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Methods to Establish Uncommon Morgan Silver Dollars in Your Collection
Morgan Silver Dollars are among the most popular and highly sought-after coins in the world of numismatics. These iconic coins were minted in the late nineteenth and early 20th centuries, and despite their age, they remain highly valued by collectors. Some Morgan Dollars, however, are rarer than others, making them especially desirable and valuable. Identifying uncommon Morgan Silver Dollars in your assortment may be an exciting pursuit, however it requires a keen eye and a fundamental understanding of what makes these coins stand out. In this article, we'll guide you through some essential steps for figuring out rare Morgan Silver Dollars.
1. Understand the Basics of the Morgan Dollar
Before diving into what makes certain Morgan Dollars rare, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of the coin. The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted between 1878 and 1904, and again in 1921. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin incorporates a profile of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. The coin’s composition is ninety% silver and 10% copper, and it has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters.
Morgan Silver Dollars had been minted at several U.S. mint locations, together with Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans, and Denver. Coins from certain mint areas are considered rarer and more valuable than others. For example, coins minted in Carson City are among the most coveted.
2. Examine the Mint Mark
One of the crucial essential features to look at when figuring out rare Morgan Silver Dollars is the mint mark. The mint mark signifies where the coin was produced and might significantly have an effect on its rarity. The mint marks discovered on Morgan Dollars embrace:
- No Mint Mark (Philadelphia Mint): Coins minted in Philadelphia have no mint mark. While these aren't as uncommon as these from different mints, sure years with no mint mark are still highly desirable.
- S (San Francisco Mint): Coins minted in San Francisco tend to be more common, but certain years, especially those with lower mintage numbers, are worth more.
- CC (Carson City Mint): Coins minted in Carson City are some of the most valuable Morgan Dollars. As a result of comparatively low production numbers at the Carson City Mint, these coins are sometimes rarer and command premium prices.
- O (New Orleans Mint): Coins from the New Orleans Mint are generally less valuable than Carson City or San Francisco coins, but they still have a loyal following of collectors.
- D (Denver Mint): The Denver Mint produced Morgan Dollars only in 1921, making this a rare mint mark for this coin series.
3. Look for Low Mintage Years
The rarity of a Morgan Silver Dollar is usually determined by how many had been minted in a particular year. Some years had very low mintage numbers, making these coins more scarce and valuable. For example, coins minted in 1893, 1895, and 1921 are particularly notable:
- 1893-S: This coin is without doubt one of the rarest Morgan Dollars and is known for its extraordinarily low mintage. Only around one hundred,000 of those coins had been struck, making it a highly coveted item for collectors.
- 1895: The 1895 Morgan Dollar is another uncommon coin, particularly because it was not widely circulated and lots of the coins were either lost or melted down. The 1895 proof coin is especially valuable.
- 1921: Though millions of 1921 Morgan Dollars were minted, the Denver Mint issued only a limited number. Consequently, the 1921-D coin can be a lot rarer and more expensive than different 1921 coins.
4. Assess the Condition of the Coin
The condition or grade of a coin plays a critical function in determining its rarity and value. The higher the quality of the coin, the more it is worth. Grading Morgan Dollars involves analyzing the coin for signs of wear and damage, as well as evaluating the quality of its design details.
The Sheldon Scale is commonly used to grade coins, with grades ranging from 1 (poor condition) to 70 (mint state). Morgan Silver Dollars that are in Uncirculated condition (grade 60 or higher) are particularly wanted, particularly if they're rare dates or mint marks.
5. Look for Distinctive Variations and Errors
Sometimes, Morgan Silver Dollars had been struck with errors or variations that make them highly collectible. Common errors embrace misstrikes, overdates, or double dies. For instance:
- Double Die Obverse: This is without doubt one of the most well-known error kinds of the Morgan Dollar. It happens when the die strikes the coin a number of occasions, inflicting the design to look doubled.
- Overdate: In some years, the date on the coin was altered, creating an overdate variety. These can often be noticed by closely analyzing the digits in the year.
6. Research and Consult Consultants
Identifying rare Morgan Silver Dollars could require some research and session with experts. There are quite a few resources available for collectors, together with books, online databases, and professional grading services like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). These organizations will help confirm the authenticity and rarity of your coin.
Conclusion
Figuring out uncommon Morgan Silver Dollars in your collection could be a rewarding experience for any numismatist. By understanding the basic traits of the coin, paying attention to mint marks, low mintage years, coin condition, and potential errors, you may quickly spot valuable pieces. With a little research and attention to detail, you'll be able to uncover rare treasures hidden in your assortment, increasing each your knowledge and your assortment’s value. Whether or not you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, the world of Morgan Silver Dollars offers loads of opportunities to find something truly special.
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