Amongst the more popular coins with collectors, Morgan Silver Dollars have had a rich history behind its creation and simply trendy design. Minted from 1878 to 1904 and resurfacing in 1921 and then 2021, these coins have considerable value in history and collectibility.
To those interested in collecting or investing in Morgan Silver Dollars, knowing how their grading works will be part of determining a coin’s true worth. By learning the grading process, collectors can make informed decisions when it comes to buying, selling, or preserving these remarkable coins.
What is Coin Grading?
Coin grading is one method of determining the state or quality of a coin.Higher graded coins are usually more valuable. The most admired measurement of grading is the Sheldon Scale which runs from 1 to 70, with 70 rating a perfectly flawless mint condition coin.
Grading Importance for a Morgan Silver Dollar
Grading acts as a guide to collectors through which the value of the coin is determined, as the conditions give bases for judging its grading. For example, an MS-65-graded coin may be highly more valuable than an MS-60-graded coin, though both are uncirculated.
Grading Criteria for a Morgan Silver Dollar
At the time of grading Morgan Silver Dollar, collectors and professionals look for a number of key areas:
a. Wear
The major factor concerning grade is a coin’s wear. A no-wear coin is likely to receive a much higher grade than one with some marks or scratches showing.
b. Strike Quality
The quality of the strike refers to the sharpness of the design features on the coin. The well-struck coins are more desirable than those showing weak or incomplete details.
c. Luster
Luster will refer to the appearance of light reflections on the surface of the coin. A coin with original mint luster will fetch a higher value than one that has lost its luster with time.
d. Eye appeal
More subjective, this component gives some notion of the aesthetic appeal of the coin. Toning, general quality, and marks clearly have an effect on a grade assigned to a coin.
Common Grades for a Morgan Silver Dollar
Morgan Silver Dollars are usually graded within the following ranges:
a. Good (G): Heavy wear with most details worn away, but the date and major features visible. b. Fine (F): Moderate wear, with more details visible but with substantial parts of the design flattened.
c. Extremely Fine (XF): Light wear with most details still sharp and visible.
d. Almost Uncirculated (AU): Light wear; nearly all design details remain present.
e. MS (Mint State) – Term applied to coins showing no wear whatsoever, but whose surface may exhibit minimal imperfections such as contact marks from handling.
Conclusion: Grading for Collectors
Grading Morgan Silver Dollars is the most important thing to a collector who wants an informed basis on which to appraise his or her coins. While professional services are really the best a person can depend on, understanding how to recognize the key grading criteria helps in making better purchase and sale decisions. With the right knowledge, you can truly appreciate the rich history and craftsmanship behind each Morgan Silver Dollar.
