Morgan Dollar Grading Set

Grading is a method of determining a coin’s relative state of preservation, using a system of standards and terminology generally accepted by the collecting community. Such well-defined standards were not always in place, and even after they were adopted, they continued to evolve and still do to this day.

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Most numismatists agree that grading coins is an art and not a science. Since grading is subjective, naturally it is open to a certain amount of interpretation. Ken Bressett, noted numismatist and member of the American Numismatic Association Hall of Fame, believes that grading is quite simple. All that is required is, “a good light, good magnification and about 20 years of experience.”

The following definitions and images are representative of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) Grading Standards. While it is always best to view a coin first-hand, hopefully the following images will provide a useful guide to grading the popular Morgan Series. The ANA offers classes periodically in all phases of grading and counterfeit detection. Find more information on upcoming numismatic seminars and educational opportunities here. 

  • The grading set below includes Poor through Mint State 67
  • Click thumbnail images for enlarged lightbox views and descriptions. 
  • To view the coins in 600dpi high-definition, click corresponding obverse and reverse links highlighted in orange.
 
 
 
 

Poor 1

Enough detail to identify.

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Obverse
| Reverse

 
   

Fair 2

Some detail shows. Part of date may be legible.

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Obverse
| Reverse

 
   

About Good 3

Obverse: Head is outlined with nearly all details worn away. Date is readable but worn. Legend merges into rim.
Reverse: Entire design is partially worn. Legend merges into rim.

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Obverse
| Reverse

 
   

Good 4

Obverse: Hair is well worn with very little detail remaining. Date, letters and design are clearly outlined.
Reverse: Eagle is worn nearly flat but is completely outlined. Design elements are smooth but visible. Legend is completely visible.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Very Good 10

Obverse: Most details in hair are worn smooth. All letters and date are clear. Leaves merge into spots.
Reverse: One half of eagle’s right wing and edge of left wing are smooth. All leaves in wreath show wear. Rim is complete.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Fine 15

Obverse: Hair line along face is clearly defined. Lower two cotton leaves are smooth but distinct from cap. Some wheat grains merge.
Reverse: One-quarter of eagle’s right wing and edge of left wing are smooth. Head, neck and breast are flat and merge. Tail feathers are slightly worn.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Very Fine 30

Obverse: Wear shows on high points of hair from forehead to ear. Some strands are visible in hair above ear.  There are smooth areas on cotton leaves and at top of cotton balls.
Reverse: Wear shows on leaves of wreaths and tips of wings. Only a few feathers are visible on breast and head, but they show clearly on the right wing.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Extremely Fine 45

Obverse: Wear shows on hair above date, forehead and ear. Lines in hair are well detailed. Flat spots are visible on edges of cotton leaves. Cheek is lightly worn.
Reverse: Almost all feathers are gone from the breast. Top of legs, wing tips, and feathers on head show wear. Talons are flat.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

About Uncirculated 50

Obverse:
Traces
of wear show on hair above eye, ear, edges of cotton leaves and high upper
fold of cap. Luster is gone from cheek.
Reverse: There are traces of wear on breast, tops of legs and talons.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

About Uncirculated 55

Obverse: Slight trace of wear shows on hair above ear, eye and high upper fold of cap. Luster is fading from cheek.
Reverse: Trace of wear shows on breast, tops of legs and talons.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

About Uncirculated 58

Obverse: Small traces of wear on highest points. Good luster. Very minor scratches or marks.
Reverse: Trace of wear on eagle’s breast.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 60

A strictly Uncirculated coin with no trace of wear, but with significant bag marks and/or abrasions in focal areas and field. Luster may be impaired. Eye appeal is poor.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 61

A strictly Uncirculated coin with no trace of wear. May have a few heavy (or numerous light) marks in prime focal areas. Luster may be impaired. Eye appeal is unattractive.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 62

A strictly Uncirculated coin with no trace of wear. May have distracting marks in prime focal areas. Luster may be impaired. Eye appeal is acceptable.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 63

A Mint State coin with attractive mint luster, but noticeable detracting contact marks or minor blemishes; some of which may be in prime focal areas. This grade is the benchmark “average” grade for Morgan dollars.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 64

A Mint State coin with full attractive mint luster. May have light scattered marks, some of which may be in prime focal areas. The eye appeal of this coin is pleasing.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 65

No trace of wear. A few small marks may appear, but no distracting marks in the prime focal areas are present.  Has full mint luster but may be unevenly toned.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 66

No trace of wear. A few small marks may be visible. Above average and fully original luster. Above average eye appeal.

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Obverse
| Reverse

   

Mint State 67

Virtually flawless, but with very minor imperfections. Fully lustrous with exceptional eye appeal.

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Obverse
| Reverse

         
         
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