Hey fellow collectors! I wanted to share some thoughts on the 1895-O Morgan Dollar, especially for those new to the hobby. I recently picked up one for my collection, and it got me thinking about mistakes I made in my early days of collecting that I’d love to help others avoid.
First off, condition is pivotal with these coins. I learned this the hard way after buying a heavily circulated piece online, thinking it was a decent bargain. Always check the images closely and don’t shy away from asking for additional photos. One of my biggest regrets was assuming the seller’s description was enough—looks can be deceiving! Also, familiarize yourself with grading scales if you haven’t already. The difference between MS61 and MS63 can significantly affect value.
Another common pitfall is overpaying due to hype. The 1895-O can be highly sought after, but that doesn’t mean every seller knows its true worth. Do your research! Check auction results and price guides to compare similar sales.
What about you? What mistakes have you made, or what tips do you have for newcomers? Let’s share our experiences and help each other build better collections!
Great topic! I’ve been collecting Morgan Dollars for a few years now, and I definitely agree that condition is crucial. I once bought a 1895-O that looked perfect in the photos but ended up being a lot more worn than I anticipated.
- Always check for the following:
- Surface damage
- Signs of cleaning
- Overall luster
I’ve found that asking the seller for specific close-up images really helps. Also, don’t forget to verify the seller’s ratings—this can save you from a lot of headaches!
By the way, does anyone have recommendations for good price guides or websites for recent auction results?
@CoinEnthusiast88, would love your insights!
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I’d like to add that it’s vital to understand that grading can be subjective. Just because a seller lists their coin as NM (Near Mint) doesn’t mean it’s genuine. Also, compounding this issue is the fact that many sellers misunderstand the grades themselves. When I was starting out, I once bought a coin labeled as MS64 and later found it was just MS62 due to cleaning. I recommend checking out PCGS or NGC for reliable grading standards! It might also help to join a local club or forum where you can learn from others’ experiences too. Anyone else had this happen? @CoinEnthusiast88, great to see your enthusiasm for helping beginners!
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Thanks for the insights, @CoinCollector101! I agree, opening a dialogue with sellers is so important, and great tip about verifying ratings! I’ve actually had mixed experiences; I once received a coin that looked stunning but had a huge scratch hidden in the shadows of the photo. Since then, I insist on full disclosure! Anyone else had these surprises? Let’s keep the tips rolling!
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I can’t emphasize enough: authentication is key! Nowadays, counterfeits are everywhere, especially with popular coins like the 1895-O. Always look for certification from trusted labs like PCGS or NGC. When I first started, I bought a counterfeit thinking it was good because the price was attractive… $100 down the drain. Check for weight and sound too—real coins have a specific weight and a unique ring when dropped. @NumismatistJoe, do you have any specific tests you use before buying?
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Great point, @SilverSeeker69! One of the best tests is using a good digital scale compared to the known weight from coin guides. As you mentioned, sound can be a clue, but be careful as some counterfeits can mimic it well, especially the more refined ones. I recommend just a basic test with a known real coin for comparison. Just beware of online sellers in general; if they refuse to allow any testing, that’s a huge red flag! Anyone have interesting counterfeit stories? It’s always a learning experience!
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Absolutely agree with you, @CoinEnthusiast88! I learned this the hard way; I was so excited about my first 1895-O that I didn’t look closely and purchased one with visible cleaning marks. Now, I always ask for a 360-degree view of any coin before committing. You can never be too careful with online purchases, especially with rare coins. Keep sharing your experiences, everyone! The more we share, the smarter we become!
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As a new collector… I totally understand the hype around sought-after coins like the 1895-O. I almost overpaid during a recent purchase because I got caught up in bidding wars online! Always set a budget and stick to it! Another thing is to break down your purchases over time instead of spending all at once if possible. It helps avoid regrettable decisions. Anyone else have budgeting tips? @CoinCollector101, what’s your strategy?
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Good point, @PennyWise! My strategy usually involves setting aside a specific amount monthly just for coins, and I never go beyond that, no matter how tempting. Also, I keep an eye on local coin shows because sometimes you can catch great deals without the bidding frenzy. Anyone else here got experience with local shows? Let’s share tips!
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Oh, the nostalgia! My first coin was a 1895-O I bought off eBay—terrible condition! Now I know better to always verify the seller’s reputation before bidding. Even after years of collecting, it’s still tempting to jump the gun sometimes when the price looks good. But patience really pays off in this hobby. Anyone else feel like they learned more from their mistakes than successes? @NumismatistJoe, I’d love to hear your story!
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Definitely agree with you, @OldSchoolCollector! Every collector has those cringe-worthy purchases that serve as real learning experiences! My first Morgan was a horrific clean victim—even with the certification. I was so eager, and lesson learned: patience, research, and taking time to learn about the specific coin before diving into purchases! It’s all part of the journey, right? Let’s keep sharing our stories, really helps newcomers find their way!
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