How to Spot Rare Errors on Book Review – Prooflike Morgan Silver Dollars by Lester D Taylor – Thanks Heritage

The Hidden World of Prooflike Morgan Dollar Varieties

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. When it comes to Morgan Silver Dollars, particularly prooflike (PL) specimens, the difference between a common coin and a valuable treasure often lies in subtle variations that only trained eyes can detect.

Historical Significance of Prooflike Morgans

The Morgan Silver Dollar, minted from 1878 to 1921, represents one of the most beloved series in American numismatics. Prooflike specimens, which display mirror-like fields created by highly polished dies, add another layer of complexity and collectibility to this already popular series. These coins were not intentionally created as special issues but rather occurred naturally when freshly polished dies struck business strikes under optimal conditions.

Identifying Die Cracks and Varieties

Die cracks represent one of the most common and collectible types of die varieties. These occur when the die develops small fractures during the minting process, resulting in raised lines on the struck coin. For Morgan Dollars, certain die cracks are so distinctive they can be used to identify specific die marriages. The book by Lester D. Taylor provides extensive documentation of these varieties, though some collectors have noted that the small photo sizes make detailed examination challenging.

When examining a Morgan Dollar for die cracks, use a good magnifier (5x to 10x) and look for:

• Raised lines across Liberty’s face or along the rim
• Small raised dots or “die breaks” that appear as lumps on the coin surface
• Die chips in the field areas that create small raised features

Double Die Varieties

Double die varieties occur when the die itself is struck more than once during its creation, causing a slight offset that appears as doubling on the finished coin. On Morgan Dollars, the most collectible double dies typically show doubling in the date or in LIBERTY on the obverse. The 1888-O “Hot Lips” variety, where Liberty’s lips appear doubled, is among the most famous examples.

To identify double die varieties:

• Look for clear, raised doubling that appears on the coin itself (not just on the surface)
• Focus on the date, lettering, and major design elements
• Use good lighting and magnification to distinguish true doubling from mechanical doubling

Mint Mark Variations

Mint mark variations can significantly impact a Morgan Dollar’s value. The Carson City (CC) mint produced some of the most desirable Morgans, and within these, certain mint mark varieties command premium prices. The 1889-CC is particularly interesting, as it’s noted in Taylor’s book that while specimens grading above MS62 are exceedingly rare, a high percentage of surviving MS examples display prooflike or deep mirror prooflike characteristics.

Key mint mark characteristics to examine:

• Repunched mint marks where the MM was stamped more than once
• Over mint marks where one MM was stamped over another
• Varied sizes and positions of mint marks within the same year

Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Characteristics

Prooflike Morgan Dollars display reflective fields that mirror the appearance of proof coins. Deep Mirror Prooflike (DMPL) specimens show even stronger reflectivity with greater contrast between the fields and frosted devices. According to the forum discussion, Taylor’s book provides comprehensive coverage of PL varieties for every date and mint mark, though some reviewers noted that black and white photography limits the ability to appreciate the cameo contrast that makes these coins special.

When evaluating PL characteristics:

• Look for mirror-like reflectivity in the fields when tilted under light
• Check for frost on the devices (raised design elements) that creates cameo contrast
• Be aware that environmental factors and toning can affect the PL appearance

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond the major categories, several specific errors can add value to Morgan Dollars:

Off-Center Strikes: These occur when the planchet is not properly centered in the press, resulting in a portion of the design being cut off. The degree of off-centering directly impacts value, with 5-10% off-center being relatively common and 50% or more being quite rare.

Wrong Planchet Errors: Though extremely rare for Morgan Dollars, coins struck on incorrect planchets (such as foreign coin blanks that found their way into the minting process) can be quite valuable.

Clashed Dies: When dies strike each other without a planchet between them, parts of the opposing design can transfer, creating faint images on the next coins struck. These “clash marks” can sometimes be quite dramatic and collectible.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

The forum discussion reveals that Taylor’s collection includes coins from all third-party grading services (TPGs) as well as raw specimens. This diversity highlights an important point: authentication is crucial for valuable varieties and errors. Even experienced collectors can be fooled by altered or counterfeit coins.

When authenticating a potentially valuable Morgan Dollar:

• Verify the weight (a genuine Morgan should weigh 26.73 grams)
• Examine the coin’s edges for signs of tampering or casting
• Check for proper design details specific to the date and mint
• Consider professional authentication for high-value specimens

Common Pitfalls and Misidentifications

The forum reveals several important points about potential misidentifications. One reviewer noted that the book’s cover features a “mediocre picture of a non-PL dollar,” which seems like a missed opportunity for a book dedicated to prooflike specimens. This highlights how even experts can disagree on what constitutes a PL coin.

Other common pitfalls include:

• Confusing mechanical doubling with true doubled dies
• Overgrading the PL characteristics of a coin
• Misidentifying die polish lines as die cracks

Resources for Further Study

While Taylor’s book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of PL Morgan varieties, some forum participants recommend supplementing it with other resources. The Wayne Miller book (published in 1981) and the Morgan Dollar Red Book are mentioned as valuable references, though they contain less specific information about PL coins. Online resources like CoinFacts are also recommended for their photographic references.

Conclusion

The world of Morgan Dollar varieties and errors offers endless fascination for collectors willing to look beyond the surface. From die cracks and doubled dies to prooflike characteristics and mint mark variations, these subtle details can transform a common coin into a valuable rarity. While books like Taylor’s provide invaluable guidance, the forum discussion reveals that even comprehensive references have limitations, particularly when it comes to photographic documentation. Successful error coin hunting requires patience, magnification, good lighting, and continuous learning. Whether you’re examining a potentially valuable 1889-CC or searching for that elusive doubled die, remember that the devil is in the details – and those details can be worth thousands.

As one forum participant noted about Taylor’s collection being offered at auction, the willingness to acquire any PL specimen regardless of grade or certification suggests that even non-investment grade coins can have educational and historical value for collectors studying these fascinating varieties. The journey of discovery in error and variety collecting is often as rewarding as the treasures found along the way.

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