Authenticating Spotted BU Morgans (Including CC): Counterfeit Detection and Value Preservation Strategies

The Art of Authenticating Toning-Affected Morgans

As counterfeit Morgans flood the market like silver-plated wolves in sheep’s clothing, mastering diagnostic details becomes essential – particularly for prized Carson City issues and rare varieties like the legendary 1878-P 7TF Slanted Arrow. When natural toning enters the equation, authentication transforms into a fascinating dance between scientific scrutiny and numismatic intuition. Let’s explore how seasoned collectors separate treasure from trash.

Morgan Dollars: America’s Silver Legacy

Struck during the twilight of the silver standard era (1878-1904, with a 1921 curtain call), Morgans embody America’s westward expansion. The 1878-CC issue stands apart with its frontier mystique:

• Pioneer Status: Carson City Mint’s maiden Morgan year (2,212,000 struck)
• Feather Count Fame: Distinctive 7 Tail Feathers reverse
• Rarity Multiplier: Just 13 total CC-mint Morgans exist

Meanwhile, the 1878-P 7TF Slanted Arrow variety showcases a thrilling die quirk – that slanted upper arrow feather pointing decisively toward the ‘R’ in ‘DOLLAR’, creating eye appeal that sends collectibility soaring in mint condition specimens.

The Collector’s Authentication Toolkit

Weight & Composition: First Line of Defense

Genuine Morgans adhere to rigorous specs that make counterfeits sweat:

• Silver’s Song: 26.73g (±0.20g tolerance) of 90% silver purity
• Copper’s Whisper: 10% copper alloy for characteristic ring
• Size Matters: 38.1mm diameter that fits holders perfectly

Beware imposters! We’ve weighed base metal fakes tipping scales at 24.5g (pathetic!) and overweight 27.8g alloys – both dead giveaways.

Magnetic Personality Test

True silver sings a specific magnetic tune:

• Non-magnetic silver core (as nature intended)
• Faint copper-induced paramagnetism
• Absolute zero ferromagnetic attraction

Dangle a neodymium magnet overhead – any enthusiastic leap toward the coin spells trouble.

Die Diagnostics: The Nerd’s Playground

For 1878-CC Morgans, these markers separate kings from pretenders:

• Mintmark Poetry: CC nestled between wreath knot and eagle’s claw
• Breastplate Truth: Flat breast feathers (later issues went rotund)
• Date Dance: Evenly spaced numerals with subtle forward tilt

The Slanted Arrow variety? Its die polishing lines above the date and signature feather angle create a rare variety worth hunting.

Fakes: Know Your Enemy

Three counterfeit archetypes stalk collectors:

1. Cast Fakes: Porous skin, mushy details, wrong heft
2. Struck Imposters: Weak strikes, incorrect die markers
3. Surgically Enhanced: Added CC logos or artificial patina

‘That butchered 1878-CC in the forum thread screams caution – damaged coins attract vultures and villains alike.’ – Veteran Collector Wisdom

Pro Authentication Techniques

Four-Step Vetting Ritual

1. Weight & Density: Precision scales (±0.01g) meet specific gravity tests
2. Surface Sleuthing: 10x loupe reveals tool marks and casting seams
3. Edge Archaeology: 157 reeds (±2) tell a truth machines can’t fake
4. VAM Matching: Cross-reference die diagnostics like a numismatic ninja

Laboratory-Grade Arsenal

• XRF analyzers (metal composition truth serum)
• Digital microscopes (50-200x magnification clarity)
• Comparative die studies (side-by-side showdowns)

Toning & Conservation: Handle With Care

The forum’s e-Z-est debates highlight critical truths:

• DIY Disaster: Cleaning annihilates luster and numismatic value
• Pro Preservation: NGC/PCGS conservation maintains provenance
• Toning Types: Mylar 2×2 spots ≠ environmental damage

Grading reality check for spotted Morgans:

Market Realities: Beauty in Imperfection

Even spotted Carson City Morgans command respect:

• 1878-CC MS62: $1,200-$1,800 (vs. $2,500+ pristine)
• 1878-P 7TF Slanted Arrow MS63: $400-$600 (vs. $800+ flawless)
• Problem coin specialists pay 60-75% of wholesale for verified survivors

Conclusion: Honoring History Through Vigilance

Every authentic Morgan dollar – toning spots and all – whispers tales of saloons, silver mines, and Gilded Age ambition. The 1878-CC remains the holy grail for frontier collectors when properly authenticated. Remember these commandments:

1. Test weight and magnetism immediately
2. Document die markers before conservation decisions
3. Seek third-party grading for questionable surfaces

Walk this path wisely, and you’ll preserve numismatic value while avoiding counterfeit heartbreak. After all, a genuine coin with character always trumps a perfect fake – every seasoned collector knows the glint of true silver can’t be replicated.

Related Resources

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