Who doesn't collect Morgans...and why?

kryptonitecomics · October 10, 2007 12:41AM

Morgan Silver Dollars have always been touted as one of the most widely collected US coin series, but I know that not everyone collects them. Just looking at the Morgan Silver Dollar Registrys (PCGS & NGC) their are a boatload of sets in there so that would seem to support the overall popularity

I know I personally purchase about 5 Morgans for everyone one coin from another series and I have always liked the design and overall weight of a big chunk of Silver

The fact that they were stored in bank bags for many decades and can be found with amazing toning is also another key factor that attracts me to this series.....

So why do you collect Mogan's...? How many do you currently have?

Why don't you collect Morgan's?

Are you planning on getting into collecting Morgans?

Some new purchases of mine:

mike92694 · October 10, 2007 12:46AM

I only have 1 Morgan for my collection. It is an 1878 8TF NGC MS66*. If I buy any more, they are strictly for investment purposes. The reason I only have 1 Morgan is that I am a type collector, and if I buy any more Morgans, that would take away from another type.

DrWho · October 10, 2007 12:47AM

no, not really. i have about 20, cause i like coins. i don't build a collection of them.

lots of morgans around, too much hype causing the prices to be too high for other than 'common' ones.

doh · October 10, 2007 1:02AM

I'm probably in the minority here, but I've always liked Morgans in problem free, slate gray, VF-XF. I have some of the keys, 79-CC, 95-S, 94, 89-CC, etc, in that grade and I love them. I have a couple unc ones too and they're pretty I guess, but there's something about a silver dollar - especially a CC - with wear on it. That coin was USED in the (I hate to say it) Wild West and I think that's pretty cool.

Mercury10c · October 10, 2007 1:02AM

I own 2 Morgans, one common date given to me as a gift by a customer of the bank where I work, and another acquired at face value from
a customer who turned one in. That's it.
I don't collect them for the following reasons: They are too popular and in high demand, which equates to being overpriced; unattractive design, in my opinion; impossible to
complete a set, at least for someone of my means. When I first started collecting, about 1999, I went to the ANA show in Fort Lauderdale, and I was instantly turned off to
Morgans when I saw dealer after dealer, case after case, full of nothing but slabbed Morgans.
I have partial and complete sets of Franklins, Mercs, Liberty Nickels, Barber Halves and Dimes, Washington Quarters, Peace Dollars, Indian Cents, and a few others. Eventually, I will run out of series to collect, and when I do, I will still not buy a single Morgan Dollar.

Mowgli · October 10, 2007 1:03AM

I do not collect Morgan and never will. There are too many collectors and prices are unreasonable (to me) for the nicer coins. The heaviness of the coins create a lot of distracting marks such that what is called an MS 65 doesn't pass muster in my opinion.

ricko · October 10, 2007 1:08AM

I have the CC series, and a few extras. I just like Morgans... but I am not fanatical about the series... certainly no VAM's. (or if I do, I do not know about it.) I dislike toned Morgans. Cheers, RickO

TomB · October 10, 2007 1:12AM

I've never cared much for the coin or the series.

Baley · October 10, 2007 1:15AM

I would love to collect more Morgan dollars but can never find any for sale...

Shops, shows, and the internet are awash with problem-free draped bust silver, so that's what I prefer to collect.

ChuckC · October 10, 2007 1:18AM

So why do you collect Mogan's...? How many do you currently have?

Why don't you collect Morgan's?

A bit too pricey for my current goals. but I own one: a lovely PCGS gem toner.

Are you planning on getting into collecting Morgans?

Definely would like a few more... at least one CC and O, a common date untoned in gem+, and a DMPL.

millennium · October 10, 2007 1:19AM

I have a couple of them that I bought in a charity auction....and a couple I found with a metal detector....But as a whole, I don't collect them. I just think they are a boring coin. I don't like the obverse and I don't like the reverse...Even the nicest ones often have scratches and bagmarks all over the coins....They just never did much for me. I will not start collecting them either.

boyhowdy · October 10, 2007 1:19AM

Nowadays I think a decision to "do" Morgan dollars is akin to deciding to run for president.
The biggest factors that keep me in the backwater of Barber dimes rather than Morgans
are the tons of coins available and the top-heavy investor involvement. Seems like the ability
to put together a stand-out set is mostly a reflection of ones wallet. If silver crashes I know my 1895-O
dime isn't going to take a big hit.

Are there any $500 Morgans anywhere as tough to find as an original XF-AU 1896-O dime???

Steve

Colorfulcoins · October 10, 2007 1:22AM

Popular = expensive for desirable coins. I'd rather focus on a more under valued series. Having said that, I have a few that I've purchased over the years that are of exceptional merit in my opinion. I'd buy more but its difficult to find appealing coins for a reasonable price! Second, it is a relatively expensive Series to assemble - lots of coins and some are quite expensive. I'm afraid I have champagne tastes and a beer budget it seems!

mgoodm3 · October 10, 2007 1:28AM

I prefer brown coins.

