I started with morgans as a kid. I was buying common dates in MS64-65 for less than $10 ea. and probably paying too much. Grew tired of them, and sold all of them, probably for a loss (can't remember). I'll never get back into the series. Most are way too common to hold my interest for long. Even the scarce dates are available in large quanities at just about any show. I do like the design, however, I prefer smaller coins now, 5 c, 25 c, 50 c, $5 and $10 gold. To me those are the perfect sized coins. Currently I own one morgan.
I own two Morgans. One is an AU 1921 Morgan in "pretty good" shape. the other is an MS 1880s Morgan for the type set.
The morgan is a stately design with lots of contrast between the fields and the devices, and I do like it.
However, once I own two in "really nice" condition I don't see the point of owning more. I consider a set in all conditions (from Fair up to DMPL) at times.
I guess it goes without saying that I'm a type set collector.
<< <i>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.
Steve >>
Silver has run from 4 to 14 bucks an ounce, but prices didn't triple or even double so I don't see the relation.
Are there any $500 Morgans anywhere as tough to find as an original XF-AU 1896-O dime???
Morgans are a classic series. There is something for everyone in this series, from common dates that are affordable in Unc., and everything else on up the scale to classic rarities. The basic set, depending on what you include, is approximately 100 coins from five different mint locations. Some of us remember getting Morgans for a dollar a piece at the local bank. Others were introduced when a parent or grandparent gave us a couple of coins. The obverse is magnificently detailed, and the large, heavy examples of our largest silver denomination can come alive with spinning cartwheels of frosty luster, or deep mirrors on the prooflike early strikes.
The modes of Morgan collecting include everything from year sets, mintmark sets, CC sets, GSA sets, and the short series of common "S" mints, to complete sets by date and mintmark, with or without varieties; sets of prooflike or DMPL coins; the proofs themselves; and some wonderful specialties such as VAM varieties, and my personal favorite: the beautiful and colorful examples created by the hand of nature during decades of undisturbed storage. This is why I collect Morgans !!
Why collect Morgan Dollars? They happen to be one of the most challenging series to collect and many collectors aren't up to taking it on. You will need deep pockets to collect the key dates of this series, especially in the PL and DMPL category. Vams, clashed dies, toners, CC dates, proofs are nice attributes of this series. I would say that Morgans have a lot going on for them, more than any other coin out there.
I don't collect them anymore. I have collected Morgans in the past. I collected a date set and haven't looked back too much. I'm intrigued by VAMs, but haven't kicked into gear on those yet. In fact, I'm thinking about selling off many of my Morgans to fund purchases of other early U.S. coins. Desire for early coins trumps any interest in Morgans nowdays.
It's somewhat weird to say as someone who probably has about 40 Morgans that I don't collect them, and am not a big fan of the design. I do like how Morgans tone up. Well over half of the ones I do have are BC coins and the toning was what got me. I have started to sell some of them off to fund my true coin collecting love which are Frankies.
I don't collect them. In my opinion the design is lackluster at best. Morgan's interpetation of Liberty leaves a lot to be desired. In addition, the eagle's wings on the reverse are not realististic at all. The coin just doesn't do anything for me. The Peace dollar on the other hand Has a much better looking Liberty and the eagle is realistic. I actually aloso like the design of the Sac dollar. Great interpretation of a native american as well as a realistic flying eagle. I do not understand the gripes that a lot of people have with the SAC dollars but , as they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I find most Morgans overrated and slightly boring. I only own two right now. However I have been looking for a nice "cameo" one. It doesn't have to be dmpl just have that wonderful black and white contrast. Im afraid that when I find one I will want another though
I do not care for the design, and they are so ubiquitous, that I find them rather uninteresting.
I have a coin in my 7070 type set and a sentimental 78-CC from my grandmother's collection (the one who got me into collecting). I have a few junk Morgans around to give my son when he loses a tooth. He seems to like Morgans, and he has a couple nice toned ones (along with a few junkers).
I have ONE Morgan dollar and that's the one my mother gave me about a year ago. The coin has never really interested me enough to collect it. As someone earlier mentioned whenever I go to a coin show it seems that there is nothing but Morgans in the cases. Just seems to me like there are way too many of them around and I like collecting something different myself. I am not saying I will not ever collect them but for now I will concentrate on other sets.
They aint fer everbody thank goodness and for those who lack the means to acquire gem BU examples, original circ coins in the fine to very fine category can be quite appealing visually. Same for Barbers too IMO.
One day I noticed that I could sell 7 of my common date 65's and get a common date Seated $ in MS. (Morgans were peaked) So I did. I have one 65 and a 64DPL left for the type set. Other than that I've never had an ongoing passion for the series.
<< <i>I find most Morgans overrated and slightly boring. >>
Well I can imagine that a full set all blast white coins in ms 65 might have something of a monotonous similarity to it, but I expect thats true of a lot of series.
They are way to common for me. It seems like over a quarter of the coins i see at shows are mint state morgans and the key date, the 1893-s, is far from a rarity.
