Category Archives: Morgan Dollars

biniondollarod

The Binion Hoard : A Morgan Dollar Murder Mystery

 

The Binion Hoard Morgan dollars were accumulated by the Horseshoe Casino magnate.

By Rick Bretz for CoinWeek …..
The Binion Hoard offers the collector a variety of ways to collect coins, currency, and memorabilia like ashtrays, dice, gambling equipment, photos, and casino chips (among other things). A collector could assemble a traditional date/mintmark set, or they could choose to assemble a set of the various souvenir items available. But what was the Binion Hoard? And who was its namesake, Ted Binion? In case you missed the Court TV documentary about him and didn’t read any of the several books written about him or his father, here it is in a nutshell.

Recipe for Tragedy

  • Benny Binion: Father of Ted Binion

Benny was involved in gambling and other racketeering activities in Dallas, Texas, from around 1924 to 1946. In 1946 and just ahead of the law, Benny relocated his family to Las Vegas, where he became involved in gaming activities. In 1951, Benny purchased both the El Dorado Club and the Apache Club and reopened them as Binion’s Horseshoe Casino.

  • Ted Binion: Youngest Son of Benny

Early in his life, Ted worked different jobs in Binion’s Horseshoe Casino and became well respected for his gaming knowledge. As he matured, he started associating with “undesirable” persons and eventually lost his casino license. This had a devastating effect on the younger Binion, as he loved the gaming industry and loved being part of the casino’s operations. Things got worse when Ted met Sandy Murphy, a stripper in Las Vegas, and he became more dependent on drugs and alcohol.

Ted had a fondness for silver bars and silver coins. He especially liked silver dollars, and stored them in the vault at the Horseshoe as well as at his residence. When he permanently lost his gaming license, he was forced to remove his silver dollars from the Horseshoe.

  • Sandy Murphy: Girlfriend of Ted (and Rick)

A California transplant working as a stripper in a popular Vegas club. Shortly after she met him at her work, Sandy moved in with Ted and enjoyed all the amenities that his wealth could provide. She was 23; he was 55.

During Sandy’s time living with Ted, she developed and maintained a romantic relationship with one Rick Tabish.

  • Rick Tabish: Itinerant Contractor

A traveling contractor (sometimes working, sometimes not) that befriended Ted. Tabish was married with two daughters while having a relationship with Sandy Murphy. When Ted needed a place to store/hide his silver dollars, Tabish was hired to bury them in an underground vault in Pahrump, Nevada, on property that Ted owned. As the story goes, Binion and Tabish met by chance–that “chance” having been arranged by Sandy.

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Timeline of the Crime

“Take Sandy out of the will if she doesn’t kill me tonight. If I’m dead you will know what happened.”

July 4, 1998: The vault was completed and filled with 46,000 pounds of silver.

Sept. 16, 1998: During a telephone conversation, Ted told his lawyer that he wanted Sandy removed from his will. In later testimony, Ted’s lawyer stated that the younger Binion said: Take Sandy out of the will if she doesn’t kill me tonight. If I’m dead you will know what happened.

Sept. 17, 1998: Paramedics were called to the Binion home. Ted was found dead of a suspicious drug overdose.

Sept. 19, 1998: Rick Tabish was caught at 2 am digging up Binion’s buried treasure, estimated at the time to be worth $7 million USD. Also found was a note from Sandy Murphy to Tabish, professing her love for him and revealing the combination to the underground storage vault.

Tabish and Murphy were eventually charged with the murder of Ted Binion.

What Happened to the Treasure?

The company Spectrum Numismatic International (SNI) purchased the coins in November 2001 for $3 million. Marketing of the coins was assigned to Goldline International, Inc. There were over 100,000 Morgan and Peace silver dollars, and an unspecified number of silver half dollars. The coins were authenticated and graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC, formerly Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), and a unique white and green label was designed for the pedigree.

Population Statistics

Before I get into the technical features of population statistics, I’d like to offer a salute to NGC and the service they provide to the collecting public. PCGS, ANACS, and ICG are also involved in the pedigree authentication process and provide valuable services to the collector. However, NGC seems to have the leading edge in this collecting niche. And because of NGC’s reputation in the industry, SNI selected the grading service to validate the Binion Hoard.

So with that said, we can proceed to the population reports.

The last NGC Binion silver dollar population report that I’ve seen was contained in the October 2009 NGC Census and covered just silver dollars that received “hard” grades. No population reports were available for “soft” graded coins, or for coins merely authenticated as from the hoard and not graded. The 2009 report shows 28,788 Morgan silver dollars receiving official “hard” grades.

While population reports change over time (for a variety of reasons), I believe that the 2009 report is directionally correct and provides insight into the rarity of certain dates and mintmarks. It also provides the Binion collector with a valuable tool for determining the pedigree premium when purchasing a Binion coin.

Appearance and Grading

Eye Appeal

Compared to other hoards, collections, and general population coins, Binion silver dollars do not have great (or in many cases, even “good”) eye appeal. This is largely due to the storage and handling of the coins received while under Binion’s ownership and their subsequent storage as evidence by the State of Nevada. In both cases, the coins were commodities (evidence) and not collectibles. They were transferred in work trucks, tossed about like lumps of coal, and industrial equipment was used to load and unload the coins.

Grading

NGC-labeled Binion coins fall into three grading categories:

binionngc

Coins in the first category were authenticated as being from the hoard and graded. Graded coins have a specific and defined grade–a “hard” grade–like MS63 or AU55.

Coins in the second category were authenticated and received “soft” grades. Examples of soft grades are “Uncirculated” or “Brilliant Uncirculated”. No numeric grade is assigned. Coins in this group are less desirable than “hard”-graded coins.

Coins in the third category were authenticated as from the Binion hoard but did not receive a grade. Many hard-to-find dates fall into this category. While they’re the least desirable to the refined collector, in many cases the rarity of the date/mintmark still creates a market premium for the coin.

Collecting Binion Silver Dollars

For clarification, there were other silver coins in the hoard besides silver dollars. Some very nice silver coin sets–with an example apiece of a Roosevelt dime, a Washington quarter, a Kennedy half dollar, and a Peace dollar–have been assembled. But the most popular way to collect coins from the Binion hoard is the traditional method of assembling a set with as many date/mintmark combinations as you can find.

Assembling a set by date and mintmark has become more difficult as time passes–with the rarer coins residing in private collections from which they may not resurface for many years. Most of the Binion coins available now are the most common of date/mintmark varieties; an experienced collector occasionally, however, may dissolve their collection, and rare varieties will suddenly appear at auction.

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The 1964 Morgan Dollar Hubs : A Design Analysis

By Leroy Van Allen, Special for CoinWeek …..

 

In November 2016, CoinWeek Editor Charles Morgan sent me an e-mail with three overall photographs of the two Morgan dollar hubs dated 1964 recently found by numismatists at the Philadelphia Mint. He wanted to know if I had any information on these hubs. This was the first time I had seen the photographs.

It resulted in a short examination and research on the history of these hubs. My search led to the excellent book by Roger W. Burdette entitled A Guide Book of Peace Dollars by The Official Red Book (Whitman, 2008). A chapter covered the 1964-D Peace dollar evolution in detail, with many quotes and references to the United States Mint letters and memoranda.

There was no mention of the specific preparation of these two 1964 Morgan dollar hubs in this chapter. However, there were several correspondence and letters cited that included the possible reuse of the old pre-World War I silver dollar design. Mint Director Eve Adams sent a memorandum dated February 18, 1963 to Secretary of the Treasurer Robert Wallace about the problems of manufacturing additional silver dollar supplies in the near future as present supplies were being sent into circulation.

During the following months, Western state senators, led by Senate majority leader Mike Mansfield (D-MT) wanted more silver dollars struck to maintain the supply and provide for continued Western use of silver dollars.

The Adams memorandum on July 31, 1963 states that a decision had been made for the Mint to produce silver dollars when the present supply was exhausted. She added that it would be advantageous to reuse one of the old designs to discourage collector interest, preserve the traditions of the artistic beauty of the older dollars, and affect savings as the Mint retains the old designs, thus eliminating the preparation of new designs and models. Wallace repeated Adams’ recommendations in a memorandum for Secretary Dillon and added to re-issue the pre-World War I Liberty Head design.

This was the first mention of using the Morgan silver dollar design.

The U.S. Mint letter of September 27, 1963 suggested that Fern Miller, Superintendent of the Denver Mint, prepare for dollar production. The Denver Mint coining division noted in a letter of October 15, 1963 that they had 32 leftover reverse dies for the years 1934, 1935, and 1936. These dies were received by the Philadelphia Mint on September 17, 1964, but the dies were in poor condition and were to be destroyed. The last mention of using the pre-WWI Liberty Head design was in a letter from Director Adams to Treasurer Wallace on April 9, 1964.

So between April and September 1964 when the leftover Peace dollar dies were received, a decision had been made to use the Peace dollar design instead of the Morgan dollar design, possibly because of the reverse Peace dollar dies’ availability. The manufacture dates stamped on the Morgan dollar hubs are 12-6-63 for the obverse and 12-13-63 for the reverse. So they were prepared shortly after the U.S. Mint’s letter to the Denver Mint on September 27, 1963, to plan for dollar production.

Examination of Two 1964 Morgan Dollar Hub Photographs

The first impression of the photographs of the two hubs is a very good rendition of the obverse and reverse design. There were no existing hubs or working dies of the pre-WWI Morgan dollar since all previous hubs and dies were destroyed by the Mint in 1910. The most accurate rendition available therefore were the struck Morgan dollars. Photograph enlargements of the obverse and reverse of the coin of six to eight times could then be traced onto a plaster basin (plastilene) to prepare a positive model, complete with letters and the new date of 1964.

It is not known whether the Chief Engraver or an assistant engraver prepared the models and subsequent steps to the final hubs.

Olive Branch VAM 31A - The 1964 Morgan Dollar Hubs : A Design Analysis
Left: 1902-O VAM 31A Olive Branch Bent End; Right: 1964 Morgan Dollar Hub, Bent Branch

Once the positive model was checked over and approved, a negative plaster mold was prepared. Then the 1963 standard hub preparation steps followed to saturate the plaster mold with hot beeswax in an oven, cover it with copper dust, electroplate copper onto the mold, separate the copper shell from the mold, and back it with plaster to form a galvano. Then a Janvier reducing lathe transferred the galvano design down in size to the hub face. The hub was touched up to remove tool marks, turned down in a lathe, and then heated and quenched to form a hardened hub.

Only one hub of obverse and reverse was made since they could make enough working dies for the anticipated coin production of 45 million silver dollars.

Lips on the 1902-O VAM 54 and 1964 Morgan Dollar hub
Left: 1902-O VAM 54 Doubled Profile, Lips Size, Design; Right: 1964 Morgan Dollar Hub, Lips

The next questions are the quality of the design reproduction, the accuracy of the Morgan dollar design, and any noticeable design differences or flaws.

The first step was to enhance the two available obverse and reverse photographs with a computer photograph program. It turned out that the photographs of the two hubs were taken at a slight angle with the hub face’s middle in focus but the top and bottom parts slightly out of focus. So detailed examination was confined mainly to the clearer photograph center slice. The obverse hub was of the III3 type design used from 1879 through 1904, with unevenly divided ear rear. The hair strand fineness appeared to match the normal Morgan dollar, but it could not be determined if the wheat leaves had the required fine lines or the cotton bolls with dots. The peripheral lettering appeared to match closely the letter designs of a Morgan dollar coin, but the letters at the top could not reliably be checked based on the photographs.

MER Letters VAM 31A - The 1964 Morgan Dollar Hubs : A Design Analysis
Left: 1902-O VAM 31A MER Letters; Right: 1964 Morgan Hub Different Shape MER

An obvious slight design difference was noted in the Liberty Head lips, with the hub upper lip protruding more and a straight line design edge from the lower lip to the chin instead of a correct curved edge.

For the reverse, the most noticeable feature of the design type was the seven tail feathers and a wide round gap at the eagle’s left wing and neck of the C4 type design reverse. This type was used on some 1900-P; 1901-P, -O, -S; 1902-P, -O, -S; 1904-S and all 1903-P and 1904-P, -O issues.

amervam4
Wing Neck Gap. Left: 1900-O VAM 11 C3; Center: 1902-O VAM 31A C4; Right: 1964 Hub

The somewhat fuzzy image of the olive at the top of the left end of the olive branch appeared to have two parts. Both the C3 and C4 normal reverse have only a single olive of slightly different size and design. It is possible a so-called “two olive reverse” of a dual hub C4 over C3 reverse coin was copied. The dual hubs were used on some 1900-P, -S; 1901-P, -O, -S; 1902-P, -O, -S; 1903-O, -S; and 1904-S issues.

Another noticeable design difference was the right end of the olive branch that had a long, curved bottom edge instead of the correct slight bend and longer than normal appearing arrow shafts near the arrowheads.

Some of the reverse lettering had slight differences, such as thicker serifs and thinner vertical shafts.

Conclusions

As expected, the U.S. Mint Engraving Department at Philadelphia prepared an excellent accurate copy of the pre-WW I Morgan dollar design without noticeable roughness, extraneous lines, or surface flaws. It was likely a copy of an existing Morgan dollar coin since all prior hubs and dies were destroyed in 1910.

The obverse was of the correct III3 type used from 1879 to 1904 with only slight differences noticed at the Liberty Head lips.

The reverse was of the correct C4 type used from 1900 to 1904. There were slight design differences from the normal design at the right end of the olive branch, the arrowhead shafts, and the peripheral lettering of thicker serifs and thinner vertical bars. It possibly had two olives at the top of the left side of the olive branch evident on some dual hub dies of the same period of 1900 to 1904.

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1904-O Morgan Dollar : A Collector’s Guide

1904-O Morgan Dollar. Image: CoinWeek.
1904-O Morgan Dollar. Image: CoinWeek.

1904 Was Supposed to Mark the End of the Morgan Dollar

In mid-to-late 1904, an article appeared in newspapers across the country with the blaring headline: “Passing of the Good Old American Silver Dollar.” Under the subtitle “It Is Probable That No More of Them Will Ever be Coined by the Government,” the author, Katherine Pope, reported “that ponderous and more or less troubling coin, the silver dollar, has had its day… the supply of silver bullion purchased under the Sherman act [sic] is exhausted… in all probability no more new silver dollars will be turned out by the government’s mint plants.

“Which, for old associations’ sake,” she wrote, “seems regrettable.”

… But for the New Orleans Mint, it Was

The New Orleans Mint’s last Morgan dollars were struck as the United States Mint prepared to shutter the facility. Economic turbulence in the 1890s spelled doom for these cartwheels prized by free silver advocates and the demise of the dollar prompted staff cutbacks at the southern branch mint.

The New Orleans Mint was a major part of the Morgan dollar’s life. Reactivated by the federal government in 1879 after its loss almost 20 years earlier during the Civil War, the facility struck Morgan dollars every year until the denomination’s end. Of all the Morgan dollars created by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, those struck at New Orleans are known for a generally “weak” strike and saw perhaps the most actual circulation in commerce.

Ultimately, the New Orleans Mint struck 3,720,000 Morgan dollars in 1904.

The facility outlived the Morgan dollar by five years, its coining operations being suspended in 1909.

What Happened to Millions of Morgan Dollars?

Millions more Morgan dollars were struck than were needed for circulation, and the coins sat unused in bank vaults and Treasury facilities for years until 1918, when Congress passed the Pittman Act. Named for Senator Key Pittman of Nevada, the Act authorized the melting of up to 350,000,000 silver dollars and the sale of the resulting silver to Britain, whose monetary regime in India was stressed after a run on silver. The Pittman Act also called for the melted dollars to be recoined, precipitating the reintroduction of the Morgan dollar and the introduction of the Peace dollar in 1921.

270,232,722 Morgan dollars were melted under the terms of the Pittman Act. This was done without regard for date, making rarities of some previously common issues. For decades, collectors regarded the 1904-O Morgan dollar as this kind of rarity, as few Mint State 1904-O Morgan dollars entered the market, and prices reflected this belief. For instance, an ad published in The Numismatist in August 1951 by B.M. Douglas, a Washington, D.C.-based coin dealer, offered “Brilliant unc” 1904-O Morgan dollars (under the heading “RARE MORGAN DOLLARS”) for $50 USD.

This view held sway until the early 1960s.

Initially stored in the New Orleans Mint’s vault, the surviving coins were moved to Philadelphia in 1929. In October of 1962, large numbers of Mint State Morgan dollars were released – including many examples of the once-scarce 1904-O. The glut of supply drove prices down. In April 1963, a Philadelphia-based dealer offered 1904-O Morgan dollars in “BU” for just $2.00 in The Numismatist.

What are 1904-O Morgan Dollars Worth Now?

Today, examples grading MS-65 routinely sell at auction for between $100 and $200.

Large numbers of 1904-O Morgan dollars survive in grades up to MS-66 and the date becomes conditionally scarce in MS-67. It is one of the most abundant issues in Mint State. According to Q. David Bowers’ Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States: A Complete Encyclopedia, more Mint State 1904-O Morgan dollars exist that any other date from the New Orleans Mint after 1885.

PCGS CoinFacts gives an estimate of 372,000 surviving examples, 100,000 of which grade MS-60 or better, with 40,000 grading better than MS-65. PCGS has certified more than 133,000 1904-O Morgan dollars; NGC has certified more than 151,000.

CAC has applied its sticker of approval on 353 coins and has certified nine examples since the company began accepting regular submissions in the summer of 2023.

As for collectible varieties, VAMWorld, a website dedicated to VAM varieties, lists 66 individual VAM varieties for the 1904-O Morgan dollar. A book dedicated to the VAM varieties of 1904-O Morgan dollars was written by Alan Scott and published in 2010; a new edition was released in 2014.

