EagleRJO

@Hoghead515Thanks for the offer, but I think it really should be coins I find in a parking lot to really qualify for the short set.

If the 1885-CC Morgan is in a sealed case, those darker appearing areas I mentioned are then likely just coin bag marks or frosty areas that just don't photograph well.

So packaging.

See the attached which shows the shape of the "2" and distance to the rim @l.cutlerwas talking about, along with other indicators if you get past that. But keep in mind your odds are better taking 200 pennies and buying a Power Ball ticket and hitting that vs finding a 1982-D small date copper penny.

@VKurtB All of the genuine GSA CC hard packs/cases should have uncirculated coins, and the cases should be sealed (i.e. you can't open it like a modern US Mint set by twisting the case and getting a small screwdriver in between the front and back pieces, but they are not completely "tamper-proof"). There are three types of legit hard cases, as well as a "Soft Pack" (pic attached). The only reason I mentioned possible rub marks and an AU grade is if it wasn't a genuine GSA hard case. There have been some knock-offs floating around that have cases which can be opened with AU coins or counterfeit uncirculated coins in the cases, which is why I asked if the case opens.

For the O-109, the date would be the same as an O-109A as the letter designations for the Overton number simply indicate a later state for the same die. So the O-109 would not be a match either for the same reasons as stated above for the O-109A. I would look more closely with the coin in-hand at a possible match with the O-103, and then take things from there. If you have other coins where you think it is a certain variety but you are not sure, I would recommend posting the coin to this board in a separate topic to ask about that. There are a lot of very experienced and knowledgeable collectors who regularly post on this board that can typically help. Also, if you are interested in varieties for certain coins you can post a topic asking about that and get some assistance on books and other references that can be helpful to learn more about those.

@SolarisSetter I agree with JustBob that your coin is a closer match with an O-103 where the "8" is squared up with the first "1" like with your coin. For the O-109A the "8" is rotated slightly counterclockwise compared to the first "1", so I don't think that's a match with your coin.

I would think it had something to do with packaging and protection of coins.

Just to add to Bill's explanation on the basics related to cleaning coins, simply wiping a coin or rubbing it with your finger can remove mint luster that can't be restored, and add just a few grains of dirt and that will also scratch a coin. Btw, welcome to the forum.

I assume you have a specific example you are referring to given how strongly that is worded. Perhaps you can share that so your post doesn't just end up coming off as baseless criticism by someone with an axe to grind.

@SandonI believe that the op's coin has a "Large 8",` as the 8 is larger than the adjacent 1's. See attached markup of the op's coin. With the "Small 8" variety the height of the 8 is about the same as the height of the 1's.

Thanks. Here is the 1878-CC Morgan Graded XF-45 I ended up getting for the complete collection I am working on. Still plugging away at about a dozen or so that I still need to purchase.

Here are the dates for the O-101 and O-101A to verify it's not a match. Notice the space between the 1 and 2, which can easily be gauged by counting denticles along the rim..

The most important thing when taking phone pics is to stack up books or something to rest your hand on when taking the pic. It makes a huge difference when zooming in on the pic.

It does not look like a match with an 1812/1 Large 8 as the 1 and 2 are too close together on your coin. See attached NGC VarietyPlus 1812/1 Large 8 O-101 and O-101A from the following link ... https://www.ngccoin.in/variety-plus/united-states/half-dollars/capped-bust-lettered-edge-half-dollars-1807-1836/ You may want to check that NGC webpage to see if you can find a match as a first step. Also, the stain is on the "reverse" of the coin, not the "rear". And for anyone to help as to if there is a chance to remove the stain they would need an idea of what caused the stain or what it is.

By being patient I ended up getting a really nice 1878-CC PCG$ XF-45 for about $200.

That is about what I have been encountering for the CC Morgans I have been bidding on at GC. Forget about eBay, as its a lot higher.

The pics are really too blurry to tell much other than it may be a nice mid-grade MS coin with very few marks. It's a common year/mark Morgan, so not a high value coin. I would post better pics in a new topic.

The reserve did seem high, which seems to be happening a lot with gold coins.

They are both nice coins at what seems like good prices, but I have never heard of that seller so I would be cautious.

I saw this one at GC, with a minimum reserve of $3,750 ... https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1203462/1908-Saint-Gaudens-Gold-Double-Eagle-No-Motto-Wells-Fargo-Nevada-Gold-PCGS-MS-66-OGH

I am still curious which coins you are looking to purchase?

I'm not sure how the seller fees are structured on eBay, but maybe someone else here could shed some light on that for us.

@FTWdid you submit the coin for grading?

I noticed that the reserves and list prices on eBay have become ridiculous, and I have completely abandoned looking for coins on eBay, at least for now.