Yeah JQ it’s all about $$ for him. But I’ll tell you what, I would say he’s smarter than me when it comes to coins, or running a business. But I try. They’ve got me hooked because every time I see a Bowers book, I’m drawn in. He’s a legend in my own mind..My latest book…
PS: Bowers has some serious chops I think. When he was a teenager he would not only find 1955 DDO’s in pocket change, he would trade-up for cherries. I wonder how many 1C MS-RD 55’s he’s got laying around?

Indeed, I won it fair & square and thanks for the vote of confidence!
Too bad that I had to pay a premium that must equal an MS67+ to break even on it. I fully intend to get such a grade with a reconsideration attempt. Will I succeed? I don’t know, maybe not.
Regardless, one sometimes must pay a premium in the current, then years down the road the premium is wiped clean. That is a factor that I accept, and have experienced first hand with most of my past buys. When you say “don’t sell” there is 100% validity as to what you are saying!
Besides, those earlier holders(you have some)are becoming more scarce and sought after by certain connoisseurs out in the field. The CAC Gold is the icing on the cake.
My phone pic isn’t as nice, debris and all, but my point gets across.
I’ll keep you posted.

Rick,

That 1881-S MS-66 is a bagger. I hope you had the winning bid.

Cheers

Very well said and I’m sorry that your friend has passed on.
While your nice 100 Silver Peso most certainly has more sentimental value attached to it than my $1 Silver coin has to myself, I will say this; We both took a chance on giving it a go with brightening the coin up a bit. And it worked whether we like the results, regret them, or have a sentimental tie that is perceived as being diminished. In the end I would add, that both coins with less than an onza of Ag content, a Mintage of 10 million coins, with a current market value of $30 each, it is no big loss(monetarily speaking). Just remember that the memory attached to the coin, cleaned or not, it forever remains…
Speaking for myself and my coin? I will not lose a wink of sleep for brightening up my $1 Silver coin. But that’s just me my friend….

Agreed, I said I was a chicken!? And having fun experimenting I am! Cleaning off some of the grime revealed more hits. I wanted to take it slow though, perhaps leaving some desirable toning–Nope, a layer of dinginess remains.
The coin looks improved overall. I suspect you’re correct with some tough fingerprint etching & aging going on. It’s almost like that old car with the paint fade, blotchiness(sun damaged)effect. That fingerprint and smudging could’ve been left on the coin 100++ years ago? Someone just trying to buy a few drafts for the crowd at the Ol’ San Fran Saloon!?
I can re-dip it and give it the Q-tip massage? It’s an old coin with an MS-potential, or a coin that could be cursed with a “details”, “damaged”, or “cleaned” designation? Ebay, or the “junk” box, is beckoning? I’ll put in on ice for now and go from there…

Besides, and this is no joke once again. I bought a graded one(1881-S) just last week(here we go again, what’s Rick up to now?)..
It had been up for auction bidding for 2 weeks, and the only one that had the(that’s right)Gold CAC sticker on it…
More gambling and experimentation is in the works my friend…..
https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1568922/1881-S-Morgan-Silver-Dollar-PCGS-MS-66-CAC-Gold

I like it better also Major D. Better eye appeal now. It was awash with dingy grime and no contrast. Dull. Not a mirror, but a cleaner Mint State look, and more cleanliness to go perhaps?. This story isn’t quite over I suspect, and thanks for your input!

I will agree with you on that point. However technically speaking the original was a Brilliant Uncirculated Gem. I know that’s not what you meant though.. I like certain authentic aging & toning too. However this example was not to my liking so much. It looked too “washed out” with dinginess/grunginess. No contrast as Major pointed out. This one is a learning/experimentation coin for me. Some people just love a bright & shiny old coin, while other folks like an aged, toned coin. I am in both camps and collect toned, partial, or BU coins. Attached is my most extreme toner, almost too much. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say. I haven’t shared this one yet. A Great Collections whim buy back in March. And yes, I paid a premium for this one. $1500+ over its valuation, ouch!
https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1544298/1879-S-Morgan-Silver-Dollar-PCGS-MS-67-CAC-Green-Toned

Rick,

I think I would pass on getting that one graded. The coin may have been a roll ender. Explaining why one side of the coin is really good and the other side not so good. That fingerprint on the obverse has been there for a long time and may have permanently etched itself into the coin. I would have worked it really good with the Q-Tip if it were me. Then I would know for sure. 1881-S’ in MS-65 look great. But that coin….

This is how you learn and there is nothing wrong with that.

Cheers

Hint, click the photo twice/repeated to compare before & after photos of the coin…