1881 - S Morgan Dollar, You Vs NGC

I'll say MS-65RD.

Oh you.

To see the coin's surface better, I adjusted the photos by eliminating color, reducing light, sharpening contrast, and enlarging the images.

The obverse shows light bag marking above the eyelid, beneath the nostrils, in the field near the seventh left star, between the cap and the "M" of UNUM, a scratch from the ear lobe NW through the hair above the ear, and light pock marks on the cheek. IMHO, the obverse is a solid MS-65.

The reverse is excellent, There are light contact marks above the motto and near and between the rim and ONE. The central devices are spectacular. The reverse is a solid MS-66.

Without an eye appeal adjustment, the coin would net to MS-65+/MS-66.

Eye appeal is a tough component for this coin. While the reverse is spectacular, I do not see enough to adjust the net grade higher. Toning that is colorful and eye-pleasing to one person may be seen as blotchy by another. It is a subjective measure, to be sure. IMHO, any upward adjustment here would be more due to the toning than closeness to the next highest technical grade.

All things considered, I think this one would land at MS-65*

Just to make sure we have all reasonable grades covered, I'll go with MS-64.

Basing primarily on the reverse since I can't make out much through that obverse toning, I'll say MS65, but won't be surprised by MS64

the 81(S) should be sharp and bold. this one is a tad weak around the ear and breast. the blotchy toning will drop it a notch for eye appeal. it appears that there are numerous scuffs, abrasions and some scratches under that toning but its impossible to tell for certain how much. MS63 maybe 64 but I cant see at 65

MS-64