Randy Campbell, Senior Grader and Numismatist at Independent Coin Graders (ICG) and an expert on Prooflike (PL) Morgan dollars, stated in a phone interview that 1904-O Morgans with Deep Mirrored Prooflike (DMPL) obverses and reverses are rare; many coins exhibit DMPL or PL qualities on one side, but rarely both.

CoinFacts claims 9,900 surviving dollar coins are PL, all of which are MS-60 or better; 1,880 are MS-65 or better. DMPL 1904-O Morgan dollars number 1,761 in grades MS-60 and better. Three hundred and ninety-six examples grade MS-65 and better. VAMWorld explains that “Prooflike coins are quite available in terms of absolute population, but they comprise just under 3% of the uncirculated population at PCGS and NGC. Contrast on these tends to be poor.”

In his Getting Started column published in the December 2018 issue of The Numismatist, Mitch Sanders discussed “micro” and “macro” numismatics. Micro numismatics, Sanders wrote, involves “a highly detail-oriented examination of differences among coins with the same date and mint mark, usually focused on die varieties.”

Macronumismatics “emphasizes depth over breadth” and is interested in “coins as representations of the larger economic, political, technological and artistic contexts in which they were produced and used.” 1904-O Morgan dollars have something to offer to both camps.

Collectors can hunt well-struck examples, VAM varieties, and PL and DMPL coins, making the date a worthy endeavor for those who want to delve into the series’ technical minutiae with one of its penultimate dates – and the last date struck at the New Orleans Mint. The 1904-O Morgan dollar marked the beginning of the denomination’s hiatus and the beginning of the end for the New Orleans Mint.

1904-O Morgan Dollar Price Records

The following record prices are still current as of the time of publication:

  • Regular Strike auction record: $39,950 USD – Legend Rare Coin Auctions – 7/13/2017
  • PL auction record: $19,200 – Heritage – 9/7/2017 MS67PL
  • DMPL auction record: $12,338 – Legend – 7/26/2018 MS66+DMPL

Design

Obverse:

The obverse of the 1904-O Morgan dollar exhibits the characteristic left-facing Liberty Head motif seen on all issues of this classic dollar series. Lady Liberty bust wears a Phrygian cap encircled with a ribbon adorned with the inscription LIBERTY. Miss Liberty also wears a “vegetal” crown of wheat and cotton, which were two of the nation’s most lucrative natural agricultural assets in the 19th century.

The phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed along the upper half of the obverse rim, and the date 1904 is centered at the bottom of the obverse adjacent to the rim. Seven stars appear between the left side of the date and the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, while six stars fill the gap between the date and motto on the lower right side of the coin. In total, the 13 stars represent the 13 colonies that combined to form the original Union of the United States. At the base of Liberty’s neck is the “M” monogram representing Morgan’s initial.

Morgan designed the Liberty head bust after the likeness of Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher who modeled for the coin. Williams received significant public recognition after her face appeared on the Morgan dollar, but she rejected the attention that was heaped upon her. She refused offers for acting roles and apparently had turned down an offer for marriage following her engagement to an unknown suitor. Before dying at the age of 68 in 1926, Williams, who sat for Morgan on the sworn condition of anonymity, rebuffed her single stint as a coin design model as little more than an “incident of [her] youth.”

United States 1904-O Morgan Silver DollarReverse:

The reverse of the 1904-O Morgan dollar is dominated by a heraldic eagle, its wings spread across the upper half of the coin. Between the upper tips of the eagle’s wings appears the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The eagle clutches an olive branch in its right claw representing peace and in its left claw are three arrows symbolizing the nation’s ability to defend itself. The central eagle design is partly encircled by a laurel wreath.

Along the rim of the upper two-thirds of the reverse is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the tip of the eagle’s left wing (which virtually touches the coin’s rim) penetrating the space between UNITED and STATES; the right wing visually divides the words OF and AMERICA. The words ONE DOLLAR, seen at the bottom center of the reverse, are flanked by a single, six-sided star on either side of the denomination inscription.

The mint mark “O” for New Orleans is located below the wreath and above the word DOLLAR.

Edge:

The edge of the 1904-O Morgan dollar is reeded.

Designer

Engraver George T. Morgan was born in Birmingham, England in 1845. He emigrated to the United States and began work as an assistant to Mint Chief Engraver William Barber and continued to produce patterns and commemoratives under the administration of Barber’s son, Charles. Morgan himself became Chief Engraver in 1917. George Morgan died in 1925.

Coin Specifications

Country:  United States
Year Of Issue:  1904
Denomination:  One Dollar (USD)
Mint Mark:  O (New Orleans)
Mintage:  3,720,000
Alloy:  90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight:  26.73 grams
Diameter:  38.10 mm
OBV Designer  George T. Morgan
REV Designer  George T. Morgan
Quality:  Business Strike

 


 

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1887 Morgan Dollar : A Collector’s Guide

 

1887 Morgan Dollar. Image: CoinWeek.
1887 Morgan Dollar. Image: CoinWeek.

Morgan dollar production continued at its Congressionally mandated pace in 1887, despite the fact that even 10 years into the series’ run it had failed to gain a meaningful place as a circulating coin for most Americans.

The 1887 Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Philadelphia Mint struck 20,290,000 Morgan dollars in 1887 and bore the responsibility of striking all of the nation’s subsidiary coinage and a small number of gold coins, mostly in the $10 denomination. The New Orleans Mint struck 11,550,000 Morgan dollars in 1887 and nothing else, while the San Francisco Mint struck a small by comparison mintage of 1,770,000 Morgan dollars and devoted the rest of its time producing the bulk of America’s gold coins for that year.

The Morgan dollar gets its name from United States Mint engraver George T. Morgan, who designed the dollar coin in competition with then-Chief Engraver William Barber. The two had a generally cordial relationship, though numismatists throughout the generations have supposed that Barber may have been envious of Morgan’s talent as an engraver and treated him with some degree of unprofessionalism. This is not true.

Morgan was born in England and began working for the Mint soon after his arrival in the U.S. in 1876. He was brought on as an assistant engraver in October 1876 and then worked under William Barber. In addition to the Liberty Head dollar, Morgan has several coin design credits to his name, including the Columbian half dollar of 1892 and 1893 and an array of pattern coins designed in the latter half of the 19th century – perhaps most notably the never-released $100 Gold Union coin.

U.S. Circulating Coin Production in 1887 – The Morgan Dollar in Context

In 1887, the Philadelphia Mint handled U.S. coin production for all minor denominations, the silver dollar, and gold denominations up to $10 (with the exception of the half eagle, which was only struck for circulation at the San Francisco branch).

The table to the right illustrates current market levels relative to mintages in the grade of MS65. There are no “Gem” 65 coins known at present for the $10 and $20 denominations, so we substituted in the MS64 value.

Building a complete 1887 year set of circulation strikes in Gem or finest known 64s will set a collector back about $100,000 USD. However, this pursuit is well within the means of most interested adult collectors in the grade of MS62 or MS63. We estimate a choice set to cost about 1/4 to 1/3 of that price.

The 1887 Morgan dollar struck at the Philadelphia is, by a large margin, the most frequently encountered coin of the date to survive in Mint State. As such, the 1887 Morgan is the most affordable issue of the date by a large margin.

In Choice Uncirculated condition (MS63), the 1887 Morgan is slightly more common than the 1887-O and the 1887-S, but all three issues are affordable at this grade. For those interested in a superb Gem dollar for this date, the 1887 Philadelphia strike is likely the only viable option as the O-Mint and S-Mint 1887 dollars are both rare in grades over MS65.

In terms of strike quality, the 1887 is similar to the Philadelphia strikes of 1886. However, specialist collectors will note that 1887 issues often appear softer struck than their 1886 counterparts. This is not uniform throughout the issue but is a factor that collectors should pay attention to when seeking out a specimen for their collection.

How Much is the 1887 Morgan Dollar Worth

Tens of thousands of 1887 Morgan dollars survive in uncirculated condition, while many more likely survive in various states of wear. Given this coin’s low cost, most coin collectors prefer problem-free brilliant uncirculated or better examples.

Expect to pay between $40 and $50 for a lightly circulated 1887 Morgan dollar and between $90 and $120 for a coin professionally graded at the MS63 level by CAC, NGC, or PCGS.

From this level, the value of an 1887 Morgan dollar increases depending on the eye appeal and grade of the coin.

Previously, NGC reported two coins at the MS68 level, one of which was sold by Stack’s Bowers in 2008, for $32,200. That same coin brought $13,800 at a 2019 Heritage auction. Such is the risk that conditional rarities pose in the marketplace. If populations go up–as they have for this issue–prices usually go down as the top end of the market gains its equilibrium. For what it’s worth, that particular coin is no longer certified by NGC, as the service reports no examples higher than MS67 at the present time.

CAC has applied its sticker to 3,113 1887 Morgan dollars and has encapsulated 168 coins. CAC is a newcomer to the coin encapsulation business and we expect these numbers to increase in short order. At the present time, CAC has applied its sticker of approval on 107 coins graded by NGC or PCGS at the MS67 level with one additional coin graded MS67PL. The highest current grade for an 1887 Morgan dollar in a CAC holder is MS66, with five reported.

PCGS reports over 300 coins at MS67 to MS67+ levels with two examples at MS68. There is no recent auction data in regards to the two MS68 coins, but they are imaged on PCGS CoinFacts. A characteristic these coins share is that they both have flashy brilliance in the centers with a hint of toning along the periphery. In our opinion, one is clearly better than the other and we estimate that either one might sell for $30,000 to $35,000 at auction if market conditions are right.


A beautiful toned 1887 Morgan dollar in MS67+. Image: PCGS.

This is only part of the story of the 1887 Morgan dollar at the very top of the market.

As beauty is often “in the eye of the beholder”, the degree to which the 1887 Morgan dollar allows for collector specificity makes these grades attractive to a wide range of collectors. As such, price levels at the MS67 level vary from $3,800 on the lower end to $6,500 or more for the “right” coin.

Gem-quality coins at the MS65 and MS66 level open the issue up to a broad swath of type set and Morgan dollar set builders. As is the case with the Superb Gem 1887 Morgans, at MS65 and MS66, a wide range of options exist. With 50,000 coins graded at the MS65 level at PCGS and NGC combined, there are enough coins to satisfy current levels of demand. MS66 coins are more exclusive, but with a combined pop of over 7,000 coins, a collector with a budget of $300 to $400 can land on an attractive example within a month or two of entering the market.

Of course, variety collectors may find grade a secondary concern. For VAM hunters, the 1887 issue yields more than a dozen collectible varieties, some of which are quite striking. VAM 1A features a distinct die break at the bottom curve of the D that forms a “Donkey Tail“. VAM 2 is a naked-eye-visible overdate where the remnants of the digit “6” are visible under the final digit of the date. And so on.

Design

Obverse:

The obverse of the 1887 Morgan dollar exhibits the characteristic left-facing Liberty Head motif seen on all issues of this classic dollar series. The central Liberty bust wears a Phrygian cap encircled with a ribbon adorned with the inscription LIBERTY. Miss Liberty also wears a “vegetal” crown of wheat and cotton, which were two of the nation’s most lucrative natural agricultural assets in the 19th century.

The phrase E PLURIBUS UNUM is inscribed along the upper half of the obverse rim, and the date 1887 is centered at the bottom of the obverse adjacent to the rim. Seven stars appear between the left side of the date and the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, while six stars fill the gap between the date and motto on the lower right side of the coin. In total, the 13 stars represent the 13 colonies that combined to form the original Union of the United States. At the base of Liberty’s neck is the “M” monogram representing Morgan’s initial.

Morgan designed the Liberty head bust after the likeness of Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher who modeled for the coin. Williams received significant public recognition after her face appeared on the Morgan dollar, but she rejected the attention that was heaped upon her. She refused offers for acting roles and apparently had turned down an offer for marriage following her engagement to an unknown suitor. Before dying at the age of 68 in 1926, Williams, who sat for Morgan on the sworn condition of anonymity, rebuffed her single stint as a coin design model as little more than an “incident of [her] youth.”

Reverse:

The reverse of the 1887 Morgan dollar is dominated by a heraldic eagle, its wings spread across the upper half of the coin. Between the upper tips of the eagle’s wings appears the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST. The eagle clutches an olive branch in its right claw representing peace and in its left claw are three arrows symbolizing the nation’s ability to defend itself. The central eagle design is partly encircled by a laurel wreath.

Along the rim of the upper two-thirds of the reverse is the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the tip of the eagle’s left wing (which virtually touches the coin’s rim) penetrating the space between UNITED and STATES; the right wing visually divides the words OF and AMERICA. The words ONE DOLLAR, seen at the bottom center of the reverse, are flanked by a single, six-sided star on either side of the denomination inscription.

Edge:

The edge of the 1887 Morgan dollar is reeded.

Designer

Engraver George T. Morgan was born in Birmingham, England in 1845. He emigrated to the United States and began work as an assistant to Mint Chief Engraver William Barber and continued to produce patterns and commemoratives under the administration of Barber’s son, Charles. Morgan himself became Chief Engraver in 1917. George Morgan died in 1925.

Coin Specifications

Country:  United States
Year Of Issue:  1887
Denomination:  1 Dollar
Mint Mark:  None (Philadelphia)
Mintage:  20,290,000
Alloy:  90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight:  26.73 grams
Diameter:  38.10 mm
Edge  Reeded
OBV Designer  George T. Morgan
REV Designer  George T. Morgan
Quality:  Business Strike

 

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1888-O_Vam-4_45_Dollars

The Underground Success Story: Collecting Circulated Morgan Dollars

Circulated Morgan Dollar. Image: Adobe Stock.
Circulated Morgan Dollar. Image: Adobe Stock.

By Al Doyle for CoinWeek….
Six- and seven-figure “trophy” coins and top-tier Registry Sets are the stuff of headlines and splashy stories, but such high-end items are in a completely different universe than where the average collector resides. Since the market for coins in the $1 to $250 range is much broader than the elite level, what is one of the biggest sellers in the working-class neighborhood of numismatics?

Collectors of All Levels Enjoy Morgan Dollars

One series – more specifically, the least expensive pieces in that group – have had a significant positive impact on the bottom line of thousands of coin dealers. In some cases, this overlooked series has made the difference between profitability and closing the doors. It may be a totally off the radar subject, but circulated Morgan dollars are a mainstay and even a passion for numerous collectors.

Think basic when entering the world of “circ” Morgans. Raw coins make up the vast majority of purchases, and collections are usually housed in Whitman folders or similar products. Some hobbyists step up to a sturdy Capital Plastics display case.


An interesting 1888-O VAM-4 “Hot Lips” Morgan Dollar in VG-8 can sell for as little as $45.

Slabbed pieces may not remain in their sonically sealed holders, as they are sometimes cracked out and placed with the rest of the collection. Going for broke in this segment of numismatics might mean adding a few Extra Fine cartwheels to a lower-grade set or even going all the way to a smattering of MS-60s mixed with “used” coins.

There’s no lack of enthusiasm just because the circulated Morgan specialist often operates with limited funds. These are the people who hang out at the local coin shop picking up a precious silver dollar or two on a regular basis.

What Coin Dealers Say About Circulated Morgan Dollars

“Circulated Morgans allow you to be a collector while investing in silver,” said Louis Fogleman of The Coin Shop in Farmington, N.M. “It sometimes takes a little education to learn about prices and mintages, but people understand that quality costs more for higher grades. You take time to explain rarity in dates, and customers understand about prices.”

Even though he is known for a large inventory of type coins, Gary Rosencrans of Gary’s Coins & Stamps in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. also does a steady business in circ Morgans.

“I have a lot of guys who collect circulated Morgans,” Rosencrans said. “When it comes to the number of coins sold, Morgans are up there with Lincoln cents for the most popular series. I buy two to four circ Morgan sets a month over the counter.”

The market for dated Morgans has expanded with the rise of the internet.

“I sell 200 VF and EF Morgans a month to a guy who puts them on eBay,” Rosencrans said. “He doesn’t sell them in bulk as an investment. They go one at a time to collectors.”

It may not be easy to pigeonhole those who pursue circulated Morgan dollars, according to Vic Turner of The Coin & Collectables Shop in Kenner, La.

“Even though people do tend to like New Orleans Mint Morgan dollars around here, we get a little bit of everything,” Turner said. “Price has a lot to do with what an individual will collect. Fine and Very Fine Morgans are very popular.”

Complete date sets become costly with keys such as the 1889-CC, 1893-S and 1894, but there are other ways to collect circulated Morgans.

“Rather than buying every date, people collect year sets with one Morgan from each year,” Fogleman observed. With 27 coins (1878 to 1904 and 1921) in a year set, a few scarcer dates can be added to the collection without undue financial hardship.

There is another way to build a short set of Morgans, and those who take this route are very focused on 13 dates.

Sets composed entirely of the Carson City Mint issues and their distinctive “CC” mintmark are a popular option. While the made in Nevada Morgans are less common than those struck at Philadelphia, San Francisco and New Orleans, meeting this goal isn’t an impossible task.

“I do a lot of CC sets,” Fogleman reports. “Even though the CCs are scarcer, circs are pretty available at shows. A lot of people have more than one Carson City set because the love the mystique of the old wild west, or they’re building sets for their grandchildren. For some collectors, CC Morgans are a never-ending process. When they build a set, the coins have to match in appearance.”

“Circ CCs are really hot,” Rosencrans said. “I can’t come close to buying enough of them.” Capitol’s Nevada-shaped display case is a popular option for Carson City enthusiasts.

If the funds are available, this might be a good time to go after the key circulated Morgan dollars.

“Some of the tough dates have gotten cheaper over the past three years,” Rosencrans said. “I sell a lot of 1893-S Morgans in the Good to VG range.”

Even with the occasional key, circulated Morgan dollars are primarily an area for the person whose budget is closer to Ralph Kramden than Ralph Lauren.

