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MORGAN DOLLARS - Grading
descriptions
by Michael G. Fahey, ANACS Senior Numismatist
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| VG-8
– Heavy wear is evident on all the coins surfaces. The rims
will be full and the date will be clear. Very few of the coins
finer details will remain visible. |
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| VF-20
- Significant wear is visible on the higher areas of the coins
design. Major design areas of the coin are beginning to blend
together due to wear. No luster will remain on the coin. Consult
one of the major grading references for specific details that
should be visible for this grade or lower conditions, such as
the eagles feathers on a Morgan dollar, letters in
LIBERTY or shield details,
etc. |
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| EF-40
– Moderate wear is visible on the higher points of the coin,
and the luster is mostly gone, remaining only in protected areas
near the rim or raised devices. Most of the coins details will
still be sharp. |
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| AU-50
– Light wear is visible on the high points of the coin, and
the luster is not full. The fields of the coin will exhibit
light circulation marks from contact with fingers, countertops,
keys, etc. Only the high points of the coin will be affected by
wear -- the remainder of the coins details will be sharp. |
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| MS-60
– Coin may have significant problems, including poor luster,
heavy contact marks, a weak strike, and/or numerous hairlines or
defects. The coin may not exhibit any signs of wear on the high
points, and should not be so heavily marked that it is
considered damaged. |
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| MS-63
– Coin may have luster ranging from full and original to
slightly below average. Strike may be weak, and contact marks
may be noticeable. However, you should not have an MS-63 with
poor luster, a poor strike AND numerous contact marks, as such a
coin would grade lower. |
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| MS-65
– Coin must possess full original luster, with a sharp strike
and nice overall eye appeal. Any marks, hairlines or defects
will be minor, not noticeably detracting. |
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