1885 Morgan Dollar- ANACS MS-64

You seem to focus on buying discounted coins. They're usually discounted for a reason, in this case, I would say negative eye appeal. When it comes time to resell this coin, you likely won't recognize the values you're thinking it's worth.

You have to remember, eye appeal is what drives higher prices. Negative eye appeal will likewise punish prices. Please do not take offense, I'm just trying to help you out here. Sometimes it is far better to "overpay" for a coin with above-average eye appeal based on what you're seeing other coins realize, because in reality, you're far more likely to get that premium you paid back when you go to sell. Some of the coins I've come to enjoy the most in my collection are coins I would be buried in, based on what I paid as opposed to market values, but in reality, I've turned down offers for more than what I paid over the years.

A specific coin actually comes to mind, a beautiful obverse-toned Morgan dollar, with some lovely, deep and vibrant rainbow colors, graded MS65 by PCGS. The toning is lovely, and the eye appeal well-above average. I paid approximately four and one half times what a blast white coin in the same grade goes for and figured I would never sell it due to not being able to get my money out of it. I still believe I will never sell it, but just four months ago, I turned down twice what I paid for it, which would have been a mid four figure profit.

In summation, eye appeal is what drives prices, not grades or holders. Grades and holders just set a baseline to move off of, either above or below said baseline. Focus on acquiring coins with good eye appeal, and you'll do well in due time.

Save your money. Buy one nice example rather than three okay examples. If I can find the self-discipline to do it, anybody can. I'm not saying you should pay huge premiums, but just buy a coin with nice, above average eye appeal for $75 rather than the mediocre one for $50 and you'll not only appreciate the coins more, you'll do better on resale in due time, if you opt to sell it.

The luster will undoubtedly be much nicer in-hand, but that splotchy toning is going to kill the eye appeal.

I dunno morgan, if the toning turns out to be not as dark, and more colourful than the scans show, I think it'll still be a good buy.

Looks like it might be a nicer coin which got downgraded due to the ugly toning. The only problem with paying a favorable price for this, is the difficulty with selling it later. It was cheap because people don't want to buy it.

Well, this will probrably end up being a learning experience for me, huh? If it ends up being a complete bust I might try getting my money back by selling. I might have been collecting for about two years, but there's a whole lot of room for inprovement still,not that I am surprised though. Thank you for all the wise words and I will keep this in mind whenever I go buying again.

Certainly.

You had me thinking it was a bust. So not a good, but not a bad buy.