“Not everyone collects gold or MS-65s,” Fogleman said. “With circulated Morgans, you can start small and build from there.”

The post The Underground Success Story: Collecting Circulated Morgan Dollars appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

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Morgan Dollar (1878-1921) : A Collector’s Guide

Two circulated Morgan dollars on top of a pile of one dollar bills. Image: Adobe Stock.

The Morgan Dollar – A Federal Boondoggle of Vast Proportions

Though it might seem to be a modern phenomenon, the problem of dollar coins that don’t circulate has a long history. For the large silver dollars of America’s past, the metal value of these coins often lead to them being melted as bullion rather than being spent as money in everyday commerce.

In 1873, the United States Congress responded to this reality by suspending the production of silver dollars for domestic use while at the same time creating a new silver Trade dollar for export. This change in America’s coinage laws reduced the government’s need for silver but unfortunately coincided with the release of vast numbers of European silver coins into the international market and a massive increase in raw silver production from domestic mines due to the discovery of the Comstock Lode.

With high production levels of raw ore and reduced demand, American mining interests lobbied Congress to create a market for their product by reintroducing the American silver dollar coin. The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 provided this.

The Blan-Allison Act required the U.S. Treasury Department to purchase millions of ounces of silver bullion each month so that new silver dollars could be made. For the new coin, Mint Director Henry P. Linderman selected a design by English-born assistant engraver George T. Morgan. Morgan had iterated on a portrait of Liberty based on the likeness of Philadelphia school teacher Anna Willess Williams on a number of pattern coins–most notably a half dollar pattern that closely resembles the Morgan dollar.

The first Morgans were produced in 1878. As per the law, millions of silver dollars were minted each year, even though the coin did not circulate widely due to the fact that paper dollars were more convenient. This wasn’t the case everywhere, however; in the American West, silver dollars proved more versatile. Still, the mandated quantities produced each year far outpaced demand and most Morgan dollars were struck, dumped into bags, and put into longterm storage in Treasury vaults.

The Bland-Allison Act and subsequent legislation that required bullion purchases eventually exhausted silver stockpiles by 1904. Morgan dollar production went on hiatus, and unneeded silver dollars ended up in storage. But because of a subsequent increase in silver prices, nearly three hundred million of the stored dollars were melted in 1918 under the provisions of the Pittman Act.

In 1921, even though millions of the coins could still be found in government vaults, nearly 87 million new Morgan dollars were minted as a stopgap before the legally mandated Peace dollar design could be produced. But the storage of silver dollars was about to end.

Beginning in the 1930s and continuing through the early ’60s, rising collector coin and bullion prices resulted in a steady outflow of dollar coins from the Treasury until this was halted in 1964 by the Federal Government. The remaining silver dollars were dispersed in the early ’70s through 1980 by the General Services Administration (GSA) via mail-bid sales. The GSA sales, combined with the discovery and distribution of other privately-held Morgan dollar hoards, heightened collector interest in the series – an interest that continues unabated today.

America’s Most Collected Classic Coin

Throughout much of its circulating history, the Morgan dollar has been collected. The size of the American numismatic market was much, much smaller, however, and many of these collectors were interested in older coins such as large cents, which disappeared from circulation starting in 1857.

Collectors of the period were not largely aware of coin mintages at the time, and certainly paid little mind to collecting coins by mintmark. The United States Mint produced Proof versions of its circulating coins for collectors – who often were satisfied with owning a Proof example instead of its corresponding circulation strike.

Collecting interest in Morgan dollars grew throughout the 20th century, but for the first half of that century, the silver one dollar coins could be purchased from the local bank at face value. As the need arose, banks would replenish their stock by ordering $1,000 bags from the Treasury Department.

Bags of Morgan dollars held in bags at a Treasury Department vault in Washington, D.C.
Bags of Morgan dollars held in bags at a Treasury Department vault in Washington, D.C.

Over the years, these bags yielded coins from nearly all dates and mints–save for the 12,000 coins supposedly struck for circulation by the Philadelphia Mint in 1895. For some issues, quantities of uncirculated coins did not materialize as the Treasury’s stockpile depleted.

A massive run on silver in the 1960s saw the era of face value silver dollars come to a close. The Treasury held back a few million dollar coins that were marked as having been struck at the defunct Carson City Mint and developed a plan to auction them off to the general public through the General Services Administration.

It was this dwindling of the government’s stockpile followed with the public sale of “the coins that Jesse James never got” that ignited a modern collector market for Morgan dollars.

Other than for scarce or rare issues and varieties, business strike Morgan silver dollars are represented by the thousands in census and population reports, and prices are moderate even in Gem for some plentiful dates.

Prooflike (PL) and Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) examples are common, some of which are expensive in higher Mint State grades. Issues with higher prices include the 1879-CC, the 1883-S, the 1884-S, the 1886-O, the 1889-CC, the 1892-S, the 1893-S, the 1895-O, and the 1895-S, often very expensive as Gem or finer. Deep Mirror Prooflike examples and several die varieties are much more expensive than standard issues for a given date.

Proof coins were minted at Philadelphia every year that Morgans were produced, and for two (possibly three) years at New Orleans, and one year each at Carson City and San Francisco. Prices are moderate to Select Uncirculated, increasing above that to expensive and very expensive in Gem or finer. Issues with higher prices are the 1878 7TF (Seven Tail Feathers), Reverse of 1879; the 1883-O and 1893-CC; the 1895 Proof-only pieces; and the 1921 Chapman examples. Cameo and Deep Cameo/Ultra Cameo versions generally have modest premiums over regular Proofs.

Morgan Dollar Varieties–VAMs–Are Fascinating and Plentiful

As millions of Morgan dollars were dispersed from Treasury vaults in the 1950s and ’60s, a fascinating new collecting focus developed. The ready availability of uncirculated coins allowed for close inspection of the coins and revealed all manner of variations between dies, some of them quite dramatic. Careful study also allowed collectors to track the steady deterioration of certain dies that are known to have produced coins with pronounced die cracks. Other subtle yet noteworthy characteristics were also present on a number of coins, including repunched mintmarks, repaired design elements, and various doubled and tripled dies.

Over the years, hundreds of varieties became known from this extensively studied series of U.S. coinage. A reference on Morgan varieties was published in 1964 (at the end of the earlier period of Treasury Department silver dollar distribution), but interest expanded greatly following the 1971 publication of a comprehensive variety book by numismatists Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis.

The most sought-after VAM (Van Allen Mallis) varieties are divided into various groups. Two of the most popular groups are known as the “Top 100” and the “Hot 50”.


1888-O VAM-4 “Hot Lips” in Extra Fine. Late Die State example. I paid $315 for this example.

Of more general interest to the non-specialist are the 1878 Seven/Eight Tail Feathers versions; the 1878/1879/1880 reverse varieties; the 1879-CC/CC; the 1880/79-O and 1880/79-S overdates; the 1882-O/S; the 1887/6-O and 1887/6 Philadelphia overdates; the 1888-O “Hot Lips” Doubled Die Obverse; the 1899-O Micro O mintmark; the 1900-O/CC; the 1901 Doubled Die Reverse; and the 1903-S Micro S mintmark.

The Morgan 50: A Way for Everybody to Complete a Morgan Dollar Registry Set

CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan teamed up with Russ Augustin of AU Capital Management and RARCOA to assemble a list of 50 uncirculated Morgan dollars that are affordable enough so that every collector can complete the set. Called “The Morgan 50”, this set construction features coins from all five Morgan-dollar-producing mints and serves as a great entry point for collectors as they learn about the series in all its intricacies. CoinWeek has produced the first two of three planned videos that describe each of The Morgan 50 coins. Collectors can register their sets in the NGC Set Registry or at mycollect.com.

 

 

Exclusive CoinWeek Coverage of the Morgan Dollar Market

Market In-Depth: 1881-CC to 1884-CC Morgan Dollars Holding Steady

In early 2023, CoinWeek contributing writer Tyler Rossi produced this in-depth study of the market for certified 1881-CC to 1884-CC Morgan dollars. This band of dates were heavily represented in the GSA sales of the 1970s and ’80s and are the most affordable Morgan dollars from the famous Carson City Mint.

New York Morgan Dollar Hoard.

In 2018, coin dealer Jeff Garrett handled thousands of uncirculated Morgan dollars that turned up in unopened Mint bags. CoinWeek analyzes the grades of the coins found in what might be one of the last great Morgan dollar bag hoards.

Learn More About DMPL and PL Morgan Dollars

 

In-Depth Morgan Dollar Date Analysis by CoinWeek IQ

Morgan Dollars on the CoinWeek Podcast

Hubs for 1964-dated Morgan dollars turned up during a 2016 tour of the Philadelphia Mint’s vault. Q. David Bowers joined Charles Morgan to discuss the discovery and how this development changes our understanding of the Treasury Department’s attempt to replenish its silver dollar supply in the mid-1960s.

Leroy Van Allen wrote the book on collecting Morgan dollar varieties. In this episode of the CoinWeek Podcast, Van Allen joined Charles Morgan to talk about his research into the popular silver dollar series and what insights he gleaned from the published images of the 1964 Morgan dollar hubs.

Morgan Dollar Design

George Morgan’s somewhat austere Liberty faces left, dominating the obverse. Liberty’s curled hair, over the forehead and down the back, is topped by a liberty cap with a LIBERTY banner at the front, above which are small branches of wheat, cotton, and maple. Forming a concentric circle inside the denticled rim are E PLURIBUS UNUM at the top, each word separated by a centered dot, and the date at the bottom. Separating the two legends are 13 small six-point starts, seven on the left and six on the right. Morgan’s initial M is along the truncation of the neck.

The reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings, tips reaching nearly to the dentils encircling the rim. The eagle’s left claw clutches three arrows, the right a solitary olive branch. Inside the rim is UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the top two-thirds, and ONE DOLLAR at the bottom. A six-pointed star separates ONE and UNITED to the left, and DOLLAR and AMERICA to the right. Above the eagle, in a more stylized font than used elsewhere on the coin, is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST (upper and lower case as reproduced here). Surrounding the eagle, inside the legends, is a nearly concentric partial wreath of grain sheaves, tied at the bottom with a double-looped ribbon. The letter M is on the left loop, the first time a designer’s initial was displayed on both sides of a coin.

New Orleans (O, 1879-1904), Carson City (CC, 1878-1885, 1889-1893), San Francisco (S, 1878-1904, 1921), and Denver (D, 1921) mintmarks are located below the ribbon loops, above the DO in DOLLAR. The Philadelphia Mint produced Morgans every year of the issue, but no circulation strikes are known for 1895, all presumed melted.

The edge of the Morgan silver dollar is reeded.

Coin Specifications

Morgan Silver Dollar
Years Of Issue:  1878-1904, 1921
Mintage (Circulation):  High – 44,690,000 (1921); Low – 12,000 (1895 – but none are known, possibly all having been melted. Next lowest at 77,000 is the 1893-S.)
Mintage (Proof):  High – 1,355 (1880); Low – 590 (1890; A small number of Proofs have been listed from New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco, though this is unconfirmed by official records and considered by some to be exceptional business strikes. The San Francisco pieces were apparently made at the request of Farran Zerbe, President of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) from 1908 to 1910, and Henry Chapman, a Philadelphia coin dealer in the early 1900s.)
Alloy:  90% silver, 10% copper
Weight:  ±26.73 grams
Diameter:  ±38.10 mm
Edge:  Reeded
OBV Designer  George T. Morgan
REV Designer  George T. Morgan

 

* * *

Additional Resources

Bowers, Q. David. The Experts Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins. Whitman Publishing.

–. A Buyer’s Guide to Silver Dollars & Trade Dollars of the United States. Zyrus Press.

–. A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars. Whitman Publishing.

–. A Guide Book of United States Type Coins. Whitman Publishing.

Breen, Walter. Walter Breen’s Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins. Doubleday.

Fey, Michael S. and Jeff Oxman. The Top 100 Morgan Dollar Varieties. RCI Publishing.

Fivaz, Bill and J.T. Stanton. CherryPickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties of United States Coins. Whitman Publishing.

Standish, Michael “Miles”. The Morgan Dollar: America’s Love Affair with a Legendary Coin, Featuring the Coins of the Coronet Collection. Whitman Publishing.

Taxay, Don. The U.S. Mint and Coinage. Arco Publishing.

Van Allen, Leroy and A. George Mallis. Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars. Worldwide Ventures, Inc.

Yeoman, R.S and Kenneth Bressett (editor). The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins. Whitman Publishing.

* * *

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The Morgan 50 Set is Now a Competitive Set on the NGC Registry

NGC Introduces the Morgan 50 Registry Set.
NGC Introduces the Morgan 50 Registry Set.

A Morgan Dollar Collection Every Collector Can Complete

Designed to fit the budget of every collector but still offer a longterm challenge and collecting goal, The Morgan 50 Registry Set by NGC is comprised of fifty uncirculated Morgan dollars struck from 1878 to 1921. In certified MS63 grades, each coin has a retail value of between $75 and $400 USD, with most averaging under $125. These coins are affordable enough that any collector of Modern U.S. Mint material will have the ability to complete the set.

The Morgan Dollar series is a large and complex series of coins to collect, with several rare issues, many interesting varieties, and Proof versions. As coin prices continue to rise, however, the ability for beginner and intermediate collectors to complete a matching set gets harder and harder.

Nevertheless, there are ways to approach the set where completion is possible. CoinWeek’s Charles Morgan teamed up with coin dealer Russ Augustin (AU Capital Management, RARCOA) to help develop this innovative new set collecting idea for the Morgan Dollar series. In selecting 50 coins, Russ and Charles focused on issues from all five Morgan dollar-producing mints, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, and the western San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver mints.

They discuss the coins of The Morgan 50 in the set in the videos below.

Part I: The Philly Strikes

 

Part II: New Orleans Strikes

 

To learn more, visit www.ngc.com.

To view Russ’ current inventory of Morgan dollars, gold coins, and more, visit www.aucm.com.

* * *

The post The Morgan 50 Set is Now a Competitive Set on the NGC Registry appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

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The Morgan 50 Now a Competitive Set on the NGC Registry

NGC Introduces the Morgan 50 Registry Set.
NGC Introduces the Morgan 50 Registry Set.

The Morgan 50 – A Morgan Dollar Collection Every Collector Can Complete

Designed to fit the budget of every collector but still offer a longterm challenge and collecting goal, The Morgan 50 Registry Set by NGC is comprised of fifty uncirculated Morgan dollars struck from 1878 to 1921. In certified MS63 grades, each coin has a retail value of between $75 and $400 USD, with most averaging under $125. These coins are affordable enough that any collector of Modern U.S. Mint material will have the ability to complete the set.

The Morgan Dollar series is a large and complex series of coins to collect, with several rare issues, many interesting varieties, and Proof versions. As coin prices continue to rise, however, the ability for beginner and intermediate collectors to complete a matching set gets harder and harder.

Nevertheless, there are ways to approach the set where completion is possible. CoinWeek’s Charles Morgan teamed up with coin dealer Russ Augustin (AU Capital Management, RARCOA) to help develop this innovative new set collecting idea for the Morgan Dollar series. In selecting 50 coins, Russ and Charles focused on issues from all five Morgan dollar-producing mints, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, and the western San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver mints.

They discuss the coins of The Morgan 50 in the set in the videos below.

Part I: The Philly Strikes

 

Part II: New Orleans Strikes

 

To learn more, visit www.ngc.com.

To view Russ’ current inventory of Morgan dollars, gold coins, and more, visit www.aucm.com.