A 1893-s in nice XF-40 routinely sells for almost $10k with a total of 1,501 coins graded at or above this level at NGC and PCGS combined, show me another coin at this price with the populations so high. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 5,159 of this 'key date'! Even the 'over-valued' 09-S VDB lincoln only has a combined total of 2,420 coins graded between the big two. Also, the mintage for the 1893-s is higher then two thirds of the seated dollar series (not including the 1851-o, 1858 proof only, and 1872-s).
JMO, Mark
Want to buy an auction catalog for the William Hesslein Sale (December 2, 1926). Thanks to all those who have helped us obtain the others!!!
<< <i>They are way to common for me. It seems like over a quarter of the coins i see at shows are mint state morgans and the key date, the 1893-s, is far from a rarity.
A 1893-s in nice XF-40 routinely sells for almost $10k with a total of 1,501 coins graded at or above this level at NGC and PCGS combined, show me another coin at this price with the populations so high. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 5,159 of this 'key date'! Even the 'over-valued' 09-S VDB lincoln only has a combined total of 2,420 coins graded between the big two. Also, the mintage for the 1893-s is higher then two thirds of the seated dollar series (not including the 1851-o, 1858 proof only, and 1872-s).
JMO, Mark >>
Good points Mark. The coin in my avatar, a 1795/1795 -3 leaf half, has a total population of around 100 coins. That is 100 coins IN ALL GRADES period. Morgans are way too common and the pop's are in the stratosphere. I have some Morgans, but they don't float my boat. Maybe someday, not today.
I love Morgan’s I collect them and I always will. I must say that this coin above all else to me epitomizes the boldness, size, and personality of the United States of America. It is a coin that is arrogant yet sophisticated and suave. God I love them all
RACC I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!
Sorry to pile on to the 1893-s thing but I just did an ebay search "highest first" and there were THREE PCGS VF 30's on the first page, plus numerous others in various states of preservation. Aside from that I'm sure a big heavy Dansco book full of this set would be fun and praisworthy. I simply prefer my Barber Halves: just as ugly and 50 times tougher.
We're all born MS70. I'm about a Fine 15 right now.
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
<< <i>Just as a jumbo-sized platform for silver sulfide deposition. In that respect, you can't beat em. >>
Actually only the sulfur is deposited, the silver is already there as the depositee!! Some of the prettiest silver sulfide that you will ever see is found on the Morgue En Dollar.
<< <i>They are way to common for me. It seems like over a quarter of the coins i see at shows are mint state morgans and the key date, the 1893-s, is far from a rarity.
A 1893-s in nice XF-40 routinely sells for almost $10k with a total of 1,501 coins graded at or above this level at NGC and PCGS combined, show me another coin at this price with the populations so high. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 5,159 of this 'key date'! Even the 'over-valued' 09-S VDB lincoln only has a combined total of 2,420 coins graded between the big two. Also, the mintage for the 1893-s is higher then two thirds of the seated dollar series (not including the 1851-o, 1858 proof only, and 1872-s).
JMO, Mark >>
That may be true however keep in mind that the knowledgeable Morgan collector probably doesn't consider the 1893-s rare except for those in uncirc condition. Many would say its scarce tho. Thing is supply and demand. If there are only 10,000 coins total both slabbed and raw and 100,000 collectors its obvious that there aren't enough for everyone that aspires to that goal to have a complete set. The fact that there are large numbers of collectors who want one if and when they can afford one is what keeps the demand high and the price high.
Unfortunately, I did not find one that made my eyes light up(at least within my price range! ) while in Atlanta yesterday...thats the bad news...the good news....I can still continue to look for them!
Comments
I have two I enjoy looking at, one toned and one white.
I'd love to own a DMPL one day but I doubt if I'll ever collect Morgans as a series.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
<< <i>
<< <i>To all of you who don't collect them!!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Me too!
Thank YOU John!!!!
<< <i>
Why don't you collect Morgan's? >>
I own two Morgans. One is an AU 1921 Morgan in "pretty good" shape. the other is an MS 1880s Morgan for the type set.
The morgan is a stately design with lots of contrast between the fields and the devices, and I do like it.
However, once I own two in "really nice" condition I don't see the point of owning more. I consider a set in all conditions (from Fair up to DMPL) at times.
I guess it goes without saying that I'm a type set collector.
<< <i>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.
Steve >>
Silver has run from 4 to 14 bucks an ounce, but prices didn't triple or even double so I don't see the relation.
Are there any $500 Morgans anywhere as tough to find as an original XF-AU 1896-O dime???
Yes, plenty of them. Try VAMs.
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The modes of Morgan collecting include everything from year sets, mintmark sets, CC sets, GSA sets, and the short series of common "S" mints, to complete sets by date and mintmark, with or without varieties; sets of prooflike or DMPL coins; the proofs themselves; and some wonderful specialties such as VAM varieties, and my personal favorite: the beautiful and colorful examples created by the hand of nature during decades of undisturbed storage. This is why I collect Morgans !!
