Any Morgan collectors out there?
scottgardener
Posts: 1,205 ✭
Anyone else out there do Morgan dollars? They're a lot of fun, and they have a lot of personality. They can tone into rainbow colors or have mirrored, prooflike surfaces showing up on circulation pieces. Not to mention, a pair of numismatists named Van Allen (not the radiation belt guy) and Mallis decided that they had way too much free time, so they started cataloging every die variety they could find, ranging from cracks that gave away particular dies wearing out as they were being used at particular mints during a given year; to doubling of letters, words, dates, leaves, and ears; to overdates, over-mint marks, and even the eighth tail feather on some of the first strikes in Philadelphia in the first year.
Not to mention, the reverse design is great for fans of Pontiac Trans-Ams or ancient astronauts from the eighties.
Just thought I'd ask, because, in part, I want to show off my first completed subset: Frisco by Sunrise, the first five years with San Francisco mint marks!
Not to mention, the reverse design is great for fans of Pontiac Trans-Ams or ancient astronauts from the eighties.
Just thought I'd ask, because, in part, I want to show off my first completed subset: Frisco by Sunrise, the first five years with San Francisco mint marks!
Improperly Cleaned, Our passion for numismatics is Genuine! Now featuring correct spelling.
0
Comments
sonoranmonsoon:
No, I'm not really trying to collect particular VAMs, though working on the basic Morgan set I think has me looking for the 7/8 and 8 tailfeathers varieties. But, I do enjoy pulling out the magnifier and looking to see what VAM types I have whenever I get a new coin.
blu62vette:
I can't boast any DMPLs yet, but my one prooflike is a Carson City. I'm thinking I should push more quality and less quantity, so I'm trying to get more PLs, DMPLs, and MS65 or better. But, aside from not being cheap, there's less choice and pickings at any given moment at the local shops. I know, I can order online, but there's something to be said for seeing the coin live, and this is even more so for Morgans, since they so often tone, scratch, and otherwise take on their own personalities.
<< <i>Thanks!
blu62vette:
I can't boast any DMPLs yet, but my one prooflike is a Carson City. I'm thinking I should push more quality and less quantity, so I'm trying to get more PLs, DMPLs, and MS65 or better. But, aside from not being cheap, there's less choice and pickings at any given moment at the local shops. I know, I can order online, but there's something to be said for seeing the coin live, and this is even more so for Morgans, since they so often tone, scratch, and otherwise take on their own personalities. >>
I agree 100%, PL and DMPL's are hard to buy sight unseen. I have been disappointed with too many on-line purchases. I have really changed my collecting the past year or so and have passed up many morgans that I would have bought before just for the deal. I actually look at coins not labels now. It is also great to use your current coins to upgrade to what you want. I have bought several and sold the dup later to help finance the purchase.
MY COINS FOR SALE AT https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/other/bajjerfans-coins-sale/3876
This one kept bugging me until I finally brought it home and fed it. It's gently used, but given its population figures, I'm surprised at how cheap it lists for. I figured the next time I'd see one, it would be quite a bit more. No miraculous new VAM variety discoveries, but as my one XF among MSes, it stands out with a certain noble defiance.
I'm big into VAMs in PCGS holders, but I also have one special addiction -- the 1895-S. One more will make two full boxes.
A box full of 1895s'es? Two boxes? It's all I can do just to get one of each date and mint mark, let alone the major varieties. It'll be a bit before I can get to the point of owning the 1893s, given that I'd have to either trade away gold or save up for a $3-4000 purchase just to get one in G4. (And, that's overlooking the problem of finding the buggers.)
Although I'm not trying to complete a full set of VAM types for any one year/mint, I do enjoy looking up VAMs each time I get a new Morgan, seeing if I've got something interesting. I've found one doubled date so far.
Anyway, good luck with your collection and have fun with it.
I dig 'em!
Al
Or some lightnin bolt stuff.
MY COINS FOR SALE AT https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/other/bajjerfans-coins-sale/3876
When I sign on to the PCGS website I can see my three submissions listed, but can't pull up any detail yet. Typically how long after they receive the coins do details other than order numbers appear? I also am working on my set in The PCGS Set registry, which is really exiting.
Thanks
Jim
This is a great forum.
Reference: Coin Links
Good luck on your Carson City submissions. It's amazing how universally loved and favored the CC Morgans are, among collectors and even dealers--who consistently report trouble keeping them in stock. Carson City DMPLs are the Wii and iPod of the numismatic realm, only without the threat of obsolescence. I guess that cool factor of a two-letter mint mark grabs attention, coupled with its tangible connection to the days of Brisco County, Jr.'s theme song.
Now I just need the 79 CC and I have a clear run 1878-1885 from Carson City.
Thanks again for your help.
Jim
Be careful they become very addictive, even when you say no, one just POPS up and you have to buy.
Good Luck in putting together your set(s).
I've got one other one with interesting tones:
And, here's my best Morgan so far, in terms of both condition and rarity. It's the most common Carson City date, but at MS66, it still managed to empty out both my trade stack and pocket book at a coin show last month. I mentioned a few posts back that I had a bluish specimen--it came back "genuine, altered surfaces," but still ended up being wanted and ended up being part of the trade for this one...
Even the MS68's...there are over 300 of those!
The sheer numbers dampen my desire for them quite a lot, so I just settled on one for Type.
It's an MS64 common date, but an old green holder. But, it's the toning that makes it interesting. The scan looks kind of muddy; in person, there's some nice subtle iridescent color flashes, particularly around the cap, "...IBUS UNUM," and "LIBERTY." If it weren't for a big smudgy scrape around the lower face, this could have been a thousand dollar MS66+ rarity, particularly coveted for the color. As is, it's a great piece for any Batman adversary.
Love Morgans!
From here...
To here...