on Liberty's face. Looks like it's just another beautiful Morgan.  If I had to put a grade to it and discounting the possibility it's been polished, I'd say MS-64, maybe MS-65. I think the face dings, less-than-sharply struck, and light chatter in the fields on both sides would keep it from going higher. BTW, those are really great pictures, Berry! Sorry I haven't been in this section more often, but duty calls!  Fred |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1267 Posts |
quote:
Polished...NOT a Proof. It's value is basically melt.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1703 Posts |
Berry, I'm also pretty sure this coin has been polished.When a coin is polished you will see discolor around tight areas,especially the stars,as they have tight angles on the inside that cannot be easily reached by any means of polishing.This coin has that look.Check out the stars in the picture and in hand close.It sure looks like its discolored from polishing compound in between the star points.  |
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Valued Member
 United States
394 Posts |
Thanks for all of the replies and will pass the excellent observations to my friend. He was aware of the figures that Morgan Fred passed on. The coin was passed down in an inheritance, but kept in a "bag". My friend purchased the coin from the estate.
Berry
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Valued Member
United States
194 Posts |
Sorry, but I agree. You can tell by all the scratches that is has been polished. Still, tell him a nice coin, even though it is cleaned.  Phoenix |
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,033 |
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berry-1885-morgan-obverse.jpg
berry-1885-morgan-reverse.jpg
Posted 04/09/2007 10:49 pm