Sunnywood's Rainbow-Toned Morgans (Retired)
Sunnywood's Barber Quarters (Retired)
I collectem raw, slabbed, VAMed
<<There is something for everyone in this series>>
My latest additions to the 1921 hoard...............over 200 at this point.
Damn that 3k is ugly.....................................just one more reason for future additions,
will need to upgrade that one....
Herb
U.S. Type Set
I have a coin in my 7070 type set and a sentimental 78-CC from my grandmother's collection (the one who got me into collecting). I have a few junk Morgans around to give my son when he loses a tooth. He seems to like Morgans, and he has a couple nice toned ones (along with a few junkers).
<< <i>Common as dirt. >>
Many series have coins like that. OTOH why would you want to collect something thats impossible to complete?
And I concur with BAJJERFAN and SUNNYWOOD.
Cartwheel
Cartwheel's Showcase Coins
I'm glad many of you do not collect them. More for me.
"Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."
~Wayne
<< <i>
<< <i>Common as dirt. >>
Many series have coins like that. OTOH why would you want to collect something thats impossible to complete? >>
I never said I was attracted to collecting the impossible. I've collected mostly series with some difficult, but not impossible, coins.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Common as dirt. >>
Many series have coins like that. OTOH why would you want to collect something thats impossible to complete? >>
I never said I was attracted to collecting the impossible. I've collected mostly series with some difficult, but not impossible, coins. >>
I know that; I was sorta hinting back to my comment about there being no stoppers in the Morgan series.
<< <i>I find most Morgans overrated and slightly boring. >>
Well I can imagine that a full set all blast white coins in ms 65 might have something of a monotonous similarity to it, but I expect thats true of a lot of series.
Coins like this help break the monotony.
<< <i> he has a couple nice toned ones (along with a few junkers). >>
Teeth or coins????
Menomonee Falls Wisconsin USA
http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistr...dset.aspx?s=68269&ac=1">Musky 1861 Mint Set
While you all were posting away...these showed up in my mailbox......and I still love Morgans
And thats all I want
A 1893-s in nice XF-40 routinely sells for almost $10k with a total of 1,501 coins graded at or above this level at NGC and PCGS combined, show me another coin at this price with the populations so high. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 5,159 of this 'key date'! Even the 'over-valued' 09-S VDB lincoln only has a combined total of 2,420 coins graded between the big two. Also, the mintage for the 1893-s is higher then two thirds of the seated dollar series (not including the 1851-o, 1858 proof only, and 1872-s).
JMO,
Mark
<< <i>They are way to common for me. It seems like over a quarter of the coins i see at shows are mint state morgans and the key date, the 1893-s, is far from a rarity.
A 1893-s in nice XF-40 routinely sells for almost $10k with a total of 1,501 coins graded at or above this level at NGC and PCGS combined, show me another coin at this price with the populations so high. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 5,159 of this 'key date'! Even the 'over-valued' 09-S VDB lincoln only has a combined total of 2,420 coins graded between the big two. Also, the mintage for the 1893-s is higher then two thirds of the seated dollar series (not including the 1851-o, 1858 proof only, and 1872-s).
JMO,
Mark >>
Good points Mark.
The coin in my avatar, a 1795/1795 -3 leaf half, has a total population of around 100 coins. That is 100 coins IN ALL GRADES period. Morgans are way too common and the pop's are in the stratosphere.
I have some Morgans, but they don't float my boat. Maybe someday, not today.
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then question the manner in which I provide it. I prefer you said thank you, and went on your way, Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand to post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!
Aside from that I'm sure a big heavy Dansco book full of this set would be fun and praisworthy. I simply prefer my Barber Halves: just as ugly and 50 times tougher.
Apropos of the coin posse/aka caca: "The longer he spoke of his honor, the tighter I held to my purse."
It's the contrarian in me.
<< <i>Just as a jumbo-sized platform for silver sulfide deposition. In that respect, you can't beat em. >>
Actually only the sulfur is deposited, the silver is already there as the depositee!!
<< <i>They are way to common for me. It seems like over a quarter of the coins i see at shows are mint state morgans and the key date, the 1893-s, is far from a rarity.
A 1893-s in nice XF-40 routinely sells for almost $10k with a total of 1,501 coins graded at or above this level at NGC and PCGS combined, show me another coin at this price with the populations so high. NGC and PCGS have graded a combined 5,159 of this 'key date'! Even the 'over-valued' 09-S VDB lincoln only has a combined total of 2,420 coins graded between the big two. Also, the mintage for the 1893-s is higher then two thirds of the seated dollar series (not including the 1851-o, 1858 proof only, and 1872-s).
JMO,
Mark >>
That may be true however keep in mind that the knowledgeable Morgan collector probably doesn't consider the 1893-s rare except for those in uncirc condition. Many would say its scarce tho. Thing is supply and demand. If there are only 10,000 coins total both slabbed and raw and 100,000 collectors its obvious that there aren't enough for everyone that aspires to that goal to have a complete set. The fact that there are large numbers of collectors who want one if and when they can afford one is what keeps the demand high and the price high.
Fred, Las Vegas, NV