Photos cannot authenticate or certify a Morgan dollar. They can still reveal wear, lighting tricks, and problems—if you examine the same areas in the same order.
The 30-second scan
- Hair above Liberty’s ear: separated strands or smooth patch?
- Cheek: is luster continuous, or does it break on a broad area?
- Eagle’s breast: feather definition or flat, smooth wear?
- Wreath bow: crisp folds or soft lumps?
- Rim: inspect the full circle on both sides for dings, filing, or repairs.
Bag marks are not wear
Bag marks are localized contact hits with luster surviving around them. Wear is broad, smooth, and systematic on the high points.
When photos lieOverexposure, flat lighting, blur, filters, and cropped rims all hide evidence. Ask for a straight-on obverse, straight-on reverse, angled light on each side, and a clear edge view.