2023 Proof Morgan "Strong M" vs " Weak M" Varieties?
jimbaker74
Posts: 8 ✭
I noticed the initial "M" for Morgan in the bow on the reverse seems to have 2 varieties.
In one image, the "M" is strong and deeply struck, with a mirrored surface. While the other is a shallow strike, retaining the frost.
In the images the "S" mintmark appears slightly different but I think that might be my poor photography. The images clearly depict other design elements as similar between the two, like the ribbon and tail feathers.
I'm just curious if there have been any attributions given to the 2023 Morgan proof run like this? Has anyone else noticed other differences?
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Probably die wear or grease. Unlikely to be considered a variety. Happens in all coins with small features.
[IMHO]
Yeah, I thought about die wear and grease spots. These are images of the "A" in "STATES" where it appears there is a grease spot. It's smooth but not very reflective.
These are increased magnification images of the initial "M" .. one is clearly more deep than the other, and the surfaces retain the finish, but the deeper "M" does seem more reflective. If it were grease, the deeper "M" should lose the texture, although it is more reflective at the depth. But how would grease remain on a raised portion of the die? The "M" is raised on the die. Usually grease fills in to make relief elements disappear, not make them deeper.
If it's "die wear" then the shallow "M" should be smoother? Or at least the other elements should be equally worn. The texture on the shallow "M" is crisp and prominent like the other features. At least, that's how I am seeing it.
I assume the dies are laser-etched numerous times to ensure there is frost. It stands to reason that the process will cause wear and further loss of detail over time.
Great photos, but microscopic examination of coins tends to cause problems and confusion.
I love the 1878 Morgans, and this reminds me of the common "4th Broken Star" found on several of those dies, from hub damage. I have a few hundred of those and obviously it's used as a die marker for VAMs. This could be an indication of Hub damage and a way to classify the dies. Or, as die wear, a way to classify early vs late production of the coin. Either way, it seems interesting given the long history of Morgan collecting.
And I have ASEs with machine doubling, which this clearly isn't. I like those, and I don't mind that there isn't extra value in what is essentially a novelty. Still, it garners attention with novice collectors or, in the case of bad actors, some people try to pass it off as "double die" errors to the unsuspecting. The existence of machine doubling, or clashing for that matter, usually doesn't make for a collectible aspect of coin value. Well, clashing seems to have some interesting collectible types..
Anyway, I'm mostly curious what other Morgan collectors are seeing. I only have a few dozen of these, and those seem to consist of rather distinct "strong M" and "weak M" specimens, and nothing in-between. Die wear suggests a degradation pattern would emerge. Hub wear or hub damage might indicate an ability to classify the coin production itself, like VAMs do in classic Morgans. That seems like it would fascinating, a way to bridge the vintage coins with the modern ones.
I suspect some companies or even individuals have several hundred of these. It might be interesting to take a look?
Regardless, I like the "weak M" ones because unless you know it's an "M" it looks like just part of the ribbon. The "strong M" doesn't look much like an "M" but once you know, it's apparent.
And I know it doesn't seem to be something that would matter to value, like the broken star is only a die marker - not a collectible die error by itself - but variations are what create collectibles in general. The art that goes into the creation becomes tangible.
Also, thanks for the responses. I'm new to this forum, but I've been collecting Morgans for over 20 years. I'm not a pro, but I've learned a few things along the way that make it a lot of fun for me. The 2021 release was very exciting for me personally, and the continuation of Morgans has been delightful!