I have 3 Morgans.

83CC which I'll probably keep
86 VAM1C with nice toning which I'll probably sell sometime soon.
87 with dark orangy, blue, black toning which I'll probably sell.

Oh, and two pocket pieces.

MrHalfDime · October 10, 2007 1:38AM

I do not collect Morgan dollars for probably the same reason that you do not collect half dimes - no fire in the belly. We all collect what we love, and for me, that is not Morgan dollars. I guess that's why they have both chocolate and vanilla.

bottleguy · October 10, 2007 1:45AM

<< So why do you collect Morgan's...? How many do you currently have? >>

I collect Morgans exclusively! Why? I think they're beautiful coins, they're big enough to where I can handle them comfortably (my fingers cramp up after examining a roll of dimes), and I also don't worry so much about dropping them in a "clumsy" moment....... (although they do hit the ground a little harder than a penny, but when they do they give such a pleasant "ring").

I'm also into VAMS...... I find the different die varieties and pairs fascinating and it's always a thrill to cherrypick a more unusual one.

I currently have 80 slots in my Dansco books filled, most in MS, the lowest grade being a 1893-P in VF30. Only 16 slots to fill before a whole set!!

I also have an additional 30 Morgans with various VAMs, all either Top 100's, Hot 50s, Elite Clashed, etc. designations, many with a rarity factor of 5+.

Most of all, though, I collect Morgan's because it's FUN!!

Rick

ColonialCoinUnion · October 10, 2007 1:48AM

Collected 'em as a kid and enjoyed it. The only negative for me is that they were and are so readily available at any show, coin shop or auction that there was not much sport involved in finding them.

As a dealer, we handle just a few now and then that have something special or interesting to offer.

Nysoto · October 10, 2007 1:48AM

Many collectors got their start with Morgans, they have a lot going for them. I have probably owned about 50, now down to 4. Never spent over $50 on one, since 99% of my collection is circulated, I can appreciate an MS63 Morgan. A good coin to give to your children to spark the collecting bug.

rmoss · October 10, 2007 1:59AM

I own maybe 4 or 5. Just never really tripped my trigger.

EricSan · October 10, 2007 2:01AM

I have 3 or 4 that my father gave to me. The design never excited me. I don't foresee myself purchasing any in the future.

Eric

jmski52 · October 10, 2007 2:07AM

Morgans have been over-hyped for 40 years, going on 50. I don't own any. I might buy one someday, but it's becoming more and more unlikely.

kryptonitecomics · October 10, 2007 2:19AM

<< I do not collect Morgan dollars for probably the same reason that you do not collect half dimes - no fire in the belly. >>

Don't tell anyone but I started out with a pretty nice Seated Dime and Half Dime collection...

I love those little buggers for some reason

lonelyp · October 10, 2007 2:19AM

Although I have the 2 Dansco albums, with a few holes filled in each. (no keys) Morgans are not a coin I'm activly collecting now. I like the Liberty on the Peace dollar better. The eagle on the WLH better.

I can take Morgans or leave them. But can't say I wont try harder to fill my albums latter on.

fishteeth · October 10, 2007 2:24AM

I focus on coins that are more of a challenge to find. I could go to almost any show and complete a set if I had enough cash in my pocket.

tahoe98 · October 10, 2007 2:41AM

i collect morgans and peace dollars. i have some raw and some slabbed also a few vams. i'm into buffs and lincolns and thinking of starting standing liberty quarters also..............i'm having fun!

Zoins · October 10, 2007 2:45AM

I'm a type collector and I have one

DeepCoin · October 10, 2007 2:49AM

I like Morgans because they are large and easy to hold. I do not collect them becuase the set is too big and IMHO they are overpriced. I do have acouple for type sets, but that is it. As was said earlier, you have to have a passion for a series if you are going to collect it. My attentions have turned to type coins.

Newcomp103 · October 10, 2007 2:51AM

I have about 10 right now and I hope to have more soon! btw...I really like your 87-S!

PerryHall · October 10, 2007 2:55AM

When I was a teen, I would get them at the bank at face and when I got tired of them, I would spend them. I have trouble respecting a coin that I used to spend as pocket change.

coppercoins · October 10, 2007 2:58AM

I don't collect them because I don't like them. I doubt I ever will.

ModernCrapNut · October 10, 2007 3:06AM

I have 3 right now but don't collect them. The same reasons others have given, there are too many and the keys are too expensive for what I want to collect, which is a nice looking coin in MS with no bag marks all over it. I do like the size and weight of a big coin and collect American Silver Eagles and WLHs, and still have a couple of old Whitman albums from when I collected Lincoln cents and Jeff nickles as a kid.

GritsMan · October 10, 2007 3:30AM

I love Morgans and have 12 or 15, including the 6 GSAs I bought way back when. I've often thought of collecting them, but feel a little overwhelmed by how many there are, all the talk of VAMs, the cleaning problems... If I ever do, it'll probably be just one mint. Since I already have 5 CCs, I'd probably look at those first, but Os intrigue me, too. They're all just great coins.

kryptonitecomics · October 10, 2007 3:53AM

<< I have about 10 right now and I hope to have more soon! btw...I really like your 87-S!

