Wondering if this is a fake....
andywoj00
Posts: 10 ✭
Long time lurker..first time poster.
I purchased this coin for $14 back in 1992 when I first started collecting from an outfit called Ramapo. I don't think they're in business anymore. Anyway, the more I look at this coin and compare it to my other late date Morgans, the more I think it's a fake. The bird just doesn't look right. Not sure about the obverse. Would like to get the Morgan-experts take on it and have the obvious flaws pointed out.
Coin weighs 26.79g, has a diameter of 38.1mm and is ~2.7mm thick at the rim.
Full size pics at the links below. Any info/feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
obverse http://i.imgur.com/5nu4vw1.jpg
reverse http://i.imgur.com/MY1l9AL.jpg
mint mark http://i.imgur.com/1BjZ3A9.jpg
2
Comments
I'm certain that other persons here could say this better than me.
The last of the "original" Morgan Dollars was coined in 1904 and then there was a 17 year hiatus until 1921. During that time, the original plasters or matrices (or whatever the correct term is) were destroyed. When they wanted to make additional silver dollars in 1921, the Mint sculptors/engravers had to start from scratch. Thus, there are very small stylistic differences between the 1921 dated Morgans and the coins minted 1904 and before.
While your coin has some wear, it easily looks authentic to me. IIRC, I think our big local coin dealer was offering to buy at $17.50 two week ago.
You are aware that the Morgan dollar, and particularly the eagle were redesigned in 1921 in a more art-Deco look. A very different look than the 1878-1904 style. I would agree that the peripherals on this 1921-s are unusually weak, even for a 1921. Your well worn coin is 0.06g heavier than what an UNC 1921 should weigh. Have to ponder why someone would fake an XF/AU 1921 Morgan? And back in 1992 when you bought it, silver was only $4/oz.
It looks real to my eyes.
bob
The weight difference is within official tolerances and as for the actual amount of wear on the coin, well these things were often not very well struck to begin with (the coinage of 1921 dated Morgans was just huge).
Finally, personal electronic scales get hinky all the time.
I just don't see why this would be fake, especially if you have owned it 25 years.
is it 90% silver?
someone with a metal analizer can help you
I'll explain. A few months back, I was going thru the Morgans to grade them on my spreadsheet. This 21S was giving me some difficulty so I posted in another forum for some advice. Got a few responses like "what an unusual looking coin" and "it's fake Chinese junk!", etc. So, upon finding this forum, I thought I'd like to get some other opinions in the "looks" of it. Nothing sinister
Your piece (and your story) doesn't raise any red flags for me based on the photos and information provided. 1921 dated Morgan's are very commonly encountered and if you are handling a only few pieces at at time, the financial risks are very low.
Let me put it kindly: some people are such advanced collectors that they frequently over-think the simple stuff.
It's real.
The Monicle Eagle Eye variety. Rare? I don't know. Scarce? Maybe. If someone who deals with exotic eagle coins would step up to varify or to refute.
The dies look very worn, but it looks real based on the photos....
The reason it looks funny is no one is used to seeing a worn out 1921 dollar.
It looks authentic to me.... and variances per the explanation above are typical. Also, it looks just like my 1921 Morgan....Cheers, RickO
@andywoj00 ...Welcome aboard..... You will get highly reliable information on this forum. Cheers, RickO
It is real.
I see no reason to suspect it is fake. It is not worth sending to a TPG so just enjoy it. You can always take it to a show where a TPG is giving free opinions if you remain bothered about it.
Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
Findley Ridge Collection
About Findley Ridge
I think it's ok. Just a really worn out die.
My YouTube Channel
Thanks for all the replies. It seems the general consensus is that this coin is genuine. At this point I would have to agree. It'll be staying in the album.