* * *

The post The Morgan 50 Now a Competitive Set on the NGC Registry appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

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United States 1904-O Morgan Silver Dollar | CoinWeek

Description In mid-to-late 1904, an article appeared in newspapers across the country with the blaring headline: “Passing of the Good Old American Silver Dollar.” Under the subtitle “It Is Probable That No More of Them Will Ever be Coined by the Government,” the author, Katherine Pope, reported “that ponderous and more or less troubling coin, […]

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Morgan Dollars for Every Collector: Introducing the Morgan 50 – Part II

  * * * A Collection of Morgan Dollars Everyone Can Complete Coin dealer and numismatic author Russ Augustin (AU Capital Management, RARCOA) joins Charles Morgan to discuss an innovative new set-collecting idea for Morgan dollars. Designed to fit the budget of every collector but still offer a longterm challenge and collecting goal, The Morgan 50 is comprised of fifty […]

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50 Morgan Dollars for Every Collector: Introducing the Morgan 50 – Part I

  * * * A Morgan Dollar Collection Every Collector Can Complete Coin dealer Russ Augustin (AU Capital Management, RARCOA) joins Charles Morgan to discuss an innovative new set collecting idea for the Morgan Dollar series. Designed to fit the budget of every collector but still offer a longterm challenge and collecting goal, The Morgan […]

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Morgan Dollars for Every Collector: Introducing the Morgan 50 – Part I

  * * * A Morgan Dollar Collection Every Collector Can Complete Coin dealer Russ Augustin (AU Capital Management, RARCOA) joins Charles Morgan to discuss an innovative new set-collecting idea for the Morgan Dollar series. Designed to fit the budget of every collector but still offer a longterm challenge and collecting goal, The Morgan 50 […]

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Elusive 1889-CC Morgan Dollar Offered by GreatCollections

As part of their September 3 online auction, GreatCollections.com is offering a key date 1889-CC Morgan silver dollar graded VF-30 by PCGS and certified as strong for the grade by CAC. Sometimes called the “King of the Carson City Morgans”, the 1889-CC Morgan is scarce in all grades and the most elusive of all Carson […]

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Highest-Graded 1899 Double Eagle in Heritage Long Beach Sale

Sept. 14-17 event also features Stuard Collection of Morgan Dollars   A magnificent 1899 Double Eagle PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC. CAC. JD-1, R.5 will be among the top attractions in Heritage Auctions’ Long Beach Expo US Coins Signature Auction September 14-17. “This auction features coins of exceptional quality throughout, and this Liberty Head double eagle […]

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Heritage Offers Uncirculated Morgan Dollars From Tahoe Casino

In 1947, the owner of one of Lake Tahoe’s most luxurious hotels and casinos sent his sons on a bank run for more silver dollars. They returned from their routine run with bags filled with coins to be used in the casino’s slot machines. Except the boys and the coins never made it as far […]

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Heritage Offers Justine Collection of Morgan Dollars July 17

The latest Showcase auction of US coins from Heritage Auctions covers the Justine Collection of Morgan Dollars, an extensive, near-complete collection of Morgan Dollars by date and mintmark – including several Proofs and a selection of GSA and Redfield dollars. Morgan Dollars are popular with US coin collectors everywhere because of their size and connections […]

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The 1888-O Hot Lips Morgan Dollar

By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… Ask a Morgan Dollar enthusiast to name their favorite VAM variety, and they’ll likely reply with the 1888-O Hot Lips Dollar. What’s the “Hot Lips” Dollar? Well, first let’s clarify what a VAM variety is… In 1971, Morgan Dollar specialists Leroy Van Allen and George Mallis published the first […]

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Stephenville Morgan Dollar VAM Varieties in Heritage Auction

Heritage Auctions has been selected to offer The Stephenville Collection, a wide-ranging collection spanning several different series, over the coming months. Previous auctions have featured Seated Liberty and Barber coinage, along with a wide-ranging selection of coins with Gold CAC stickers. Our current auction from this collection features a selection of Morgan Dollar VAM varieties. […]

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A Possible Adjustment to Carson City Mint Coinage for 1882

By Roger W. Burdette, special to CoinWeek ….. Production of George T. Morgan’s standard silver dollar coin tested the abilities of U.S. mints to meet high quality standards for large quantities of dollar coins, while buying silver bullion in open markets. This was especially difficult for Carson City Mint, which, although located near large silver […]

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Gem Proof 1904 Morgan Dollar in Stack’s Bowers June Auction

By Chris Bulfinch – Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… The 650 Proof Morgan dollars struck in 1904 place the issue among the key dates for Proofs, especially for later dates; 1904 is the rarest Proof Morgan dollar produced after 1891. So Stack’s Bowers is excited to offer a 1904 Proof-67 (NGC) in the Rarities Night session […]

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United States 1904-O Morgan Silver Dollar

In mid-to-late 1904, an article appeared in newspapers across the country with the blaring headline: “Passing of the Good Old American Silver Dollar.” Under the subtitle “It Is Probable That No More of Them Will Ever be Coined by the Government,” the author, Katherine Pope, reported “that ponderous and more or less troubling coin, the […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1889-CC Morgan Dollar With Added Mintmark

By Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) ….. This coin was part of a Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) grading contest, where only about a third of the participants identified it as a fake. The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is a major key in that series, because it had a mintage of a mere 350,000, a great portion of […]

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ACEF Reports Fakers Using Same Cert Numbers Multiple Times

Recent examples of fake “certified” Morgan and Peace dollars have been found with the same certification numbers on the encapsulation inserts, cautions the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF). “Unsuspecting buyers may find that the cert number perfectly matches the coin when they look it up on a legitimate authentication company’s website, but counterfeiters are spewing out […]

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ANA Summer Seminars Offer Something for Every Collector

The best learning experience in numismatics returns again this summer. The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) Summer Seminar, slated for June 17-22 (session 1) and June 24-29 (session 2), features classes to suit virtually every collector’s needs, led by instructors who are recognized leaders in their fields. Held in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the campus […]

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Ezerman on the 1888-O “Hot Lips” Morgan Dollar

By Rob Ezerman for CoinWeek …..   The spectacular and whimsical 1888-O Doubled Die Morgan dollar gained widespread attention with the early work of silver dollar specialists Leroy Van Allen and George Mallis in the late 1960s. They catalogued the coin as the 1888-O VAM-4. A few years later a popular movie would inspire collectors […]

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Jeff Garrett: Collecting Silver Dollar Varieties

By Jeff Garrett for NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) …… Collecting United States coins by die variety has its origins in early copper coinage. Some of the first specialty books for U.S. coins were for Colonial coinage and Large Cents. Generations of collectors have been searching for rare varieties of these early copper coins. Over time, […]

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Collection of Morgan Dollars Highlights David Lawrence Auction

Sunday Auction #1265 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now LIVE and features over 600 total lots – including more than 250 No Reserve lots and over 15 Vault Values. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a finest-known 1872 H10C NGC/CAC Proof 67+ CAM; […]

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Roger Burdette: First 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollars Struck

By Roger W. Burdette, special to CoinWeek ….. The first standard silver dollars designed by George T. Morgan were struck at the San Francisco Mint on April 17, 1878. A box containing 10 pairs of dollar dies was shipped on April 8 and arrived at the Mint on the evening of April 16. The dies […]

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Roger Burdette: First 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollars Struck

By Roger W. Burdette, special to CoinWeek …..   The first standard silver dollars designed by George T. Morgan were struck at the San Francisco Mint on April 17, 1878. A box containing 10 pairs of dollar dies was shipped on April 8 and arrived at the Mint on the evening of April 16. The […]

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Stack’s Bowers Offers 1893-S Morgan Dollar in Rarities Night Sale

By Chris Bulfinch – Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers ……   The title “King of Morgan Dollars” is a contested one. Many reserve the honor for the 1895, of which only Proof examples are thought to survive. But the 1893-S–especially in Mint State–is also a contender for the throne. Whichever you prefer, the two are titans of […]

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United States 1883-S Morgan Dollar

With a mintage of 6,250,000 coins, the 1883-S Morgan dollar should be a relatively common coin. However, unlike other contemporary dates, this type is today considered scarce. In fact, when considering examples in Mint State grades, this coin becomes quite rare. This is because the 1883-S was not included in any significant way during the […]

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United States 1889-CC Morgan Dollar

Run mainly by United States Mint officials from the Republican Party, the Carson City Mint was shuttered by President Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, in September 1885. It wasn’t until after the next presidential election when Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, was elected in 1889 that the branch mint once again received funding. However, due to this […]

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United States 1889-CC Morgan Dollar

Run mainly by United States Mint officials from the Republican Party, the Carson City Mint was shuttered by President Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, in September 1885. It wasn’t until after the next presidential election when Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, was elected in 1889 that the branch mint once again received funding. However, due to this […]

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NGC Counterfeit Detection: 1884-CC Morgan Dollar

By Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) …… The 1884-CC was once considered one of the greatest rarities of the Morgan Dollar series. However, the GSA sales half a century ago included nearly one million coins, over 80% of the original mintage. Nevertheless, examples in Mint State can still sell today for hundreds or even thousands of […]

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David Lawrence Offers Final Part of Hansen Morgan Dollars

Sunday Auction #1246 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 575 total lots – including more than 250 No Reserve lots and over 20 Vault Values. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a tied finest known 1938 25c PCGS MS68; […]

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Superb Cameo Proof 1903 Morgan Dollar in Stack’s Bowers Winter 2022 Showcase Auction

By Christopher Maisano – Numismatist, Stack’s Bower Galleries …… Proof Morgan dollars as a whole are highly desirable but rarely does one stand out from the rest like this beauty. The untoned surfaces allow full appreciation of the predominantly brilliant finish for which this late-date Proof Morgan dollar issue is known. There is, however, some […]

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Hansen Collection Morgan Dollars at David Lawrence Rare Coins

Sunday Auction #1245 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 425 total lots – including more than 75 No Reserve lots and over 25 Vault Values. Included in the variety of PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items are an expertly preserved 1788 Massachusetts Cent NGC MS65 BN ex: Newman; a popular […]

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Morgan Dollars and Ancient Coins Offered by David Lawrence

Sunday Auction #1244 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 575 total lots – including more than 250 No Reserve lots and over 20 Vault Values. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a rainbow toned 1873 H10c PCGS Proof 67+ […]

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United States 1884-S Morgan Dollar

By 1884, the San Francisco Mint was clearly run low on space to store millions of unneeded silver cartwheels. As a result, the 1884-S Morgan dollar is its smallest issuance until that date. The San Francisco Mint struck 3.2 million Morgan dollars in 1884 – a 51% decrease from the prior year. Nevertheless, in regard […]

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The New Orleans Mint: Part 3

By Victor Bozarth for PCGS …… Part 1 | Part 2   The New Orleans Mint was the only Southern mint reopened after the Civil War. Some of the considerations were practical. The gold deposits in the Southeast were starting to dissipate. Regional mints in Dahlonega, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, that had produced only […]

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Whitman Debuts 7th Edition of Q. David Bowers’ Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars

Whitman Publishing will release the newly expanded and updated seventh edition of A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, by Q. David Bowers, for the 2022 holiday season. The 336-page book will be available in December from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide. In the meantime, it can be preordered (including online at Whitman.com). The seventh […]

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NGC Counterfeit Coin Detection: Altered 1893 Morgan Dollar

A mintmark was added to this silver coin to make it look like a valuable Carson City example   By Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) …… As Morgan Dollar collectors know, 1893 was a very interesting year for the beloved silver series. The United States Mint struck Morgans at four facilities that year: Carson City (‘CC’ […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection: 1880-CC Morgan Dollar

This fake is mostly copper, but even if you didn’t know that, there are other red flags   By Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) …… The 1880-CC Morgan Dollar had a mintage of slightly under half a million. The NGC Price Guide indicates that even heavily circulated examples are worth at least $100 USD, with expected […]

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GreatCollections Offers Rare Chance for High Gem Prooflike 1882-S Morgan Dollar

Biding is live on Greatcollections.com for a stunning proof-like 1882-S Morgan dollar. Graded as MS 67+ by PCGS and having earned a Green CAC sticker, this coin would make a fine addition to any group of Morgan dollars. Collectors should be aware of the opportunity to bid on this top pop coin, especially since it […]

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Rainbow-Toned Morgan Dollars

By Kyle Clifford Knapp for PCGS …… An 1881-S Morgan Dollar graded PCGS MS67+ and bearing a price guide value of $1,100 realized $19,387 USD. A PCGS MS65 1885-O in MS65 with a price guide listing of $250 brought $8,812.50. It’s not inflation! The drama of the prices at the last Central States Numismatic Society […]

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The 1888 Morgan Dollar: Key Varieties & Prices

By Steven Cochran for Gainesville Coins …… The 1888 Morgan silver dollar is best known for its interesting die varieties. For collectors of rare varieties and error coins, this is certainly a key date in the Morgan dollar series. What is an 1888 Silver Dollar Worth? Here is a table of average prices for 1888 […]

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Competitive Bids for Gem 1895-O Morgan Dollar – Auction Ends Sunday.

Up for sale in GreatCollections’ current auction is a very high-quality 1895-O Morgan dollar. Graded MS65 by PCGS and certified by CAC, this is a relatively unusual opportunity for collectors to acquire a conditional rarity. Bidding ends on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 6:43:08 PM Pacific Time (9:43 PM Eastern). At the time of publication, […]

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Two Dramatic U.S. Mint Error Coins in the News

By Bullion Shark LLC …… Recently, two important and unique United States Mint error coins – a very rare off-center Carson City Morgan silver dollar that had disappeared for almost 50 years and the only known double-denomination mule error pairing a Sacagawea dollar obverse with a South Carolina State quarter reverse – have been in […]

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Let’s Talk About the Current State of the Silver Dollar Market

In this episode of the CoinWeek Live Stream on YouTube, noted coin expert Russ Augustin (AU Capital Management/RARCOA) joins Charles Morgan to discuss the current state of the silver dollar market and to discuss 24 silver dollars in various grades and how they may fit into your collecting plans. We cover a wide range of […]

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Numismatic History – The GSA CC Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Hoard

Veteran numismatists may remember the great rush on Morgan Silver Dollar that occurred during the early 1960s. For generations these coins had laid undisturbed in Treasury and Federal Reserve vaults, serving primarily as a backing for silver certificates. When, in 1935, Congress changed the written obligation appearing on silver certificates so that the notes could […]

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GreatCollections Offers Rare Key Date Morgan

Collectors of Morgan dollars should be aware that GreatCollections is currently auctioning a fine example of the “King” of the series. This 1893-S Morgan dollar, graded as MS-63 by NGC, still has beautiful luster and would make a fine addition to any collection. Bidding for this desirable coin ends on Sunday, June 26, 2022, 06:56:12 […]

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High-Grade Classic US Coin Highlights of Stack’s Bowers June Auction

By Christopher Maisano – Numismatist, Stack’s Bower Galleries …… Rainbow Proof Barber Quarter Proof Barber quarters are known for low mintages, as well as their beauty and desirability. Although produced in small numbers, Barber quarters come on the market more often than one would expect, and Cameo contrast, Gem grades, and brilliant or nicely toned […]

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PCGS Everyman Set Registry Proves Popular With Budget Collectors

  By Sanjay Gandhi for PCGS …… PCGS launched the “Everyman Mint State” category a few months ago, and it continues to grow at a steady pace. Many collectors have thanked us for creating a more “budget-friendly” category. To date, we have over 225 members participating within the Everyman Mint State Set Registry. These sets […]

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Morgan Dollar Varieties and Prooflikes/DMPLS in Heritage Showcase Auction

The current Showcase auction of US coins from Heritage Auctions focuses on the ever-popular Silver Dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM die varieties as well as Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Monday, March 21 at 6 PM […]

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United States 1921 Morgan Dollar

Suspended in 1904 due to a significant drop in the demand for silver resulting from the passage of the 1890 Sherman Silver Act, no further Morgan dollars would be struck until 1921. The series was thought to be dead. Yet because of World War I, the government of Great Britain was facing an economic crisis. […]

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Jim Bisognani: Conversations With Two Numismatists in Ukraine

The hobby perseveres in a war zone, and a quick look at the pre-1933 US gold coin market   By Jim Bisognani – NGC Weekly Market Report …… As the war in Ukraine rages, I felt duty bound to take a look at some of that besieged country’s numismatics. As this European nation is a […]

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David Lawrence Offers Liberty Hill Collection of Morgan Dollars and Silver Eagles

Sunday Auction #1214 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 650 total lots – including more than 20 Vault Values and over 325 No Reserve Lots. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a popular early issue 1793 Wreath 1c PCGS […]

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US Mint Pauses Production and Sales of 2022 Morgan and Peace Dollars

Popular Historic Program Will Return in 2023   The United States Mint has announced that it will forgo the production and sales of Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars in 2022. This calculated pause is directly related to the global pandemic’s impact upon the availability of silver blanks from the Mint’s suppliers. The suspension will give […]

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David Lawrence Rare Coins Offers Skyline Drive Collection of Silver Dollars

Sunday Auction #1209 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 550 total lots – including more than 20 Vault Values and over 200 No Reserve Lots. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a better S-Mint Gem 1910-S 1c PCGS MS67 […]

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Thomas Uram Signature Labels Available Exclusively From Bullion Shark

By Bullion Shark LLC …… Thomas J. Uram, a longtime leader within the numismatic community, has signed an exclusive deal with Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) to personally hand-sign labels for coins they grade, which will only be available from Bullion Shark. A coin collector since the early 1970s when he began collecting Lincoln pennies, Tom’s […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions Announces 50th Regency Auction With Major Highlights

Legend Rare Coin Auctions (LRCA) is pleased to announce that the firm’s 50th Regency Auction will be a very important numismatic event, offering a spectacular selection of American numismatic treasures anchored by three powerful collections. The cabinets that make up the highlights of the sale are the Young-Dakota Collection of Proof Morgans; the Naples Collection […]

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A Showcase of VAM Morgan Dollar Varieties From Heritage Auctions

The latest Showcase auction of US coins from Heritage Auctions focuses on the ever-popular Silver Dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM die varieties as well as Prooflike (PL) and Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Wednesday, December 15 at 6 […]

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Spectacular 1886 Morgan Dollar Die Cap Error to be Auctioned by GreatCollections

Famous coin one of Amon Carter’s personal favorites   One of the greatest error coins known, the 1886 Morgan Dollar Obverse Die Cap graded PCGS MS64, has been consigned to GreatCollections and will be sold without reserve in their January 9, 2022, auction. Viewed at an angle, the coin has a high, curved rim that […]

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David Lawrence Offering Complete Collection of Morgan Silver Dollars

Sunday Auction #1197 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features 585 total lots – including 25 Vault Values and 160 No Reserve Lots. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a Proof-only 1877 5c PCGS/CAC Proof 66 CAM; a very rare 1893-CC […]

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Jim Bisognani: Coins That Make Great Gifts

Morgan and Peace Dollars or Pilgrim Half Dollars are the perfect presents for which numismatists will be thankful   By Jim Bisognani – NGC Weekly Market Report …… After setting back one hour all visible digital and analog clocks in our house, it dawned on me: 2021 is running on its last legs. This year […]

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Toned Gem 1882-S Morgan Dollar Offered by GreatCollections

A nicely toned 1882-S Morgan dollar offered by GreatCollections will cross the block in an online auction on Sunday, November 14. The coin is certified MS-66 by PCGS and its high bid in the GC sale stands at $370 USD at the time of writing. 1882-S Morgan dollars are relatively common, especially in Mint State […]

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Collecting Carson City (CC) Coinage: Part Two – Silver Dollars

By Victor Bozarth for PCGS …… In the first installment of this three-part series on collecting the coinage of the Carson City (CC) Mint, I covered the three smaller silver denominations produced by that famous mint in Nevada, including dimes, quarters, and half dollars. Here in part two, I turn to the “cartwheels” – silver […]

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David Lawrence Rare Coins Offering Hillsborough Collection of Morgan Dollars With Strong Eye Appeal

Sunday Auction #1194 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features 475 total lots – including 25 Vault Values and 160 No Reserve Lots. Included in the variety of fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items in this week’s sale is a Full Bands rare date 1916-D 10c PCGS MS63 FB; a high-end […]

