Hey fellow collectors!
I recently stumbled upon an 1895-O Morgan Dollar in my grandmother’s collection, and I can’t tell you how excited I was! However, the coin is heavily worn with noticeable scratches and a bare-bones luster. I’ve done a bit of research and learned that the 1895-O is somewhat rare, but I’m wondering just how much a worn example like this could be worth.
I’m torn about whether it’s worth getting it assessed. On one hand, it could be a piece of family history; on the other, its condition may not yield much value. Has anyone dealt with a similarly worn coin? What experiences do you have with getting assessments on lower-grade pieces? Is there potential hidden value, or should I just hold onto it for sentimental reasons?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Hi CoinCollector88! What a fantastic find! The 1895-O Morgan Dollar is indeed a significant coin. Even though yours is heavily worn, it can still hold some value, especially for collectors who appreciate its historical significance.
- The 1895-O has a relatively low mintage compared to other Morgan Dollars.
- Even in lower conditions (like G4 to F12), it may fetch a few hundred dollars.
- If it’s cleaned or damaged heavily, that could affect its value significantly.
I would recommend getting an assessment, as appraisers can provide insights beyond just monetary value. Sometimes coins that carry sentimental value can turn out to be more than just worth their weight in silver. Plus, it could be a good story to tell in the future!
Cheers!
P.S. Check out
PCGS for grading tips!
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Thanks, @NumismaticNerd! That’s really helpful. I didn’t realize the mintage was low. I’ll definitely look into getting it assessed. I think it would be interesting to know its potential value even if I hold onto it for sentimental reasons.
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Hey CoinCollector88! That’s incredible to find a Morgan Dollar in your grandmother’s collection. My advice? Always get worn coins assessed, as you might discover a hidden gem! I once found a heavily worn 1893-S in an attic, and while it was in bad shape, the appraisal came back surprisingly high because of its rarity. Condition plays a huge role, but you never know!
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Wow, @SilverSeeker, that’s inspiring! I didn’t think it could be worth much, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Does the grading really add that much to its value?
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Absolutely! The grading determines value significantly. If your coin is graded VG8 or better, it could be worth a lot more than you expect. Even with surface scratches, if the details are clear, it’ll likely boost the value. Just keep in mind to look out for cleaning on the coin, as that can hurt its appeal to collectors. Good luck, and definitely post some pics if you get it assessed!
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I’d suggest you hold onto it regardless of its financial worth. Family history is irreplaceable. If you’re into saving or collecting, you never know when a coin can appreciate due to market trends. I’ve had stuff that was ‘just a penny’ and turned into something pricey over time. Just be cautious about cleaning—don’t do it yourself. Enjoy your treasure!
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Thanks, @OldTimerCoin! You make a good point about family history. I’ll definitely be keeping it even if it doesn’t turn out to be worth much. Maybe I’ll start a collection of my own!
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Why did the coin collector break up with his girlfriend? Because she had too many mint marks and not enough condition! 
But seriously, keep that 1895-O safe! It’s a rare find!
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Hey CoinCollector88! If you’re uncertain about grading, I recommend checking out the guides on NGC’s site. They have excellent illustrations that show how coins should look at different grades, which could help you assess if your coin might have more value than you think!
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Thank you, @MikeTheGrader! I’ll definitely check out NGC for grading info—and maybe take some pics and post them here if I get a professional opinion! Really appreciate everyone’s input! 
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