What is the Value? How to Grade Morgan Dollars with Ease

Numismatic diversity cannot leave you indifferent, for it encompasses the whole archive of culture represented in small yet valuable pieces of metal used for trading purposes and the self-identification of a nation by which it was raised and cherished. Some instances like the Morgan dollars initially used as collectibles may bring us back in time to witness remarkable events in US history.

Those who wish they had them in their collections should be aware of how to grade Morgan dollars correctly and which aspects to take into consideration so as not to fail but to get the most appropriate item possible. So, let us quickly take a look at what Morgan dollars look like and what one should know to evaluate their conditions in the end.

Numismatic Notes: What Do Morgan Dollars Mean?

Morgan dollar is a special symbol for the US citizens, for it holds something more than just a numismatic interest/value but a hint to the American identity and liberty. This silver coin was minted during the period from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921 and 2021 as a symbol of new standards and post-Civil War reinvention of conventions and economic (as well as social and political) realia. 

As one might have noticed, this coin was named after George T. Morgan, a renowned engraver who was responsible for its distinctive design. The artistry of this object is exceptional: the obverse displays Lady Liberty of classical yet purely American beauty, and the reverse demonstrates a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings and arrows and an olive branch in the claws. 

How to Grade Coins Properly

When trying to trade or look for appropriately stored and maintained Morgan dollar coins, it is vital to correctly evaluate the conditions of the target and estimate its expected value beforehand. Therefore, proper grading cannot be neglected either way. So, what major step are we to take to assess the coin’s conditions the way should be?

1. Know the Coin

Before grading, it is still essential to understand what type of coin you have to study, its background, and the market interest as well. The easiest way to grasp this information is to employ digital tools like Coin ID Scanner (https://coin-identifier.com/) to promptly receive well-detailed descriptions regarding your particular instance. 

As such, this app asks its users to grant access to the camera for them to take pictures of their coins right in the app and get the most insightful information possible right on the spot. Besides, the databases of such platforms usually have no recorded references and, thus, serve as a historic book of numismatics. 

2. Examine the Coin’s Surface

As soon as you know your coin in general, thoroughly examine the surface of the item with the use of special instruments like a magnifying glass or a loupe. Always remember to pay closer attention to the luster, any signs of damage including marks and scratches, and the overall condition of the coin, too. 

3. Check Strike Quality 

Since any coin may be subject to minting malfunctioning, professional collectors note how well the design is imprinted and what level of wear and tear this might be. The most apparent yet complicated stage requires patience, a lot of time, and dedication to this activity. 

4. Determine the Grade of a Coin  

As such, the coin grading system typically incorporates a scale from Poor to Mint State and identificatory numbers that reveal the condition of the coin and the degree of wear, too. More about this system and each grade in particular can be found below.

Grading Standards for Morgan Dollars

Poor: The coin is heavily worn and cannot boast a detailed portrayal of each element, though the overall idea of the coin is still manageable and ready to be identified. 

Fair: More details are visible in comparison to that of poor quality. One may luckily detect the date and state of the origin, though some aspects that should be complete information are still missed.

About Good: The type and origin are promptly evaluated, but its heavy wear may interfere with visible features 

Good: As such, a coin may show well-worn design elements that are to be quickly outlined on a whim. 

Very Good: The coin has a moderate to significant degree of wear with a clear well-defined design and its features. Nevertheless, the tiny characteristics of the coin cannot be defined anyway.

Fine: The moderate/light wear is the feature of fine coins with a lack of details but clear lines and manageable. The overall condition of the coin is rather good but cannot be exceptional at the same time.

Very Fine: A well-preserved coin with slight wear but detailed information about its features, such as the eagle’s feathers and this creature in general.

Extremely Fine: Light wear indicates that the coin may be referred to as “extremely fine”, especially if the original sharpness and pleasing appearance are present. 

About Uncirculated: When a coin is perfectly maintained and stored, the only way to differentiate it from the mint state is to notice tiny fractions or rubs on the highest points of the coin. 

Mint State: A newly minted coin with no signs of damage. 

Any Last Words

Indeed, so as to select the most appropriate instance, it might not be enough to choose those promoted on social media, especially if you are choosing a gift idea for coin collectors. In turn, it is still vital to properly differentiate between weak strikes and actual wear, as well as understand local grading trends and get involved in the large numismatic society. 

Morgan silver dollar grades are no longer different, though this system is a bit complicated for those who have not been into numismatics before. Stay open to new experiences, consult professionals, and make mistakes – these are fun!