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United States 1881-S Morgan $1 Silver Coin

Description: The 1881-S Morgan dollar is a large silver coin that was struck at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. Known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, the Morgan dollar is named for designer George T. Morgan, who served as a United States Mint engraver from 1876 until his death in […]

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United States 1881-S Morgan Dollar

The 1881-S Morgan dollar is a large silver coin that was struck at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. Known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, the Morgan dollar is named for designer George T. Morgan, who served as a U.S. Mint engraver from 1876 until his death in 1925. He […]

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How Defunct Mints Have Been Brought Back to Life: The 2021 Privy Mark Morgan and Peace Dollars

By Bullion Shark LLC …… When the congressional legislation to issue the 2021 Morgan and Peace silver dollars to mark the centennial of the release of the 1921 Morgan silver dollars and the 1921 Peace silver dollars (the respective last and first coins of those series) was being considered, there were conversations with sponsors and […]

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The Morgan Dollar and the Rarest Silver Crown of the Latin Monetary Union

By Ursula Kampmann for Numismatica Genevensis …… On November 16, 2021, Numismatica Genevensis will be auctioning a very important numismatic rarity. It is the rarest silver crown of the Latin Monetary Union. Only five specimens of this 5-franc coin from 1886 are known: three of them are located in Switzerland’s most important museums. Only two […]

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Jim Bisognani: Absence Made the Market Grow Fonder

The US Mint shipping delay has driven collectors to pay outstanding prices for the modern Morgan and Peace Dollars   By Jim Bisognani – NGC Weekly Market Report …… Friends, another amazing season is just around the corner. A chorus of leaves brandishing their colorful fall wardrobes outside my living room window confirms this revelation. […]

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Famous Jack Lee 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar Realizes $2.09 Million at GreatCollections Auction

By CoinWeek ….. On Sunday, August 29, the famous Jack Lee and Coronet Collection 1893-S Morgan silver dollar, graded MS-67 by PCGS and approved as strong for the grade by CAC, realized a record price of $2,086,875 after spirited bidding. The 1893-S silver dollar has the lowest mintage of all Morgan dollars issued between 1878 […]

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Heritage Showcase Auction Featuring VAMs, Prooflike Morgan Silver Dollars

The latest Showcase auction of US coinsfrom Heritage Auctions focuses on the ever-popular Silver Dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM die varieties as well as Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Thursday, September 16 at 6 PM CT. This […]

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Morgan Dollars for Beginners: Proof vs. Prooflike

By CoinWeek ….   There are many aspects of coin collecting that can seem daunting to the uninitiated, but as often as not this is one of its charms to the brave and curious few who make it their hobby. And as intimidating as it might appear at first, it’s only a matter of time […]

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US Mint Opens Pre-Order Windows for Remaining 2021 Morgan, Peace Dollars August 3 and 10

The United States Mint is reminding collectors about the following two pre-order windows in August for the four remaining 2021 Morgan and Peace Dollar products. The Morgan Dollars struck at San Francisco and Denver will be on sale during the first pre-order window beginning at noon (ET) August 3 and extending until August 17 at […]

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Proof-68 CAC 1881 Morgan Dollar From Original Set Featured in Stack’s Bowers August 2021 Auction

By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers ……   Stack’s Bowers Galleries is featuring an original and matched 1881 Proof Set in our Official Auction for the ANA World’s Fair of Money this August, a group that is being offered publicly for the first time. The set offers incredible preservation and beautiful toning, highlighted […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection: 1889-CC Morgan Dollar with Joined Halves

This Counterfeit Coin forgery required the joining of two coins to mimic a rare year and mintmark combination Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …….. NGC graders identify counterfeit coins with added or altered mint marks each and every day. These alterations are seen so often that we devoted an entire article to them last year, which […]

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A Look at the Forming Secondary Market of the 2021 Privy Morgans

By Christopher Bulfinch for CoinWeek ….. In a year of high-profile United States Mint product releases, there is no doubt that the U.S. Mint’s 2021 Morgan dollar “reissues” will be counted among the most interesting and infuriating products to be issued this year. For most collectors, buying the coins at issue price was an exercise […]

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Jeff Garrett: A Guide to Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

The popular and abundant silver dollar makes a great addition to any collection   By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of Morgan Silver Dollars and the beginning of Peace Silver Dollars. The year 1921 was momentous for the numismatic world, and 2021 is […]

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United States Mint Announces New 2021 Morgan & Peace Dollar Pre-Order Dates

New Eagle Silver & Gold Launch First; Household Order Limits Revised   During the initial pre-order window for the 2021 Morgan and Peace dollars, the United States Mint experienced an extraordinarily high volume of BOT traffic. These BOTs were programmed to conduct technology-driven transactions that caused significant interference with many transactions by Mint customers. To […]

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VAMs and Dimple Morgan Dollars Reflected in Month-Long Auction

The latest month-long auction of US coins from Heritage Auctions focuses on the ever-popular Morgan Dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM varieties as well as Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Tuesday, June 22 at 6 PM CT. This […]

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Carson City Coinage Featured in Heritage Month-Long Auction

Heritage Auctions is offering a month-long internet-only auction showcasing exclusively Carson City coinage. The Carson City Mint operated from 1870-1893, producing some of the most sought-after coins in US numismatic history, ranging from dimes to double eagles. This auction will be open for bidding exclusively at coins.HA.com until June 15, with the live session scheduled […]

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Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation Assists in Seizure of 40,000+ Fakes

If genuine, the intercepted counterfeits would have a retail value of about $2 million   Representatives of the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) and its Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) on the request of the Secret Service provided on-site numismatic expertise to federal law enforcement agents in the Los Angeles area who seized more than 40,000 fake […]

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US Mint Postpones Remaining 2021 Morgan, Peace Dollar Pre-Order Windows

Late last night, the United States Mint sent an email to its customers informing them that the previously announced pre-order windows for the remaining 2021 Morgan dollar and Peace dollar 100th anniversary issues were being postponed due to problems encountered by collectors as they attempted to order the Carson City and New Orleans privy mark […]

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United States 1904-O Morgan Silver Dollar

Description In mid-to-late 1904, an article appeared in newspapers across the country with the blaring headline: “Passing of the Good Old American Silver Dollar.” Under the subtitle “It Is Probable That No More of Them Will Ever be Coined by the Government,” the author, Katherine Pope, reported “that ponderous and more or less troubling coin, […]

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The Coin Analyst: US Mint Roundtable on 2021 Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars

By Louis Golino, special to CoinWeek ….. In recognition of the high level of interest among collectors in the forthcoming 2021 Morgan and Peace silver dollar program, United States Mint Director David Ryder and key members of his staff held a roundtable discussion with members of the numismatic media on May 4 to discuss this […]

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A Sampling of Undervalued Morgan Silver Dollars

  By Bullion Shark LLC …… The Morgan silver dollar is a huge series (97 different coins) that most collectors can never complete because of super-rare key dates that are very expensive in any grade, or which they complete over the course of many years substituting lower-end circulated examples for the major rarities. But putting […]

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Privy Marks Take the Place of Coveted O and CC Mintmarks on Morgan Reissues

By Chris Bulfinch for CoinWeek ….. At noon on May 24, 2021, the United States Mint will release two .999 fine uncirculated silver dollar coins, the first two honoring the centennial of the Morgan dollar’s reintroduction. The coins each have a privy mark–“O” and “CC”, respectively–placed beneath the wreath on the reverse in place of […]

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Privy Marks Take the Place of Coveted O and CC Mintmarks on Morgan Reissues

By Chris Bulfinch for CoinWeek …..   At noon on May 24, 2021, the United States Mint will release two .999 fine uncirculated silver dollar coins, the first two honoring the centennial of the Morgan dollar’s reintroduction. The coins each have a privy mark–“O” and “CC”, respectively–placed beneath the wreath on the reverse in place […]

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Morgan Dollar VAM Varieties Offered by Heritage in Month-Long Auction

The latest month-long auction of US coins from Heritage Auctions focuses on the ever-popular Morgan dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM varieties as well as Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Saturday, May 8 at 10 pm CT. Collectors […]

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Jeff Garrett: Collecting 1921 Morgan and Peace Dollars

There’s more to these historic coins than you might think   By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… This year marks the 100th anniversary of the last Morgan Silver Dollar and the first Peace Silver Dollar. The 1921 Morgan and Peace Dollars are also front and center this year as the United States […]

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VAM Silver Dollars in Special Stack’s Bowers CCO Auction

Did You Know that Stack’s Bowers Galleries will be offering a special Collectors Choice Online (CCO) Auction featuring Morgan dollars and Peace dollars attributed by VAM variety? This specialty sale, scheduled to take place on April 13, 2021, at 11:00 am PDT, will offer 121 lots of silver dollars in a variety of grades. Highlights […]

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David Larence Rare Coins Offering Select Carson City and Better Date Morgan Dollars

By David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auctions  …… Sunday Auction #1163 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now live and features over 400 total lots, including 30 Vault Values and 75 No Reserve Lots. Included in our No Reserve lots is a wonderful selection of Carson City Mint and better-date Morgan dollars. This week’s […]

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Morgan Dollar Collection Highlights No Reserve Lots at David Lawrence Rare Coins

By David Lawrence Rare Coin Internet Auctions  …… Sunday Auction #1161 from David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) is now LIVE and features 480 total lots including 75 Vault Values and over 85 No Reserve Lots. This week’s sale also features a variety of other fantastic PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-approved items including a famous rarity 1916 […]

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1921 – A Year of Numismatic Change

Numismatic Change in 1921 By Mike Garofalo for PCGS …… The year was 1921. America, much like today, was a dynamic and changing place. President Woodrow Wilson, who kept us out of “The War to End All Wars” from 1914 to 1916, had finally led us into and then through that Great War in 1917 […]

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How Morgan Dollars Became Indian Rupees

By Jay Turner for PCGS …… Little thought is given by many people on the previous incarnations of the metal that makes up the coins they have in their collections. Truth be told, the metallic content of many coins cannot be traced back to their origins if it came from previously melted coins. Yet there […]

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Heritage Offering Morgan Dollars From the Brady Island Collection

Heritage’s month-long auction closing February 15 represents the Brady Island Collection, a specialized collection of Morgan dollars, which, as most numismatists are well-aware, are one of the most popular series among US coins. Bidding is ongoing at Coins.HA.com, and the auction will conclude with a live session at 5 PM CT, Monday, February 15. This […]

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Top Pop 1903-O Morgan Dollar Offered by GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, January 24, bidding ends at GreatCollections.com for this 1903-O Morgan silver dollar, graded MS-67+ by PCGS in a Secure Shield holder and approved as strong for the grade by CAC. A total of 4.45 million silver dollars were struck by the New Orleans Mint and dated 1903, which is neither […]

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United States 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar

Description Morgan dollar production continued at its Congressionally mandated pace in 1887, despite the fact that even 10 years into the series’ run it had failed to gain a meaningful place as a circulating coin for most Americans. The 1887 Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin struck […]

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Specialty Silver Dollars Offered in Month-Long Heritage Auction

The latest Heritage month-long auction of US coins focuses on the ever-popular Morgan and Peace Dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM varieties as well as Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Friday, January 8 at 6 PM CT. Collectors […]

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Jeff Garrett: Mirror, Mirror – The Appeal of the Prooflike Morgan Silver Dollar

Who is the fairest of them all? A strong argument can be made for a Prooflike Morgan Silver Dollar   By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… There are few numismatic delicacies as aesthetically appealing as a deeply Prooflike silver dollar. These coins are simply stunning. Anyone who collects Morgan Silver Dollars is […]

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Some Classic and Modern Key Date Silver Dollars: Bullion Shark

By Bullion Shark LLC …… The three most widely collected types of silver dollars in today’s market are the Morgan dollar, the Peace dollar, and the American Silver Eagle, the modern silver dollar. Like all coin series, each features certain coins–often referred to as key dates–that are worth substantially more than the others in their […]

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The 10 Most Valuable Silver Dollars: Bullion Shark

By Bullion Shark LLC …… What Are Silver Dollars Worth? A common-date Morgan or Peace silver dollar – the most widely collected types of these coins — can be worth anywhere from $25 to $35 in low grade to $50 for a common date in MS60, $125 in MS65 and $700 in MS67, the highest […]

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Two Well-Toned Morgan Dollars in Stack’s Bowers Dec. 2020 Showcase Auction

  By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… The 1885-O is among the most popular New Orleans Mint Morgan silver dollars. The mintage of 9,185,000 pieces was typical of the era, but still well below the 10.7 million struck of the 1886-O and the 11.5 million struck of the 1887-O. The Bland-Allison Act […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection: A Morgan Dollar “Super-Fake” Revealed

Counterfeit 1884-S Morgan Dollar Counterfeit Coins Review By Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… Lest you think spotting fakes is easy, take a look at this 1884-S Morgan Dollar. Each month in this column, we discuss some of the fundamentals of counterfeit detection, using counterfeit coins as illustrations. To date, the examples shown have not been […]

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The 1900-O Over CC Morgan Dollar: The “Last” Carson City Silver Dollar

  By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS …… Carson City Morgan Dollars bearing the famous “CC” mintmark are at the top of many coin collectors’ want lists. Struck at the Carson City Mint in Nevada from 1878 through 1893, these so-called CC Morgan Dollars are symbolic of the Old West and the massive silver lodes that […]

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Once Leading Way, Morgans Now Mixed Market

1878-S Morgan dollar (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
Bullion and bullion-impacted coins continue to struggle as both gold and silver continue their slow yet modest decline. Generally available, yet collectible coins appear to be distancing themselves from bullion-impacted coins in value

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Once Leading Way, Morgans Now Mixed Market

1878-S Morgan dollar (Image courtesy Heritage Auctions.)
Bullion and bullion-impacted coins continue to struggle as both gold and silver continue their slow yet modest decline. Generally available, yet collectible coins appear to be distancing themselves from bullion-impacted coins in value

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A PCGS MS69 Morgan Dollar Showcase

By Jaime Hernandez for PCGS …… Morgan Dollar, 1881-S $1, PCGS MS69. Image courtesy PCGS Morgan dollars are undoubtedly among the most popular coins with collectors. However, the Morgan dollar series can also be one of the most challenging to collect. There are nearly 100 different regular-issue business strikes, and that doesn’t even count all […]

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A PCGS MS69 Morgan Dollar Showcase

By Jaime Hernandez for PCGS ……   Morgan Dollar, 1881-S $1, PCGS MS69. Image courtesy PCGS Morgan dollars are undoubtedly among the most popular coins with collectors. However, the Morgan dollar series can also be one of the most challenging to collect. There are nearly 100 different regular-issue business strikes, and that doesn’t even count […]

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Miller Collection, Pt. 1 Realizes Over $9 Million at Stack’s Bowers November Auction

Part One of the Larry H. Miller Collection was a much-anticipated highlight of the Stack’s Bowers Galleries November 2020 Showcase Auction, held at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California. Acquiring coins discretely and off the radar of the collecting community, the late Larry H. Miller assembled a world-class cabinet that spanned nearly the […]

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Gem 1878 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar Offered at GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, November 1, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1878-CC Morgan silver dollar graded MS-66 by PCGS. Over two million Morgan dollars were struck at the Carson City Mint in 1878, though only a few of these coins found their way into circulation at the time. But like many Morgan dollars, […]

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Larry H. Miller Collection of Morgan Silver Dollars in Stack’s Bowers Nov. Auction

By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to present The Larry H. Miller Collection of Morgan Silver Dollars in our November 10-13, 2020 Auction. It represents a historic offering that will excite even the most sophisticated collectors of this series. While certain cabinets have offered individual rarities, such […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1903-S Added S Morgan Dollar

A prominent area of discoloration around the mintmark is a sign that this Morgan Dollar is a counterfeit. Morgan Dollar Counterfeit By Numismatic Guaranty Corporation …… The vast majority of the more than 1.2 million Morgan dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1903 entered circulation, either immediately or as they were trickled out […]

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2021 Morgan Silver Dollar, Peace Dollar Closer to Being Minted

By Bullion Shark LLC …… There is some very good news for collectors of U.S. coins who have been excited about the idea of the United States Mint striking 2021-dated Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars for several years now. On September 22, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6192, the 1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary […]

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Cameo Proof 1887 Morgan Dollar in Stack’s Bowers Nov. Showcase Auction

  By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… Just 710 Proof Morgan dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1887, and only about 500 examples survive in any condition. This issue presents a surprising challenge for collectors who seek the finest levels of preservation and production quality. As is the case with […]

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Silver Dollar Specialties Offered in Month-Long Heritage Auction

The latest month-long auction of US coins from Heritage Auctions focuses on the ever-popular Morgan and Peace Dollar series, with an offering consisting of VAM varieties as well as Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) Morgans. This auction is open for bidding now, with the concluding live session scheduled for Thursday, October 15 at 6 […]

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Incredible Gem 1894 Morgan Dollar Featured in Stack’s Bowers Nov. Showcase Auction

  By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… With just 110,000 coins produced, the 1894 has the lowest mintage among circulation strike Morgan dollars from the Philadelphia Mint. It is a key date issue in this popular series, and is the rarest Philadelphia Mint Morgan in Mint State after only the 1901. When […]

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Classic US Silver Dollars – Brilliant Chapman Proof 1921 Morgan Dollar

Every circulation-strike issue from the inception of the Morgan dollar series in 1878 through 1904 was accompanied by a small run of Proofs, typically in the high hundreds of pieces. The year 1921, when Morgan dollar output resumed for one last time using newly created hubs, was different in a number of ways, including the […]

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Stack’s Bowers Galleries to Sell Collection of Larry H. Miller, Utah Jazz Owner for Nearly 25 Years

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is thrilled to present the spectacular collection built by Utah businessman Larry H. Miller across two sales to be held in November and December 2020. Larry H. Miller was an entrepreneur and philanthropist most famous as the owner of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Utah Jazz from 1985 up to his death […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar

