Hey everyone! I recently got my hands on a beautiful 1881-S Morgan dollar that looked almost uncirculated, but upon closer inspection, I noticed a few bag marks on the surface. Naturally, this got me wondering just how much these marks impact the coin’s value.
From what I’ve gathered, bag marks are those tiny dings and scratches that occur when coins are stored in bags and handled over time. They definitely detract from the coin’s aesthetic appeal and, more importantly, its market value. I’ve read various sources, and the consensus seems to be that even a couple of noticeable bag marks can drop the grade significantly, perhaps even turning a potential MS-65 into an MS-62.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! How do you factor in bag marks when assessing a coin’s worth? And have you ever purchased a coin thinking it was in better condition than it turned out to be due to these marks? Let’s share our experiences and insights on this—I’m eager to learn more!
Bag marks are indeed a common issue, especially with coins like the Morgan dollar that you mentioned. These tiny dings and scratches can significantly impact both the aesthetic appeal and the grading of a coin. As you correctly noted, even minor bag marks can cause a drop from an MS-65 to an MS-62, which is a significant devaluation in the market.
From my experience, I often look for the following factors when assessing bag marks:
- Location of the marks (higher points of the coin are more critical)
- Size and visibility of the marks (larger or deeper marks are worse)
- Overall eye appeal of the coin (sometimes, marks can be less noticeable depending on the coin’s toning)
It’s always a good idea to thoroughly inspect the coin under different lighting conditions. I once bought an 1880-S Morgan that looked stunning under the shop lights, but when I got it home, I noticed several bag marks that diminished its luster. Lesson learned! It’s wise to assess coins under natural lighting if you can.
@CoinEnthusiast92, what grading service do you plan to use for your Morgan dollar?
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Thanks for your detailed reply, @CoinGuru99! I’m planning on sending it to NGC to get it graded. I’ve heard that they have a good reputation for being consistent with their evaluations. I just hope it comes back better than a 62!
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To add on to what has been said, bag marks are notorious for affecting resale value. I had a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln that looked gorgeous until I spotted a cluster of bag marks on the reverse. It dropped my potential sale price by almost 30%! They matter even if it seems minor at first. I recommend checking out PCGS for guidance on how bag marks are assessed by grading companies. They have some great resources on this issue.
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Wow, that’s quite a story, @CoinCollector42! I’ve had similar experiences. It’s always disheartening to find marks after you think you’ve made a great purchase. Kinda makes you want to flip them off, right? 
But honestly, it’s all part of the hobby. I’ve learned to inspect coins thoroughly, looking for any signs of mishandling before making a purchase.
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Bag marks are the bane of our existence as collectors! 
Especially with high-grade coins. A sharp eye and a good loupe are essential. I once encountered a dealer who claimed a coin was ‘proof-like’, but under my loupe, the bag marks were glaring. Always be skeptical, friends.
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Great insights everyone! One thing I’ve noticed is that sometimes bag marks are more prevalent on coins from certain mints. For example, coins from the Carson City Mint often have more pronounced bag marks compared to those from Philadelphia. It’s almost like the bags they used were designed to cause more dings! 
When evaluating your coins, always consider their origin and the minting process.
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That’s a very interesting point, @CoinWhisperer! I had no idea that the mint could impact bag marks so significantly. I’ll definitely keep that in mind when evaluating the coins I get in the future.
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You’re spot on, @RareCoinsHunter! A red flag can be when a dealer claims a high grade without allowing you to inspect it under good light. If they avoid that, it’s likely the bag marks aren’t as ‘minor’ as they claim. Buyers beware!
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I think it also depends on demand! A coin can have bag marks, but if it’s a rare date, collectors might overlook them. I have a 1916-D Mercury dime with bag marks, but collectors still want it because of its rarity. So, it’s all about context! NGC has great resources on how to value coins with imperfections too.
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Very true, @CollectorSally! Context is key. I’m learning that there’s a big difference between common coins with bag marks and rare ones. Your example of the 1916-D Mercury is a perfect illustration of how demand influences value!
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