>>

Thanks....I wish it was an 1887-S in MS63 with that toning....alas it is just a normal 1887

cmerlo1 · October 10, 2007 3:56AM

I love Morgans- i just can't afford to collect them right now...

Newcomp103 · October 10, 2007 3:58AM

<< 

<< I have about 10 right now and I hope to have more soon! btw...I really like your 87-S!

>>

Thanks....I wish it was an 1887-S in MS63 with that toning....alas it is just a normal 1887

>>

oops....sorry about that...I read the holder wrong...it is still a pretty coin!

Rollerman · October 10, 2007 4:00AM

I've always liked the design of the Morgan and have a raw date set in XF to MS64, and a date set of slabbed Morgans less the tough ones (93 thru 95) in MS62 to MS66. I have another 25 additional pieces (Redfield's, GSA's and just some other beautifully toned Morgans) as well.
Yes, there are a lot of Morgans out there, but the challenge is to get one that grades like you can afford and has the right eye appeal. I do intend to complete my slab set and improve both Morgan sets as I go along.
Having set that, I have a complete type set and sets of other coins as well...I just like coins! My favorites, if anybody cares, are Morgans, Walkers, Mercury Dimes and Buffalo nickles....and a set of Indian head cents that started it all from my late father.
Best wishes,
Pete

Elcontador · October 10, 2007 4:22AM

With no offense to anyone here, I do not collect Morgans.

I have a nice 84 CC in PC 6 (which I cracked out of a GSA holder I got in 1980 10 years ago so PCGS could grade the coin). It's the only Morgan I have and the only reason I have it is because I have a 19th Century type set.

I personally do not find the design to be attractive, compared to most other denominations and types of 19th century coinage. I do not plan to purchase any additional Morgans in the future.

MrHalfDime · October 10, 2007 4:28AM

"Don't tell anyone but I started out with a pretty nice Seated Dime and Half Dime collection... I love those little buggers for some reason."

So there's hope for you yet. Don't worry. You'll outgrow this Morgan dollar thing. And when you do, the beautiful little half dimes will be waiting.

Patches · October 10, 2007 4:32AM

I currently own zero Morgans.

Not a fan of the obverse of the series, reverse is nice.

I don't have large intentions of collecting Morgans extensively.

I still can appreciate nice coins in any series...Nice Coins!

dizzyfoxx · October 10, 2007 4:42AM

dizzyfoxx · October 10, 2007 4:43AM

I don't. To many of them overall, way to many toned examples, and far to many beautifully toned examples. Not a rarity in any way shape or form IMO. Now, finding a nice commem with toning that is typical on a Morgan is major coup.

TorinoCobra71 · October 10, 2007 5:06AM

I like to collect Morgans. Have over 100 of them. Been collecting them for about 10-15 years.............

BAJJERFAN · October 10, 2007 5:44AM

To all of you who don't collect them!!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

MidLifeCrisis · October 10, 2007 6:08AM

I've owned a few in the past but I don't collect them anymore. One of the first "rare" coins I ever owned was an 1878-CC Morgan and I wish I had never sold it because it was a gift from my grandmother. I've collected GSA's and CC Morgans. They can be pretty cool.

But, as others have said, Morgans
- are too popular
- are readily available - in all grades
- have artificially inflated prices based on their popularity
- just don't make me think "Wow, I have to have that coin!"

GoldenEyeNumismatics · October 10, 2007 6:36AM

I have probably around two dozen.

I collect them half because I like their size and design, but also because they are historically significant.

Musky1011 · October 10, 2007 6:40AM

I have one for my type set

1904-S

Jim

kryptonitecomics · October 10, 2007 9:13AM

Any one have any proofs they can post images of......that would be a dream coin for me.......even a common date piece in say PF64 or better.......out of my price range right now but not forever

Dizzy...................your killing me....all those hours spent defending the Battle Creek collection and you don't like toned Morgans...... ET TU Dizz....Et Tu.....

Coxe · October 10, 2007 9:16AM

<< To all of you who don't collect them!!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

>>

Me too!

BAJJERFAN · October 10, 2007 12:17PM

Why Morgans??

Nice Proofs or DMPLs are freakin AWESOME.

Lots of varieties and short sets.

Lots of coins to pick from [tho in all honesty many of the very best and nicest are squirreled away and not available to the collector].

Highly popular and thus generally pretty liquid.

There are no stoppers in the set.

TexasNationals · October 10, 2007 12:24PM

I have 1, raw, just don't like them, I feel they are overated and would rather have a 3 cent nickel collection.

sumnom · October 10, 2007 1:03PM

I think I have just seen too many of them. I still think the obverse is beautiful though. The reverse, however, leaves much to be desired.

Who doesn't collect Morgans...and why?

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