Grading Dollars: A Step-by-Step Guide
When a person starts their collection, one of the first American coins to be introduced is the dollar, which is quite obvious and logical. The routine assessment may be daunting and confusing, especially for those who do not know about the basics of numismatics.
To make the coin grading experience simpler, we have compiled this guide that is meant to answer your question “How to proceed with grading Morgan dollars and the like?”
Prompt Overview of Dollar Coin Types
Before grading Peace dollars and the rest, it is vital to get acquainted with the main dollar types as a whole. The history of dollar coins in the United States is extensive and diverse. As the main unit of currency, the dollar and its iterations signify distinct periods of American history and cultural reflections, too. So, what are the main dollar types present on the market today?
| Coin Type | Mintage Years | Distinct Feature | Common Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowing Hair Dollar | 1794-1795 | A portrait of Lady Liberty with flowing hair | G-4 (Good), VG-8 (Very Good), F-12 (Fine) |
| Draped Bust Dollar | 1795-1804 | A refined portrayal of Liberty | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), EF-40 |
| Gobrecht Dollar | 1836-1839 | A transitional coin with a seated Liberty on it | VF-20 (Very Fine), EF-40 (Extremely Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated) |
| Seated Liberty Dolla4 | 1840-1873 | A portrait of Liberty seated with a shield | VF-30 (Very Fine), EF-45 (Extremely Fine), AU-55 (About Uncirculated) |
| Morgan Dollar | 1878-1921 | A profile of Lady Liberty and a heraldic eagle | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated), MS-60 (Mint State), MS-65 (Gem Mint State) |
| Peace Dollar | 1921-1935 | A picture of Liberty wearing a radiant crown | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated), MS-60 (Mint State) |
| Eisenhower Dollar | 1971-1978 | A commemorative coin with a profile of President Dwight D. Eisenhower | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated), MS-60 (Mint State) |
| Susan B. Anthony Dollar | 1979-1981, 1999 | The first coin to feature a real woman, Susan B. Anthony | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated), MS-60 (Mint State) |
| Sacagawea Dollar | 2000-Present | A portrait of Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide of the Lewis and Clark Expedition | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated), MS-60 (Mint State) |
| Presidential Dollar Series | 2007-2016 | The portraits of American presidents in the succession of their service | F-12 (Fine), VF-20 (Very Fine), AU-50 (About Uncirculated), MS-60 (Mint State) |
Grading Silver Dollars and More: Scale Explained
Grading Morgan silver dollars, as well as other types of this unit of currency, is a complicated endeavor, though understanding general grades may help one determine the value and condition of their collection with ease. So, what should we know before grading Morgan silver dollars?
1-20 (Poor to Fair): Coins in this range are heavily worn, with a large portion of the pattern either gone or worn down. Although they are identifiable, they frequently lack important details. For instance, the Morgan dollar grading chart may show how barely visible the design of Lady Liberty can be.
21-40 (Good to Very Good): Although these coins display intense use, the design may still be recognized thanks to the remaining elements. Thus, according to the Peace Dollar grading, a coin graded Good (G-4) may have a smooth face with some worn-down inscriptions on it.
41-60 (Fine to Very Fine): Although coins of this category bear obvious signs of wear, their details are still distinct. The general form and appearance are still present, though. When grading Seated Liberty dollars, one can notice that this very type will have apparently worn Liberty's cheek and hair with distinct outlines present.
61-80 (Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated): The main indicators of Extremely Fine to About Circulated coins refer to low levels of wear and only faint signs of use on the high points. Hence, the Morgan dollar coin grading scale may leave one assured that these coins are to have just minor wear on the design's high points, while the remaining part of the coin seems nearly undamaged.
81-99 (Mint State): Mint State coins are always perfect, that is the rule. As such, these show all the fine details as if they were freshly struck and had no wear at all. Some scratches or slight imperfections can be present, but they remain unnoticed in the majority of cases. This is what Morgan silver dollar grading chart may demonstrate when posing a premium version in MS-65, which is extremely expensive and culturally valuable, too.
By the Way… Coin Grading by US Coin Type
Explore your collection, and let the grades serve their worth.