Morgan Dollar education
Ludwig26
Posts: 5 ✭
Im new here and second go around on coin collecting. Im getting closer to finishing my Franklin FBL registry set and have started picking up PCGS slabbed Morgan dollars in MS64 . I know I will have to step way down on the harder coins and some I will probably never acquire but its fun anyway. My question is, if I was gonna buy a book on Morgan dollars that showed the characteristics of each date and mint mark, so as not to get burned on fakes ,what would it be?. Most times when someone here tells how to tell the real from the fake they mention a little something that is common to that particular date and MM. Ive also got the PCGS ap and always run the numbers and use the scan function. Not such a big deal on the commons I am buying now but as my collection progresses and the prices go up I would like to know way more.
Comments
The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars by VanAllen and Mallis. This is a great book to have and I am sure would be highly recommended by many forum members here.
I bought this, Morgan Dollar: America's Love Affair With a Legendary Coin, Featuring the Coins of the Coronet Collection. Only had it for a short time, but has good information.
You may consider. Good luck
Good luck.
@Ludwig26.... Welcome aboard....Good luck with your Morgan collection... It is a great series to collect, and lots of coins available at shows and shops. Cheers, RickO
I'm glad I picked one up. Its helped out bunches
I like the "Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook" by Wayne Miller. On the characteristics of date position, mint mark and die marking your best source is Morgan VAM online. On the Key dates the characteristics are important, but on common dates not much value as a lot of die combos were used.
Welcome to the forum. The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars by VanAllen and Mallis is certainly my choice. Great book, full of wisdom.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I'll recommend three.
The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook, by Wayne Miller. Easy to read, date-by-date analysis of Morgan and Peace dollars written before TPGs were around. Also goes into toned coins, proof coins.
The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Dollars by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis. This is also known as the VAM Book. Most of the book is dedicated to varieties, but the part about the history of the coin is thorough and informative. There's also a long section on die and coin production, the GSA sales, even photography (including B&W film and chemistry recommendations). The fine details about the Morgan hubs that lead into the varieties part of the book is really good information for arming yourself against counterfeits.
A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars by Whitman, now in its 6th Edition. More detailed than the Miller book, and also current with respect to what is known about the series. Written in the era of TPGs, so there's commentary on modern grading, as well. History of the series and minting technology is not as detailed or complete as VAM.
I'd also recommend enrolling in the ANA's Summer Seminar class I teach about Morgans, but there's no Summer Seminar this year.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Thanks so much for the replies. I jumped on ebay and bought the 4th edition of the catalog & encyclopedia of Morgan and Peace dollars. It was hardback for 25.00, figured I couldnt go wrong.
Looking for the Wayne Miller book now.
Thanks again for the feedback. Ive been learning here for a little bit but never posted.
Another question? Is there any revisions on the Wayne Miller book or just the version from 1982?
Thanks
I wasn't aware the 4th edition was available as a hardcover. If so, that was a steal. I have a 3rd edition hardcover signed by Leroy Van Allen, but my "daily driver" is a softcover that I had OfficeMax convert to a spiral binding.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Just 1982.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Good luck on the second go around.
I started many years ago(maybe 31?) with the intent on acquiring MS63 coins in PCGS/NGC as my objective. Knowing most would be an easy accomplishment, I set out on my quest.
After getting as many as my budget would allow in MS63 I started to fill the tougher/more expensive dates with lower grades to complete the set.
I believe I finished the 97 Coin Set before I realized I wanted to start a Registry on the PCGS website. Then came the process of crossing my NGC coins over to PCGS Holders. Got all crossed over, a couple after more than one try. Then the upgrade bug hit me.
Lesson learned... buy the ultimate coin Date/MM for each grade to save much costs in the long run.
Take your time, be patient.
I still from time to time look to upgrade a few coins.
I have been selling a decent portion of my collection other than my Morgans but the Morgan Bug is a hard habit to kick. Just a word of advice...watch out!