Posted by Ben Wengel, NGC Grader ……. A recent 1893-O Morgan Dollar submission was confirmed a counterfeit when NGC graders identified one telltale sign. Recently, a well made die struck counterfeit Morgan dollar dated 1893-O was found in a bulk deal while at NGC. While the piece was well made, it had one telltale diagnostic that made […]

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PCI Silver Eagles versus PCI Morgan dollars, Part II

In my last column, I noted how I purposely sent two PCI Morgan dollars with specific PCI Silver Eagles bearing similar toning and patterns, testing PCGS to see if it would cross over the Morgans.
My “Economy” submission came back with graded Eagles and DNC (Did Not Cross) Morgan dollars, as depicted in the photo below

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Condition Rarity MS-67+ 1884 Carson City Morgan Sells Big at GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, August 9, bidding ended on GreatCollections.com for this 1884-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, graded MS-67+ by PCGS and approved by CAC. It sold for $17,166 USD ($19,311.75 including buyer’s premium) after nine bids. Produced at the Carson City Mint, few of the issue’s official 1,136,000-coin mintage were known to have survived […]

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PCI Silver Eagles versus PCI Morgan dollars, Part II

In my last column, I noted how I purposely sent two PCI Morgan dollars with specific PCI Silver Eagles bearing similar toning and patterns, testing PCGS to see if it would cross over the Morgans.
My “Economy” submission came back with graded Eagles and DNC (Did Not Cross) Morgan dollars, as depicted in the photo below

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Spectacular Toned 1879-S Morgan Dollar in Stack’s Bowers August Las Vegas Auction

By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… The 1879-S Morgan represents the second year of the series and serves as a popular issue among type collectors and VAM variety specialists. Almost all of the 9,110,000 coins struck at San Francisco were not paid out, but remained in the Mint’s vaults and were gradually […]

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Bullion Shark: Key Date Silver Dollars

By Bullion Shark LLC …… Morgan Dollar Values The two most popular and widely collected classic silver dollars are Morgan dollars (1878-1921) and Peace dollars (1921-1935). And like the vast majority of other coins, their values are determined by the scarcity of the date based on the coin’s mintage, the coin’s estimated surviving population, the […]

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Finest Known 1883-S Morgan Dollar in Stack’s Bowers August Auction

By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… Although often overshadowed by the 1884-S, the 1883-S Morgan dollar presents a surprising challenge to collectors in Mint State. While the mintage was moderately large at 6,250,000 pieces, the 1883-S is one of the few issues that saw active circulation beginning in the 19th century. Worn […]

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Gem 1882-O/S Strong Overstrike Morgan Dollar Highlight at GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, July 5, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1882-O/S Strong overstrike Morgan silver dollar, graded MS-65 by PCGS. It is pedigreed to the notable Bella Collection in the PCGS Set Registry. This coin is one of two coins of the Strong overstrike type graded MS-65 by PCGS, with only one […]

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Eagerly Sought Pattern Morgan Half Dollar: Stack’s Bowers Direct

By Stack’s Bowers ……   Judd-1602 1879 Pattern Morgan Half Dollar Just One Finer 1879 Pattern Morgan Half Dollar. Judd-1602, Pollock-1797. Rarity-6. Copper. Reeded Edge. Proof-66+ RB (PCGS).   The Judd-1602 half dollar is one of the most popular patterns due to the use of George T. Morgan’s portrait of Liberty, previously believed to have […]

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Encore Dollars: Dollar Coins That Came Back One More Time

By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for PCGS ……   Many coin series come and go, never to be struck again. And others take a numismatic bow only to hit the stage one more time for a surprise encore appearance some years later. Many United States coins have come back after years absent from the production schedule, as […]

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New Plan for 2021-Dated Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars

By Bullion Shark LLC …… Last year the 1921 Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin Act, which proposed issuing 2021-dated Morgan silver dollars and Peace dollars, was introduced. Though the proposed program remains popular with collectors, the bill never gained much support in Congress. Just before the year ended, the Congress passed the Law Enforcement Commemorative Coin […]

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Danville Collection Morgan Dollars Highlights David Lawrence Rare Coins Auction

By David Lawrence Rare Coin Auctions  …… Our Sunday Internet Auction #1119 consists of over 300 brand NEW coins plus over 50 Vault Values and over 80 No Reserve Lots. The Danville Collection of Morgan Dollars is an excellent assortment of high quality common dates or slightly better date Morgan Dollars. With a focus on […]

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Gem 1891-CC Morgan Dollar: Stack’s Bowers Direct Coin of the Week

Desirable Gem 1891-CC Morgan Dollar 1891-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. MS-65 (PCGS).   This is an exceptionally well-preserved, highly attractive example of a conditionally challenging Carson City Mint Morgan dollar issue. Sharply struck throughout, both sides are brilliant with subtle hints of golden toning and faint prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Silky smooth in appearance and […]

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1880-CC Morgan Dollar VAM-5: Stack’s Bowers Direct Coin of the Week

1880-CC Morgan Dollar Description Superb Gem 1880-CC 8/7 Morgan Dollar VAM-5, Ex GSA Hoard Just one finer in this category 1880-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. VAM-5. Top 100 Variety. 8/High 7. MS-67 (NGC). A brilliant and frosty snow-white gem with a dusting of original patina apparent on each side. This Morgan Dollar fields are considerably reflective […]

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1880-CC Morgan Dollar VAM-5: Stack’s Bowers Direct Coin of the Week

1880-CC Morgan Dollar Description Superb Gem 1880-CC 8/7 Morgan Dollar VAM-5, Ex GSA Hoard Just one finer in this category 1880-CC Morgan Silver Dollar. VAM-5. Top 100 Variety. 8/High 7. MS-67 (NGC). A brilliant and frosty snow-white gem with a dusting of original patina apparent on each side. This Morgan Dollar fields are considerably reflective […]

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Heritage Offers Jesse Lopez Classic Silver Dollar Collection, Confederate Currency

The Jesse Lopez Dollar Collection Heritage’s latest month-long coin auction is The Jesse Lopez Dollar Collection, running through April 15 at coins.HA.com. As with most of our month-long auctions, this offering focuses on collector coins, with offerings for budgets of all sizes. Silver dollars are always popular, and like most of our US coin auctions, […]

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Support the 1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act

The Pennsylvania Association of Numismatists (PAN) and PAN President Thomas Uram are appealing to collectors to support new coinage legislation, House Bill H.R. 6192, directing the United States Treasury to produce 2021 Morgan and Peace dollars recognizing the significant silver dollar coinage change that occurred in 1921. The Morgan silver dollar that represented the nation’s […]

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A Coin Analyst Exclusive: Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars Proposed as Ongoing Program

  By Louis Golino for CoinWeek ….. On March 11, U.S. Representative Garland “Andy” Barr (R-KY6) introduced H.R. 6192 – a bill which proposes the issuance of a silver dollar program starting in 2021 that would honor the centennial of the transition in 1921 from Morgan to Peace dollars. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV2), whose district […]

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Heritage Auctions awards $10,000 to Pennsylvania coin collector

Collecting interest was passed down from father, uncle
Dallas, Texas (March 11, 2020) — Following a tradition that has grown for more than 20 years, Heritage Auctions has awarded a $10,000 auction credit to client Steven Wilson through a drawing among collectors who participated in the firm’s annual numismatic survey.
The Pennsylvania resident’s interest in collecting was born out of a childhood curiosity about the hobby shared by his father and uncle

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CoinWeek IQ: United States 1921-S Morgan Dollar Zerbe Proof

Description The Zerbe Proof 1921-S Morgan dollar is one of the rarest and most enigmatic issues of the Morgan dollar series. The Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin that was struck at each branch of the United States Mint in operation between 1878 and 1904 and then once […]

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Superb Gem 1921 Chapman Proof Morgan Dollar Featured in Stack’s Bowers March 2020 Baltimore Auction

  By James McCartney – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers …… Rare Chapman Proof 1921 Morgan Dollar The Chapman Proof 1921 Morgan dollar is among the most elusive issues of the entire series, far exceeding in rarity the legendary Proof-only 1895. We are thrilled to offer one of very finest survivors from this clandestine issue in […]

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Top Pop PCGS/CAC 1879-O Morgan Dollar Offered at GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, March 1, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1879-O Morgan silver dollar, graded MS-66+ by PCGS and approved by CAC In only the second year of the series’ production, 1879 saw 2.887 million Morgans struck at New Orleans. But business strike silver dollars from the New Orleans Mint were weakly […]

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Market for Morgan and Peace Dollars Still Soft

The finest known 1855 proof Kellogg $50 gold coin, graded PCGS PR-64 Cameo CAC, sold for a record $1 million by Witter Coin in San Francisco and will be exhibited by its new owner at the store’s grand opening starting Feb. 10, 2020. (Image courtesy Professional Coin Grading Service, www

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Jeff Garrett: Coin Collecting by Die Variety

Variety is the spice of life — and coin collecting   By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… Over the last several months, a client of mine has taken a deep dive into collecting Morgan silver dollars. This client is quite studious and has spent considerable time learning the series. Every once in […]

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NGC Certifies Hoard of New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollars

1882-O $1 graded NGC MS-65★ from the Great Southern Treasury Hoard
On. Jan. 13, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) announced that they had recently graded a hoard of 13,000 Morgan Silver Dollars from the New Orleans Mint

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Newly Identified Contemporary Counterfeit 1894-O Morgan Dollar

NGC’s discovery is the first reported counterfeit Morgan Dollar of this date Counterfeit Morgan Dollar Posted by Ben Wengel, NGC Grader and Attributor Recently, an 1894-O Morgan Dollar was examined in an invoice at NGC that was proven to be an unreported contemporary morgan dollar. Despite being a well-circulated piece, there were several distinct problems […]

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NGC to Showcase Stunning Toned GSA Hoard Morgan Dollars at FUN Show

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) will display selections from Toneddollars’  NGC Registry sets of GSA Hoard Morgan dollars at the 2020 Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in January.
Jack Kelly, who goes by Toneddollars in the NGC Registry, submitted his collection of toned GSA Hoard coins to NGC in October 2019 to be graded or re-graded. Most of the 100+ coins received a grade of NGC MS 65 or higher, and 48 coins earned NGC’s trademarked Star Designation (★) for exceptional eye appeal

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NGC to Showcase Stunning Toned GSA Hoard Morgan Dollars at FUN Show

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) will display selections from Toneddollars’ high-ranking NGC Registry sets of GSA Hoard Morgan dollars at the 2020 Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in January. Each coin features vibrant, colorful toning, an attribute that is highly prized by collectors. Jack Kelly, who goes by Toneddollars in the NGC Registry, submitted his extraordinary […]

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MA-Shops Welcomes US Coin Dealer Phoenix Gold

Phoenix Gold Corp. Becomes Certified Dealer at MA-Shops.com …… MA-Shops is proud to welcome Phoenix Gold Corp., an antique specialist priding itself as one of the leading collectible coin wholesalers in the United States. “We specialize in Morgan and Peace dollars as well as better-date, rare U.S. coins that offer an interesting story or exceptional […]

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Top Pop PCGS 1904-O Morgan Dollar Going Fast at GreatCollections.com

By CoinWeek …. In just a few short hours, bidding ends this evening on GreatCollections.com for this 1904-O Morgan dollar, graded MS-67+ in a gold shield holder by PCGS and approved by CAC. After 26 bids, the going price is $18,508 (at the time of writing), and it’s not hard to understand why. Business strike […]

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CoinWeek Video: Jeff Garrett and the Great Southern Treasury Hoard of Morgan Dollars

By CoinWeek …..   Near the beginning of last month, CoinWeek traveled to NGC headquarters in Sarasota, Florida, to get a first look at the Great Southern Treasury Hoard of 13,000 New Orleans Mint Morgan dollars. Coin dealer Jeff Garrett was instrumental in bringing this numismatic bonanza to the market, negotiating a deal with a […]

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Blanchard: Over 270 Million of These Coins Were Melted

By Blanchard and Company, Inc ….. Over 270 million Morgan silver dollars met their fate in the melting pot under the provisions of the Pittman Act of 1918. The U.S. government ordered this dramatic move to save Great Britain from a banking collapse and may have also helped the Allies win the war. How did […]

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1899-O Morgan Silver Dollar in PCGS MS-67+ at GreatCollections.com

By CoinWeek …. On Sunday, October 27, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1899-O Morgan silver dollar, graded MS-67+ by PCGS and approved by CAC. Once thought of as a rare date in the series, the 1899-O was one of several Morgan dollar issues whose collector base was disrupted by the GSA Hoard and its […]

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Jeff Garrett: Toned Coins – A Matter of Taste

Attractively toned coins continue to be one of the most enigmatic segments of the rare coin market   By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… Someone once said, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” This sublime statement has become a reality in the rare coin business. Toned coins are now extremely […]

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All-Time Finest Morgan Dollar PCGS Coin Set Will Be Sold Intact

The all-time finest collection of Morgan silver dollars that was publicly revealed for the first time earlier this year is now being offered for sale intact. Known as The Illinois Set, the collection is ranked all-time finest in five different circulation strike Morgan dollar categories in the popular PCGS Set Registry®. The 117-coin set has […]

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Renowned Silver Dollar Expert Wayne Miller to Hand-Sign Special NGC Labels

Wayne Miller, whose groundbreaking books on silver dollars have guided numismatists for decades, is joining a prestigious group of people who hand-sign certification labels exclusively for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®). The label that Miller will sign features an image of his The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook, first published in 1983. Miller also wrote An […]

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Silver Dollar Expert Wayne Miller Joins Hand-Signing NGC Labels

Example of a hand-signed label by Silver dollar expert, Wayne Miller. Image courtesy of Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
In a press release from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation®, we have learned that Wayne Miller has agreed to come on board to hand-sign NGC labels

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Part 2 of Top VAM Morgan Dollar Registry Set Offered in David Lawrence Rare Coins Auction

DLRC Auction Highlights by David Lawrence Rare Coin Auctions  …… Our Sunday Internet Auction #1082 offers Part 2 of the Mike J’s #1 NGC Registry of Morgan VAMs. Don’t miss those and other exciting PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-certified pieces. In all, there’s a vast selection of over 300 New Items, featuring 187 No Reserve Lots […]

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Top-Ranking VAM Morgan Dollar Registry Set Offered by David Lawrence Rare Coins

DLRC Auction Highlights by David Lawrence Rare Coin Auctions  …… Our Sunday Internet Auction #1081 offers 185 coins from Mike J’s #1 NGC Registry of Morgan VAMs; a famous Registry-quality, key date Barber quarter; and a rare early Bust half dollar. Don’t miss these and other exciting PCGS-, NGC-, and CAC-certified pieces. In all, there’s […]

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NGC Grades One of First 10 Morgan Dollars Struck in San Francisco

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) has certified one of the first 10 Morgan dollars struck by the San Francisco Mint. This incredible piece of numismatic history is now graded NGC SP 64. Hundreds of millions of Morgan dollars were struck from 1878 to 1921. Today, they are among the most popular coins with collectors because of […]

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Bowers on collecting: Suggestions for the U.S. Mint

By Q. David Bowers
Within a few days, I and thousands of others will be in Rosemont, Illinois, attending the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money

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Bowers on collecting: Suggestions for the U.S. Mint

By Q. David Bowers
Within a few days, I and thousands of others will be in Rosemont, Illinois, attending the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money

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Bowers on collecting: Suggestions for the U.S. Mint

Within a few days, I and thousands of others will be in Rosemont, Illinois, attending the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money. Collectors, dealers, journalists, and others will come from all across America and from many foreign destinations to enjoy a week of immersion in the art, history, and romance of coins, tokens, medals, and paper money

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United States 1887-S Morgan Dollar

Description The 1887-S Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin that was struck at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. The San Francisco Mint struck 1,771,000 Morgan dollars in 1887 and a majority of all of the U.S. gold coins struck during the year. Production […]

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Time to Take a More Serious Look at Platinum?

