Oh Boy - Hard to believe I've added a Morgan Dollar to my type collection!?
Catbert
Posts: 7,349 ✭✭✭✭✭
As a type collector, I knew that I would eventually acquire a Morgan dollar but was in no rush to do so. The obverse design of Liberty is so uninspiring yet I’ve kinda liked the reverse “see me” wingspread of the eagle that offers some redeeming qualities. Since Morgan dollars are everywhere, what would make one special for me to enjoy in my type collection?
I asked myself should it be a DMPL? Sure, one with good mirrors and frost would bring some distinction, but they are relatively plentiful too. What about one with color? Of course, I love color but I didn’t want to pay a huge color premium for a “monster/Godzilla” version. I’ve been dazed seeing Aurora Borealis' collection on Instagram to such a degree that I’ve been in sensory overload. I know he paid many thousands for his awesome collection.
After reviewing Bonnie Sabel’s website, I came across one acceptable to me. First, let me acknowledge the minuses. Common date, weak strike or roller mark above the ear, two reeding hits on the reverse, and color not on the obverse (that is an advantage to me – see my earlier comments). All that said, these flaws don’t matter to me.
And yes, if you want strong color, one must pay a color premium. Depending upon whether you see this as a plus coin (presently graded 66 in an old blue holder), the multiplier wasn’t outrageous or prohibitive.
I see a phoenix rising out of colorful flames!
A refresher - the phoenix (in classical mythology) is a unique bird, resembling an eagle but with rich red and gold plumage, that lived for five or six centuries in the Arabian desert. Just before dying, the phoenix built a nest of fragrant herbs and spices, including cinnamon and myrrh, burning itself on a funeral pyre ignited by the sun and fanned by its own wings, and rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.
Would this coin find a home in your collection? Why or why not?
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Comments
she's a looker no-doubt.
i think you have a great name for it too.
Nice toning!!
Very nice choice congratulations on being one more coin closer to completing your type collection
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CoinsAreFun Toned Silver Eagle Proof Album
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Gallery Mint Museum, Ron Landis& Joe Rust, The beginnings of the Golden Dollar
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More CoinsAreFun Pictorials NGC
She's a beauty and looks like a solid 66 without taking the eye appeal into consideration. Great choice and thanks for sharing.
Beautiful coin! The nice color and relatively clean surfaces override the minor imperfections in my view.
Nice coin!
"I see a phoenix rising out of colorful flames!" - That's perfect.
Great choice, especially considering your preferences.
It’s a great coin on its own, and it sounds like it fits perfectly into your collection.
Very nice coin for the grade.
Excellent toning too.
Whoa... nice coin!
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That one is very nice. I'd certainly add it to my Type Set. Thanks for sharing the Phoenix!
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Tom, formerly in Albuquerque, NM.
nice coin i like
love the toning
Nice coin for sure...clean fields and great for a type set (wrong mint however). Personally I would prefer the color on the other side. But, that's just me I suppose.
bob
Nice clean colorful Morgan. Congrats on filling that void in your set!
To answer your question, I probably wouldn't have selected that particular coin mainly because if only one side is toned, I prefer it to be the obverse. Case in point, the one Morgan I currently own. I picked this coin up at least 15 years ago in an ANACS holder and crossed it at grade. I was attracted to the classic color progression away from the deep steel blue. The reverse is mostly white with a narrow band of unremarkable edge toning.
No I would not purchase that coin, why you ask; because I do not like the coin at that grade. The things that you say do not bother you would bother me on such a common date like the weak strike, the rev reed hits. At a lower grade those would not bother me but at MS66 I expect a cleaner, nicer coin, just an opinion which you asked for.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
@coinbuf Yes I did ask and I’m glad to hear your view 👍
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
No, because you can made these things in your garage with a blowtorch!?!? Sorry, but you asked........ JMHO.
http://www.jhonecash.com/coins/tonedmorgans.asp
That a great looking piece and I wouldn’t have any problem adding it to my collection.
Congratulations on finding and adding that beauty👍
Boring coins have no place in a good type set.
You pass.
I like that coin. I would take it in a second. Pretty toning and a nice coin for the grade.
Nice looking Morgan, but I personally would not pay up for color on a Morgan and I only buy them in rattlers and fatties (except 1 that came as the remnant of my grandparents collection which I had graded a few years back), so great coin but not for me.
Best, SH
Beautiful crescent toning, my friend!
Premium gem!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
So I guess if a toned (and I use that word lightly) Morgan like this is slabbed and straight graded, the TPG'er has the last word?
Edit: Looks like I'm out numbered here.
Do you reject that many Morgan dollars did tone from the sulphur in the mint bags from which they were stored? If so, then there is no point in debating. If you accept that some did, then the toning on the reverse of my coin has classic indicators of natural toning.
Edited to add reverse pic:
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
That is a very pretty coin. It gets a thumbs up from this Morgan collector.
Classic indications of natural toning or environmental damage?.....
......but I get your point.
Congrats. Nice choice, dude. That's a stunner!
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.if it is good enough for @Catbert it is good enough for me !!! Nice coin !!!
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NICE!!
Watch it though, some Morgans sure are purdy and can become a nuisance to your wallet.
J/S as it can happen to the best of us
You've obviously given it a lot of time, thought and consideration - congrats!
I am not a Morgan fan, but if I needed one for a type set, that one would be fine, so I guess you did well, and that was your objective. Congrats.
I really like your description of the coin, and I can see it pleases you. It is not a coin for me due to the tarnish mainly. Just do not care for it. Many collectors like it though and that is fine for their collections... and a good one for you. Cheers, RickO