The tremendous value of the 1881-S Morgan
Weiss
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I'm a box of 20 collector. And I'm not a huge fan of Morgans. But I have a sentimental attraction to them and I understand their place in American numismatics, so I started looking for a representative example that would pack a punch. That can be especially important to box of 20 collectors, because we tend not to go deep into any series and because the Morgan series is so broad.
A few years ago I found one that I thought did a great job of answering the question "What is a Morgan Dollar?"
She's high grade but not flawless. She's mint state, not proof. She's frosted but toned. Mirrored but lustrous. Common but old.
Today I had a really nice mix of sun and snow to give me the lighting I've been looking for to illuminate this example.
I appreciate people on the quest for a whole series. It bores me to tears. If you're after a really high quality, well struck example of an iconic coin, it's hard to beat a nice 1881-S Morgan. Cost? About $300.
--Severian the Lame
Comments
I think the utility of this issue goes further, since there are a gazillion of them in MS grades (lustrous as well as PL and DMPL). They are a good tool to use in learning about 60-68 grades of MS coins, learning about the effects of die wear on the surfaces of coins produced, different types of toning and pricing, and also about learning what constitutes quality within a grade (look through a stack of PCGS MS65 coins, for example).
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CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
THAT is a pretty dollar!
bob
Well played.
I need a slab for this lady. She's just too pretty. Got it for cheap ($30-40?) Couldn't pass her up when I saw her.
She's not flawless. Not perfect. Not slabbed. But she's my 1881-S and I love her.
Nice piece OP. Gorgeous.
I like your Morgan @Weiss .
These often get looked down upon bu I like them for the reasons you state.
Also, not all 66's are equal.
Yours would stand out in a crowd, imho.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
I have always been a fan of this issue. The coin on the right in the first photo of the thread is absolutely stunning.
Very nice coin.
Just realized that in my 40+ years of collecting, have never owned an 1881-S dollar. May have to finally get one.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
So well put.
Nice looking Morgans have always been a great buy.
Finding them is another story.
Nice coin!
Love a single high grade Morgan. Bored to tears with the thought of a complete set....unless it was the Sunnywood set!
Highly pleasing example.
1881-s Dollars are the state of the art. They're all there in strike and lustre.
Very very nice looking coin especially for the price you paid.
That is a very pretty 1881-S dollar. It is sort of like having one in Proof without spending thousands of dollars.
There is something about them...
Gorgeous coin, Weiss! I agree with your thoughts on this series and this issue entirely and even have a single 1881-S Morgan dollar as the representative in my own collection. Your coin is gorgeous.
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@Weiss... that is a very nice specimen... sort of encompasses all the qualities of Morgans, to some degree, in one coin. Cheers, RickO
Indeed they can vary in appearance, but you picked VERY well!
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