Pork may be advertised as the ‘other white meat,’ but platinum is the ‘other white metal.’ The low mintage of Platinum American Eagle coins speaks for itself, but the series has never caught on with collectors, mostly being relegated (with the exception of the proofs) to bullion trading by precious metal investors instead. Even at bullion spot prices, platinum, like gold and silver, has made a significant increase in value recently

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Precious Metals Have Re-Awakened

The market for both bullion and collectible coins is gaining steam, with interest in coins enjoying a boost brought about by the recent gains in both gold and silver bullion prices.
Bullion coins and coins impacted directly by their intrinsic value are getting a boost, especially in lower grades where intrinsic value is everything. Here there is demand due more to investor interest than to collectors

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NGC highlights in Stack’s Bowers’ August coin auctions in Chicago

An extremely rare Morgan dollar is among the prestigious offerings in the Rarities Night sale.
A key date Morgan dollar and an always-popular gold rarity, both certified by NGC, are among the highlights being offered as part of the Stack’s Bowers Rarities Night sale on August 15 in Chicago

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Bid on This PCGS Proof 67 Cameo 1881 Morgan Dollar at GreatCollections.com

By CoinWeek …. In three days–on Sunday, July 28–bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this 1881 Proof Morgan dollar, graded PR67CAM by PCGS and sealed in a Secure Shield holder. Only the Philadelphia Mint produced Morgan dollar Proofs in 1881, and only 984 pieces were struck. This alone makes the 1881 Proof scarce, but when condition […]

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Morgans Appear to have Lost Some of their Luster

The spot price of gold and silver rose dramatically throughout the past week, much of this due to political and financial concerns. It appears gold may now continue to trade in the $1,400 per ounce range, while silver hopefully remains at about $15 per ounce.
In early July Kitco reported, “The safe-haven metal [gold] is seeing some renewed demand from traders and investors as their overall risk appetite is less robust

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Previously Unreported Morgan Dollars Emerge as PCGS All-Time Finest

By Mint State Gold by Stuppler and Company …… Quietly and patiently acquiring superb quality coin-after-coin over the past 14 years, an Illinois collector working with Barry Stuppler of Mint State Gold by Stuppler and Company in Woodland Hills, California has now assembled the all-time finest collection of circulation strike Morgan silver dollars. The previously […]

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Key Date 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar Offered at GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. In just a couple days, on Sunday, June 2, bidding ends on GreatCollections.com for this key date 1893-S morgan dollar, graded XF-40 by PCGS. With only 100,000 pieces struck, the 1893-S has the lowest mintage of the entire Morgan silver dollar series. Because of this, even an EF(XF)-40 example can see some […]

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Ron Guth: Five Big Ones: Legend Rare Coin Auctions – May 15-16, 2019

By Ron Guth ….. Disclaimer: The author is an independent reporter. He has no affiliation with Legend Rare Coin Auctions and he has received no compensation from them (or anyone else) for this analysis. On May 15 and 16, 2019, Legend Rare Coin Auctions conducted a sale in conjunction with the PCGS Members Only Coin […]

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Three Famous Coin Hoards

By Blanchard & Company ……   For millennia, people have buried and hoarded coins for various reasons. In ancient times, many coin hoards were buried during wartime. Other coin hoards began in the wake of the Great Depression by those who distrusted banks and paper money and preferred to store their life savings at home. […]

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Morgan Dollars: Central States Auction Features “Perfection”

Morgan Dollars are always among the most popular coins in any United States coin auction, and the truly exceptional collections of these coins are something to behold. Such is the case with The Perfection Collection of DMPL/Prooflike Morgan Dollars, an outstanding collection to be offered as a part of the Heritage April 25-28 Central States […]

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United States 1887-O Morgan Dollar

Description The 1887-O Morgan dollar, known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, is a silver coin that was struck at the New Orleans branch of the United States Mint. New Orleans struck 11,550,000 Morgan dollars in 1887 and nothing else, and while the vast majority were ultimately melted, the coin remained plentiful in the […]

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GreatCollections to Auction 1895 Proof Morgan Dollar

Recently Graded, Last Traded in 1960 for $500; Expected to Realize $150,000+   On Sunday, April 7, GreatCollections will be auctioning a recently re-discovered 1895 Proof Morgan Dollar, which last traded in 1960 for just $500. The coin has been in one family for almost 60 years and was graded Proof-67+ CAMEO by PCGS at […]

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Morgan prices suggest collector interests are shifting

There may be more of a shift in the market for coins than is being recognized. While the more highly desirable Morgan silver dollars (date or condition rarities) continue to hold their value, there are few that have increased significantly in value recently. The market for all other Morgan silver dollars remains weak, with some price declines appearing regularly

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A Brief History of the Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars

By Dennis Tucker – Publisher, Whitman Publishing, LLC …… Whenever the classic coins of the United States are ranked for popularity, the famous Morgan silver dollar rises to the top of the list. Every day at Whitman Publishing we see evidence of its universal appeal. Hobbyists buy thousands upon thousands of coin folders, albums, and […]

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Whitman Publishing Announces Expanded, Updated 6th Edition of Q. David Bowers’s Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars

Whitman Publishing announces the release of the newly expanded and updated sixth edition of A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, by Q. David Bowers. The 320-page book will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide in early March 2019, for $19.95. Before then it is available for preorder (including online). The sixth edition’s […]

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Important Collections Draw Record Bidding in Legend Rare Coin’s 30th Regency Auction

Beverly Hills, world famous for its high-end boutiques, proved to be a great venue for a boutique auction full of high-end rare coins. The 491-lot auction drew record numbers of bidders, and the prices more than proved that fact. Important coins from numerous collections, including the Maybach Collection of Buffalo Nickels, the Formula 1 Collection […]

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Bidding on Rare 1895 Morgan Dollar Proof Coin in NGC PF-66 Ends Tonight at GreatCollections

By CoinWeek …. Later tonight, bidding comes to a close on GreatCollections.com for this impressively struck 1895 Morgan dollar graded Proof 66 by NGC. The 1895 Morgan dollar struck in Philadelphia was a Proof-only issue, with a mintage of 880 (the existence of 1895 Morgan dollar business strikes from Philly is a notorious numismatic mystery, […]

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Jeff Garrett: Proof Coins and Other Missed Opportunities

A common numismatic regret: ‘If I knew then what I know now’ By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) ……   Having been in the rare coin business now for over 40 years, I often have thoughts about the classic saying, If I knew then what I know now. The market for rare coins […]

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Bowers on collecting: Silver dollars in 1955 and 1956

The following is from the manuscript of the autobiography I have been working on for quite a few years. Today it is fascinating to review the past, such as my spending Gem 1928 Peace dollars because I had too many of them

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Incredible finest Proof Morgans set will be exhibited by PCGS Set Registry at 2019 FUN

(Orlando, Florida) December 6, 2018 — The finest Proof Morgan dollars set will be displayed by the PCGS Set Registry at the 2019 Florida United Numismatists convention for the first time anywhere in public.
Known as the “Mr

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Upcoming FUN Show to Exhibit Finest Proof Morgan Dollar Set in PCGS Set Registry

The finest Proof Morgan dollar set will be displayed by the PCGS Set Registry® (PCGS) at the 2019 Florida United Numismatists (FUN) convention for the first time anywhere in public. Known as the “Mr. Perfection 13” collection, the award-winning, 27-coin Morgan dollar basic proof set is 100 percent complete and has a rating of 69.47, […]

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Heritage Auctions – Seldom Seen Selections: Gem ‘Capped Die’ 1879-CC Dollar

Only the 1889-CC is scarcer than the 1879-CC among Carson City Morgan dollars, and the so-called “Capped Die” VAM-3 overmintmark ranks among the most significant varieties for the entire Morgan dollar series. A large CC was punched over a small CC, and the engraver crudely attempted to efface the underlying letters. Early die states show […]

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MA-Shops: The Morgan Dollar

By Joël van Dam – Owner, Joëlnumismatics, for MA-Shops.com …… Before I started as a dealer (when I was 18 years old), I collected many different types of coins and banknotes. I collected the things that I liked because of their aesthetic value or their historical value. Of course, since I was a teenager, it […]

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Bullion’s shadow hangs over market

Collectible and bullion impacted coins continue to sell in a tight range as this market commentary is being written. Gold bullion is trying to hold above $1,200 while silver is making its goal line stand at $14.
There has been some uptick in activity in gold coins that appears to originate from stock market investors looking to cushion their now increasingly vulnerable stock and bond portfolios

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Key year for coin collectors is 1893

The key to the Morgan silver dollar series is a product of 1893. It was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and only 100,000 were made.
The closing of an historical minting facility, two commemorative issues, and the mintage of two popular Morgan dollars make 1893 a unique and special year for numismatists

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Morgan silver dollars fluctuate only sideways

The ups and downs of the coin market continue. If Morgan silver dollars are any collectible coin market coincidence barometer, it suggests little if any appreciation is taking place. A number of common to scarce Morgan dollar dates, especially in Mint State 64 to 66, continue to decline

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Eight amazing pieces of silver

By Mark Benvenuto
Throughout the entire collector community, it’s fair to say we all like hefty silver coins. It appears to be part of virtually every collector’s passion, and that desire can burn pretty brightly in many of us. Whether it is classic silver dollars or the big silver of foreign countries, these coins are those that are usually in the spotlight and always in collectors’ hearts

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Toning and Eye Appeal on Rare and Modern Coins

  Coin Toning and Eye Appeal By Ron Drzewucki – Modern Coin Wholesale ….. Once it leaves the Mint, few things add value to a coin. But of those things, attractive natural coin toning arguably adds the most. What is “ coin toning ”? The word “toning” can describe both the coloration of a coin […]

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Rare Chapman Proof 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar to be Offered at Summer FUN Show

Business strike 1921 Morgan dollars are common, but proofs are significant rarities. None were officially made for collector sale, but the grading services recognize two varieties: the Chapman proofs and the Zerbe proofs. Certified Zerbe proofs tend to be from VAM-1AG or VAM-47 dies, and do not show all characteristics of proof Morgan dollars of […]

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CoinWeek First Look at the Pops of the New York Bank Morgan Dollar Hoard

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek ….. Sixteen bags of Morgan dollars, still sealed in their original bags, is not something that you expect to see these days, given that it’s been more than 50 years since the Treasury vaults were emptied by silver speculators. Since that time, there have been ups and […]

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Classic Silver Dollar Collection Highlights David Lawrence Rare Coins Internet Auction

Silver Dollar Collection from David Lawrence Rare Coins …… Our Sunday Internet Auction #1021 offers a fantastic selection of over 315 New Items including the Midsummer Silver Dollar Collection, along with 50 No Reserve Lots and 30 Vault Values. All lots will begin closing at 8pm EST on Sunday, July 15. Our Midsummer Silver Dollar Collection […]

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Man pleads guilty to selling, importing fakes; impersonating agent

ACTF plays a key role in the investigation and assists experts in identifying fakes
A New Jersey man admitted June 25 to impersonating a federal agent while selling counterfeit coins and bars and unlawfully importing counterfeit coins and bars into the United States, according to U.S

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Numismatic Time Capsule – Examining a Hoard of Morgan Silver Dollars

The excitement of examining a hoard of thousands of Morgan silver dollars By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) ……   One of the very best parts of my job is not knowing what the next phone call will bring. I tell people that for me, every day is an episode of Antiques Road […]

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Silver, Gold American Eagles Most Counterfeited Bullion Coins: ICTA

By Industry Council for Tangible Assets ……   Since 1986 when the United States Mint first introduced silver and gold American Eagle bullion coins, they have been top sellers in the United States as well as around the world. A new survey conducted by the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) indicates the popular U.S. bullion coins […]

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Bowers on collecting: Conservation, toning, and more

Last week I invited readers to a forum about labeling coins with “cleaned,” “environmental damage,” “artificial toning,” and the like. Notations such as this on holders severely damage the value of coins

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Bowers on collecting: Conservation, toning, and more

Last week I invited readers to a forum about labeling coins with “cleaned,” “environmental damage,” “artificial toning,” and the like. Notations such as this on holders severely damage the value of coins

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Bowers on collecting: Conservation, toning, and more

By Q. David Bowers
Last week I invited readers to a forum about labeling coins with “cleaned,” “environmental damage,” “artificial toning,” and the like

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Bowers on collecting: Conservation, toning, and more

By Q. David Bowers
Last week I invited readers to a forum about labeling coins with “cleaned,” “environmental damage,” “artificial toning,” and the like

Continue reading on Mint News Blog

Spectacular PCGS-certified Morgans command record prices in Sotheby’s Auction

The recent Sotheby’s Historic Coins and Medals Auction in New York set new price records with Morgan silver dollars certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) for authenticity and grade.
“The six most valuable coins sold in the auction were graded by PCGS, and a total of 86 of the 100 coins in the complete Morgan dollar set offered by Sotheby’s were certified by Professional Coin Grading Service

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CAC Coins Bring Premiums at Sotheby’s Auction of Silver Dollars May 21, 2018

At the Sotheby’s auction in New York of the Ralph and Lois Stone Collection on May 21, 2018, CAC-approved Morgan silver dollars brought brought substantial premiums over silver dollars of same date, type and certified grade sold last month or earlier this year. As some coins in this collection were certified long ago, recent auction […]

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Spitting Eagles, Alligator Eyes and Donkey Tails: Three Morgan Dollar Varieties

Morgan Dollar Varieties By Ron Drzewucki – Modern Coin Wholesale ….. Outside of a “Bugs Bunny” Franklin half dollar, it’s hard to beat some of the colorful names attributed to Morgan Dollar Varieties over the years. I don’t often write about them, so to “fill in the gaps” and maybe introduce people to one of […]

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Collecting Morgan Dollars: An Overview

By Louis Golino for CoinWeek …..   As a collectible, Morgan silver dollars, minted between 1878 and 1921, have no real peer in American numismatics. It is by far the most widely collected and traded numismatic coin in the world. Attend any coin show and you will quickly see that slabbed and raw Morgan dollars […]

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Bowers on collecting: Invitation to a forum!

Next week in this column I plan to discuss “cleaning,” “artificial toning” and “conservation” of coins. I invite readers, including those who grade or certify coins for a living, to send me an e-mail with your thoughts at *protected email*

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Bowers on collecting: Invitation to a forum!

By Q. David Bowers
Next week in this column I plan to discuss “cleaning,” “artificial toning” and “conservation” of coins

Continue reading on Mint News Blog

Bowers on collecting: Invitation to a forum!

By Q. David Bowers
Next week in this column I plan to discuss “cleaning,” “artificial toning” and “conservation” of coins

Continue reading on Mint News Blog

Legend’s largest auction shatters records in New Orleans

Anchor collections attract largest number of bidders in firm’s history
(Lincroft, NJ—May 18, 2018) Nearly double the number of lots in a typical Regency Auction, Legend’s 26th Regency, held over two days in New Orleans attracted the largest number of viewers, registrants, and bidders in the firm’s history. Directly leading to an explosion of activity prior to and during the live auction sessions

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CSNS: A Great Show; A Great Collector Coin Auction

Auction included amazing American numismatic treasures that predate the US Mint By Jim Bisognani for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… Although not an exact science, it is sometimes easy for me to gauge when a major coin chow is going on without the benefit of referring to a calendar. Take the annual CSNS convention for […]

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CSNS – A Great Coin Show and A Great Collector Coin Auction

The CSNS Coin Show and Coin Auction included amazing American numismatic treasures that predate the US Mint By Jim Bisognani for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… Although not an exact science, it is sometimes easy for me to gauge when a major coin show is going on without the benefit of referring to a calendar. […]

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PCGS security features help police nab suspects in football player Gronkowski robbery case

(Newport Beach, California) — The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) graded two Proof Morgan dollars that were stolen from the home of Rob Gronkowski, who plays tight end for the New England Patriots while he was in this year’s Super Bowl. Because the collector retained the PCGS certificate numbers of the stolen coins, they were supplied to investigators, leading to arrests for his high-profile robbery case

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Red Book recollections: Neil Shafer

Coin Update continues its series dedicated to reflecting on the long history of Whitman Publishing’s Guide Book of United States Coins, also known as the Red Book, now in its 72nd edition. “Red Book Recollections” features personal reflections written by Red Book contributors, collectors, and others with the aim of providing different perspectives on the long-lived reference work

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1903-S Counterfeit Morgan Dollar

1903-S Counterfeit  Morgan Silver Dollar By Max Spiegel – Numismatic Guaranty Corporation ….. The raised lumps and lines on this 1903-S  are signs of counterfeit Morgan Dollar production. The Morgan Dollar is one of the most popular coins with collectors, and it’s not hard to see why. Silver dollars have a certain nostalgic appeal and an uncirculated […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1903-S Counterfeit Morgan Dollar

1903-S Counterfeit  Morgan Silver Dollar By Max Spiegel – Numismatic Guaranty Corporation ……   The raised lumps and lines on this 1903-S are signs of counterfeit Morgan Dollar production.   The Morgan Dollar is one of the most popular coins with collectors, and it’s not hard to see why. Silver dollars have a certain nostalgic appeal and […]

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PCGS to Display Miller/Ashmore Morgan Dollar Super Set at Long Beach Expo

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) will display the Miller/Ashmore Morgan Dollar  Super Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921) at the Long Beach Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center February 22 – 24, 2018. The set can be viewed at Booth 404, the PCGS Set Registry Display Area. The Morgan Dollars Super Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921) consists […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – Fake 1885-CC Morgan Dollar in Fake GSA Holder

Counterfeit Coin –  1885-CC Morgan Dollar By Max Spiegel –  Numismatic Guaranty Corporation ……… At first glance, the counterfeit coin GSA holder looks similar to a genuine one. The fake 1885-CC Morgan Dollar, however, is far more obvious. Recent reports have identified counterfeit coin GSA holders with counterfeit Carson City Morgan Dollars inside. Last month […]

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Can you pass the no-bid coin test?

Below you will find a dozen screen shots of problem coin lots that a knowledgeable hobbyist would never bid on. Can you identify the issue on the coin, label, flip, or description?
I’ll provide a hint with each sample

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PCGS to display the Miller/Ashmore Morgan Dollars Super Set at FUN

(Newport Beach, California) — The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) will display the Miller/Ashmore Morgan Dollars Super Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921) at the Florida United Numismatists Show (FUN) at the Tampa Convention Center January 4-7, 2018.
The Morgan Dollars Super Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921), consists of 331 Morgan Silver Dollars, including the standard Morgan major variety rarities and the Major VAM set with many scarce VAM rarities

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Classic US Coins – PCGS to Display the Miller/Ashmore Morgan Dollars Super Set at FUN

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) will display the Miller/Ashmore Morgan Dollars Super Set at the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show at the Tampa Convention Center January 4 – 7, 2018. The Morgan Dollars Super Set, Circulation Strikes (1878-1921), consists of 331 Morgan Silver Dollars, including the standard Morgan major variety rarities and the Major VAM […]

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GreatCollections and honest numismatic photos

Before sharing an interview with GreatCollections President Ian Russell concerning his company’s practice of providing honest numismatic photos, I want to discuss the dishonesty and risk of buying coins with altered or poor photos.
Here’s a poor photo of a coin that I took a risk with, bidding based on a Proxibid lot that didn’t capture the true condition

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Impressive collections anchor Legend’s Regency Auction XXIV — December 14th in Las Vegas

(Lincroft, NJ) Legend Rare Coin Auctions is proud to present the 24th Regency Auction in conjunction with the ever-popular PCGS Members’ Show on the evening of Thursday, December 14th at Caesar’s in Las Vegas. As always, Legend’s boutique auction venue has brought together impressive collections that anchor the sale

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Shenandoah Morgan Dollar Collection Available from David Lawrence Rare Coins

  By David Lawrence Rare Coins …… Our Sunday Internet Auction #989 offers a fantastic selection 375 New Items, 50 No Reserve lots and 25 Vault Value items. The Shenandoah Morgan Dollar Collection is a fantastic selection of 35 of the tougher Morgan Dollar dates and the coins are available now in Auction #989. Many […]

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Heritage Auctions – Seldom Seen Selections: Proof 1893 dollar, Proof-68 Star Cameo

The Mint produced an unexciting mintage of 792 proof Morgan dollars in 1893, but the issue was one of the more poorly rendered of the proof Morgans. The dies were spaced slightly too far apart in the press, causing numerous coins to show incomplete details on the central high points. The VAM reference calls the […]

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Coin Collecting: Which Coin Is Right for You?

