Box of 20 Morgan Dollar example back from CAC.
Weiss
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I was never a huge fan of Morgan dollars (or any series, for that matter). But several years back I decided to try a "Box of 20" approach to collecting. I think for most of us who walk that particular path of numismatics, this style of collecting makes you think about iconic coins whose appeal goes well beyond a particular rare date or mint mark. Box of 20 collecting really makes you consider every facet of a coin. You want to check of as many boxes as you can with each piece because you have limited real estate to cover an entire story. For me, I want to "value add" as much as I can with each piece. So it's not just an iconic coin with lots of history, myth, and romance. It's the "what else" that each piece has.
What elses can be very subjective. You might just opt for an interesting key to the series, or a one-year type of a long run. For me, the what elses tend lean toward older slabs. Early slabs from our hosts and ATS are of most interest to me. And rare, early slabs in pristine condition with green or even gold CAC stickers are a fantastic way to present these iconic pieces with the most punch: Any of us with enough money can buy a '68 Pontiac GTO. Fewer can buy a factory-built Judge. Fewer still the Judge Ram Air IV. But what about the GTO Judge Ram Air IV convertible? Similar idea. They are all '68 GTOs. But which would you rather have?
Anyway, right after I decided to try a Box of 20 collection, I came across a Morgan dollar at one of my local B&Ms that made even me say "damn". She's not exactly proof-like. She's not exactly toned. She's not chrom-y. I wouldn't say she's black & white. But she has striking elements of all of these particular areas of our hobby that make her cover lots of acreage simultaneously. She's not even "flawless", though the one puff of breath in front of her mouth seems almost like a beauty mark than a contact mark.
But she's got a killer strike, with ridiculous flashy cartwheel. One second she's cameo, the next she's chrome. Technically she's common as dirt even in her state of preservation. But she was also a cheap date. And for someone who isn't a Morgan fan, I love that about her.
She came back from CAC a few days ago with a new green emerald brooch on her outfit. So I took the opportunity to shoot a new image for my Box of 20 montage. Snagged a few-second video, too, to show off her multi-spoke cartwheel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy3Ng0BuoP8
The whole box of 20 (and if you want to zoom in):
http://www.fourbore.com/montage23.jpg
--Severian the Lame
Comments
Some dates of the Morgan series present themselves better than others. Yours is one. Others are 1879s and several CC dates. I like your example and it's very worthy of the Green Bean. Your assessment is accurate. Just a tic from 67.
bob
My eyes are drawn to your box of 20. Eclectic. I like. Thank you for the showing @Weiss
Nice box! I love the looks of that morgan and all of your coins. Thanks for sharing.
Very nice piece, and a good representation of an important piece in the financial history of America. Very eclectic mix also in the box - some coins, some medals, some medallic currency. Looks like you could split it into two boxes, which may be your intent, and would work perfectly.
That is a very nice representative from the Morgan series for your type set. The whole set is exceptional.
Oh yeah!!! That is a beautiful example. Those semi-PL fields sure look amazing. I love how clean this example looks. Now that's buying the coin and not the holder. That should be a CAC+.
she's pretty. thanks for sharing. Love the video
Sweet group. The Pine Tree Shilling is awesome. Is it in a Rattler?
I love your Lady 21 ..... she is pretty!
I could look at those 20 for hours. Nice Morgan. Coins like these remind me that the mint bosses & workers were master craftsmen, “back in the day.” Now, they’re master factory workers and keyboard operators for the most part.
Very nice, thanks.
Interesting perspective on the box of 20 collection.... and superb coins....A collection to be proud of for sure. Cheers, RickO
That's a great set.
I'd take her out! Does that GTO got a back seat?
You lost me at GTO. Never heard of a box of 20, I have many boxes of 20. Certainly an interesting approach. Congrats
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
BOOMIN!™
...don’t worry...if you kept reading past GTO you would have then seen the coin and then recommended the op crack and dip
She's a great example of affordable quality. Just a few hundred dollars to get an eye-popping example of an iconic coin. Thanks to those who think she's pretty, and I'm glad that CAC felt she was a nice example, too.
The cool thing is that you don't need to explain or justify her. She just kind of hits you. With her smoky halo, she makes me think of a saloon in Durango or Dodge City or 'Frisco. People who aren't collectors are amazed at holding a 130-year old example of an old west dollar that looks like she was just minted--especially those who might have seen a Morgan but never a gem+ Morgan. And seasoned collectors appreciate her flash even if she's common (literally tens of thousands of 66 and above examples have been graded by our hosts and ATS). Would an 1893-S (at 3,000 times her price) add anything that you wouldn't have to explain with rows of tiny numbers in a dusty book or a discreetly half-concealed price sticker? I just don't think so. She speaks for herself.
I think she fits in well with the rest of the collection. And it's a collection that is evolving, even if it's getting harder and harder to swap out pieces. That's part of the fun and the challenge, too.
@VanHalen , the Pine Tree is in an OGH. And she's a great reason to hunt for quality and use dealers who really know eye-appeal (in her case, that's CRO). The premium you pay is worth every penny if you get a wholly original piece that you cherish vs. chasing after grade points on a piece that doesn't thrill you and that you regret a year or two later. I wouldn't trade the Pine Tree for most of the 40s or 45s out there.
--Severian the Lame
I love the Morgan, I love the Pine Tree and I have always been impressed by the analytical nature combined with passion and discipline you have displayed in you Bo20 approach. Nice coins!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
None of the above. However, staying with the 68 vintage, I'd take a 68 Chevelle (396), Vette (427) or Charger (426). If forced to pick another, I'd also consider a Mustang (428). GTO might be next on my list.
Those were the days. But getting " Back to the Future"
I'll just stick with my Jeep (6.2 L) for now which would smoke all of the above without even half trying.
Actually the toning on that one isn't terrible although I certainly would dip. Seems natural at least unlike most I see on this site. Nice coin.
The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
BOOMIN!™
Wow impressive box, super concept.
I love that look. You see that occasionally on a few dates from the late 70’s and early 80’s.
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Very nice, congratulations and thanks for sharing your wonderful box of 20 !!!
Nice coins. But I'm more of a 40 boxes of 20 guy.
Mega luster bomb, nice vid.