By Jim Bisognani – NGC Contributor ……..   Somehow the last quarter of 2017 is here already. I shouldn’t be surprised, as I have a multitude of fallen leaves already poised for raking around my home. Yet somehow, as I write this, with temperatures approaching 90, it doesn’t quite cut early autumn in New England. […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions Regency XXIII to Be Largest Yet

Legend Rare Coin Auctions (LRCA) has just put the finishing touches on the cataloging of the Regency Auction XXIII to be held on the evening of October 26, 2017 at the Philadelphia PCGS Members Only Show. This sale quickly became the most impressive and valuable offering yet! Anchoring the sale are the D.W. and Crow […]

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Q. David Bowers: Welcome to the Wonderful World of Morgan Silver Dollars!

By Q. David Bowers – Stack’s Bowers …… (Or, if you’re already familiar with this series, you may still enjoy my comments concerning the coins) Background We all need to bow down in the direction of Washington, D.C. and retroactively thank Congress for passing the Bland-Allison Act of February 28, 1878. Back then the American […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection: 1889-CC Morgan Dollar with Joined Halves

This forgery required the joining of two coins to mimic a rare year and mintmark combination By Max Spiegel – Researcher, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) ……..   NGC graders identify counterfeit coins with added or altered mint marks each and every day. These alterations are seen so often that we devoted an entire article to […]

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DLRC Internet Auction #967 includes Smoky Mountain Morgan Dollar Collection

Our Sunday Internet Auction #967 is now live with a great selection of 225 fresh, new coins, The Smoky Mountain Morgan Dollar Collection consisting of 91 No Reserve lots and 25 Vault Values. All lots will begin closing at 8pm EST on Sunday, July 2. This week we are pleased to offer the Smoky Mountain […]

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CoinWeek: Beautiful Cartwheels: DMPL & PL Morgan Dollars – 4K Video

Coin dealer Don Rinkor specializes in DMPL and PL Morgan dollars. This popular subset of Morgan dollar collecting focuses on highly reflective dollars, many with rich cameo contrast. In this video, CoinWeek talked to Don about five DMPL or PL dollars that savvy collectors should know about, how eye appeal is important on PL and […]

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Heritage: Virtually 100% sell-through in $9.8 Million Dallas US Coin Auction

NGC MS63 1892-S Dollar fetches $76,375 in Heritage Auctions’ April 4-6 event. Many coins actually exceed their prices from 2014 market peak Over $9.8 million in rare U.S. coins crossed the auction block in Heritage Auctions’ offerings of April 4-6, held at its Dallas headquarters. In total, over 4,100 lots found new homes during this […]

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Classic US Coins – Proof Morgan Silver Dollars for Less Than $5,000 Each

Coin Rarities & Related Topics: News and Analysis regarding scarce coins, markets, and coin collecting #378 A Weekly CoinWeek Column by Greg Reynolds ….. Proof Morgan silver dollars were minted in Philadelphia from 1878 to 1904 and possibly in 1921. Branch Mint Proofs and non-Proof special strikings are different topics. For less than $5,000 each, attractive […]

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Place Bids Now on Heritage Auctions Dallas US Coin Offerings

It is our pleasure to welcome the numismatic world to Dallas for our upcoming Dallas Signature Auction of US Coins. Auction sessions are scheduled for April 4-5 at our World Headquarters, and April 6 through www.HA.com. The finest material is scheduled to sell in our Premier Session, scheduled for 6PM CT, Tuesday, April 4. As […]

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United States 1881-S Morgan $1 Silver Coin

Description: The 1881-S Morgan dollar is a large silver coin that was struck at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. Known more officially as the Liberty Head dollar, the Morgan dollar is named for designer George T. Morgan, who served as a United States Mint engraver from 1876 until his death in […]

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Coin Collecting Strategies: In Coins, True Rarity Counts

Population reports have exposed the true rarity of nearly every coin in every grade. These are amazing research tools that collectors from past generations lacked By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) ……   Nearly everyone agrees that the rare coin market in the United States is a multi-billion dollar business. Collectors buy everything […]

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72 Hours Left to Bid: 337 Fresh Lots at David Lawrence Rare Coins Auction

By David Lawrence Rare Coins …… Our Sunday Internet Auction #950 is now live with a great selection of 337 fresh, new coins, 65 No Reserve lots and 25 Vault Value items. All lots will begin closing at 8pm Eastern Standard Time on Sunday, March 5. Some of the more interesting highlights from this week’s sale include: 1860 […]

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Counterfeit Coin Detection – 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar

Posted by Ben Wengel, NGC Grader ……. A recent 1893-O Morgan Dollar submission was confirmed a counterfeit when NGC graders identified one telltale sign. Recently, a well made die struck counterfeit Morgan dollar dated 1893-O was found in a bulk deal while at NGC. While the piece was well made, it had one telltale diagnostic that made […]

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Legend Numismatics Hot Topics & Market Report – Coin Values & Great Coins Bring Great Prices

By Laura Sperber – Legend Numismatics ……. Great Coins Bring Great Prices IT MIGHT BE WINTER BUT THE HEAT IS ON! Last week was a highly unexpected STRONG week. We had decent sales off our web site, really strong sales off our Want Lists, and a few big “lucky” sales. The “switch” as we like […]

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Stack’s Bowers: Mint State 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar at January Collectors Choice Online Auction

By James McCartney, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stack’s Bowers ….. The January 2017 Collectors Choice Online Auction offers nearly 700 lots and an impressive barrage of rarities including a delightful 1889-CC Morgan silver dollar certified MS-62 by PCGS (lot 91341). The 1889-CC Morgan dollar is one of the most desirable issues of the series, and […]

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Stack’s Bowers: Mint State 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar at January Collectors Choice Online Auction

By James McCartney, Numismatist & Cataloger – Stack’s Bowers …..   The January 2017 Collectors Choice Online Auction offers nearly 700 lots and an impressive barrage of rarities including a delightful 1889-CC Morgan silver dollar certified MS-62 by PCGS (lot 91341). The 1889-CC Morgan dollar is one of the most desirable issues of the series, […]

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Classic US Coins – A Design Analysis of the 1964 Morgan Hubs

By Leroy Van Allen, Special for CoinWeek …..   In November, Charles Morgan, Editor of CoinWeek, sent me an e-mail with three overall photographs of the two Morgan dollar hubs dated 1964 recently found by numismatists at the Philadelphia Mint. He wanted to know if I had any information on these hubs. This was the […]

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Coin Show Commentary: Whitman Baltimore Robust

By Jim Bisognani for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation ……   Mintmarked gold hot in Stack’s Bowers sale; Collector on prowl for Gem DPL CC Morgans As we ushered in November, fresh to their temporary digs in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, dealers and some collectors were busy setting up shop in their respective hotel rooms. As always, many […]

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Legend’s Regency Auction 18 Smashes Records: Toned Morgan Dollars Bring “Beyond Moon Money”

Two collections of magnificently toned Morgan dollar collections highlighted Legend Rare Coin Auction’s (LRCA) 18th Regency Auction, held on September 29 in conjunction with the PCGS Members Only Show. World Record Prices for spectacular, “monster” toned Morgans were realized, and included: Lot 52: $1881-S PCGS MS68 CAC realized $25,850 Lot 77: $1 1881-S PCGS MS66 […]

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Prices Realized for Legend Auctions Toned Morgan Dollar Northern Lights Collection

By CoinWeek News Staff …. On Thursday, September 29 at the PCGS Members Only Show in Las Vegas, Legend Rare Coin Auctions held the latest in its Regency series of auctions. A particular highlight of Regency Auction XVIII was the sale of the dazzling Northern Lights Collection of toned Morgan dollars. Altogether, the 19 coins […]

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Toned Morgan Dollars of the Northern Lights Collection, Part 1 – 4K Video

CoinWeek and Legend Rare Coin Auctions partner up to bring you a spectacular array of dazzling toned Morgan dollars from the Northern Lights Collection. These toned coins are what coin collecting at the ultra high end is all about. Each of these Morgan dollars has been graded by PCGS and is CAC approved. Part I of […]

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Collecting Morgan Dollars Part I: an Overview

by Louis Golino for CoinWeek ……… Morgan silver dollars, minted between 1878 and 1921, has no real peer in the numismatic world. It is by far the most widely collected and traded numismatic coin in the world. Attend any coin show and you will quickly see that slabbed and raw Morgan dollars are everywhere. Look […]

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New Edition of Whitman’s Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars Reveals Previously Unknown 1964 Morgan Dollar

Whitman Publishing announces the release of the new fifth edition of A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, by Q. David Bowers. The 304-page book will be available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide on September 27, 2016, for $19.95 USD. Before then it is available for preorder – including on Whitman.com. The pricing, text, […]

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PCGS: Rare 1893-S $1 Discovered at ANA Meet the Expert Session

This 1893-S evaluated during PCGS’ Meet the Expert sessions is now valued at $53,000, according to the PCGS Price Guide. Professional Coin Grading Service’s (PCGS) Meet the Expert sessions at the ANA concluded in an unexpected way. On Saturday, August 13, 2016, the final day of the World’s Fair of Money in Anaheim, California, a […]

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How to Start a Coin Collection

Coin collecting offers many opportunities, and with patience you will probably find a series or issue that will be exciting and profitable to collect By Jeff Garrett for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) …… As president of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) I often have conversations with others about the growth of numismatics. Most, if not […]

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safecleaning

Is There a Safe Way to Clean Coins?

Nothing elicits more comments from the coin community than the topic of cleaning, so let’s start off by stating any type of cleaning, including the use of MS70 Coin Cleaner, is controversial. Some hobbyists put MS70 and similar detergents on the same prohibitive plain as Jewel Luster (e-Z-est Cleaner) or similar products

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1895-O Morgan $1 MS65+, Unseen Since Issue, Tops Heritage Long Beach Auction

Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the Long Beach Collectibles Expo; featuring an 1895-O Silver Dollar MS65+ from the Rev. Dr. James G. K. McClure Collection, tied for Finest at CAC, struck at the fabled New Orleans Mint An 1895-O Silver Dollar MS65+ NGC CAC from the Rev. Dr. James G. K. McClure Collection, tied for […]

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Newly Identified Contemporary Counterfeit 1894-O Morgan Dollar

Posted by Ben Wengel, NGC Grader and Attributor NGC’s discovery is the first reported counterfeit example of this date. Recently, an 1894-O Morgan Dollar was examined in an invoice at NGC that was proven to be an unreported contemporary counterfeit. Despite being a well circulated piece, there were several distinct problems with the coin that […]

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ANA: Expand Your Numismatic Knowledge at 2016 Summer Seminar

The American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) annual Summer Seminar is fast approaching but there’s still time to register. The two one-week sessions will be held June 18-30, 2016 on the campus of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, adjacent to ANA headquarters. Summer Seminar offers hands-on training with a plethora of classes suited for collectors at all […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions Present Classic Rarities and Collector Coins in Regency Auction XVII

Legend Rare Coin Auctions is pleased to present Regency Auction XVII, to be held on the evening of May 19 at Harrah’s New Orleans, as the official auction for the PCGS Members Only Show. Classic rarities and popular collector coins abound in the 470 lot sale. Among classic rarities are an original and a restrike […]

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Coin Collecting Strategies – Blueprints for Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

By Dan Duncan – Pinnacle-Rarities ….. From buzzard to beau (bow) dollar, that large silver coin minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921 has gone by a number of names. Regardless of the moniker, few coins have captured the hearts and minds of both collector and general public as much as the Morgan […]

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Coin Collecting Strategies – Blueprints for Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

By Dan Duncan – Pinnacle-Rarities ….. From buzzard to beau (bow) dollar, that large silver coin minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921 has gone by a number of names. Regardless of the moniker, few coins have captured the hearts and minds of both collector and general public as much as the Morgan […]

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US Coins – The Morgan Dollar vs. the American Silver Eagle: A Primer

The Morgan Silver Dollar and the American Silver Eagle By Ron Drzewucki – Modern Coin Wholesale ….. The Morgan dollar was born from two impulses. One was the curious political alliance of populist “free silver” advocates–who wanted a bimetallic (gold and silver) monetary standard and an inflationary monetary policy in order to relieve the crippling […]

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PCGS Giving Away 30 Morgan Dollars in 30 Days

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is turning 30, and as part of the celebration PCGS will be giving away 30 Morgan silver dollars over 30 days. “It’s easy and free to enter online, and 30 people will win Mint State examples of one of America’s most popular coin series, the Morgan dollar,” said PCGS President […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions To Present It’s Largest Regency Auction To Date

Superb MS67 FH 1916 Standing Liberty 25C Legend Rare Coin Auctions (LRCA) is proud to present its largest auction to date as the official auctioneer for the PCGS Members Only Show at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas on the evening of Thursday, February 18, commencing at 4:30 PT / 7:30 ET. The 484 lot […]

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MS-63 or MS-65 Morgan Dollars – Which Grade is Right for You?

By Ron Drzewucki – www.moderncoinwholesale.com….. You know, one of the great things about this hobby is that there’s something in it for everybody. Let’s say that you were really into cars, a real gear head. Unless you’re independently wealthy or a hedge fund trader, it’s doubtful that you’d ever get a chance to experience the […]

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Tales from the Bourse: The Ultimate Trade

A look back: The Ultimate Trade Back in 1980 the housing market was so bad, I recall that my parents couldn’t sell our very modest home in Hollywood, Florida. We needed to get out from under the thing so dad could take a professorship at Old Dominion University. Interest rates at the time were in the […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ Regency XII Takes in $6.09 Million

by Legend Rare Coin Auctions The Regency Auction XII shatters expectations and sets numerous personal bests for Legend Rare Coin Auctions, including a monster $6.09m total and impressive numbers for Part I of The Coronet Collection… Legend Rare Coin Auctions returns to its New Jersey offices on the heels of a hugely successful Regency Auction […]

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Forged by Fire: The Birth of the Morgan Dollar and the Feud Between George T. Morgan and Charles E. Barber

By Shaquille Brissett of Gainesville Coins…. During the late 19th century, a culmination of market forces led to a volatility of the silver industry that provoked populist anxieties. Proposals by Representative Richard Bland and Iowa Senator William Allison would appease both Greenbackers (a post-civil war political party that favored the use of paper money and […]

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Toning and Eye Appeal on Rare and Modern Coins

By Ron Drzewucki – www.moderncoinwholesale.com…. Originally posted on Ron’s blog at www.moderncoinwholesale.com on 10/23/2014. Once it leaves the Mint, few things add value to a coin. But of those things, attractive natural toning arguably adds the most. What is “toning”? The word “toning” can describe both the coloration of a coin (what you see) and […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions President Julie Abrams Discusses Regency XI Auction

Julie Abrams, Legend Rare Coin Auctions Interviewer: Charles Morgan, CoinWeek.com…….. In January of 2015, CoinWeek editor Charles Morgan sat down at Legend Rare Coin Auctions’ booth at the Florida United Numismatists Convention to talk to LRCA President Julie Abrams about the featured collected consignments in the upcoming Regency XI Rare Coin Auction, which will be held on February […]

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Legend Rare Coin Auctions to offer The Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars

Legend Rare Coin Auctions is honored to have been selected to auction The Coronet Collection of Morgan Dollars, the all time finest Morgan Dollar Set in the PCGS Registry. This prestigious collection includes the $1 1893-S PCGS MS67 CAC Ex Vermeule / Jack Lee, estimated at $2 million, and will be split between two sales […]

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58th Annual Houston Money Show Upbeat; Heritage Lone Star State Auction Corrals $9.3 Million

by Jim Bisognani for NGC …… DPL Morgans Hot On Bourse – Santa Fe Twins on Buffalo Hunt The first week of December certainly brought a bone chilling reminder of the season at hand. Conversely, those numismatic patrons in attendance at the 58th Annual Houston Money Show, December 5-7, were treated to wonderful spring-like weather […]

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GreatCollections to Auction Capuano Registry Set of Morgan Dollars

“Everyman” set contains many desirable AU-58 and AU-58+ coins with CAC approval. GreatCollections is pleased to announce the auction date of the Capuano Everyman PCGS Registry Set, which will be sold on December 21, 2014. The PCGS Registry Set is currently ranked #4 and contains 72 coins graded PCGS AU-58 or PCGS AU-58+ with CAC […]

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The Morgan Dollar vs. the American Silver Eagle, Part 1

By Ron Drzewucki – www.moderncoinwholesale.com I originally thought that I’d frame this post as a boxing match with some pre-fight analysis thrown in. Each aspect of the Morgan dollar and American Silver Eagle that I compared would serve as one round. But I quickly realized the fight was rigged. Point for point and spec for spec, […]

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First Read: Two Morgan Dollar Books

By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek…. First Read, a CoinWeek continuing series of essays about classic and contemporary works of numismatic literature….  Carson City Morgan Dollars: Featuring the Coins of the GSA Hoard, by Adam Crum, Selby Ungar & Jeff Oxman (3rd Edition) © 2014 Whitman Publishing, LLC. 130 pages, full color, hardback. […]

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