How to Spot Rare Errors on Morgan Silver Dollars: A Collector’s Guide

Introduction: The Devil is in the Details

Most people look right past the tiny details that can turn a common item into a rarity worth thousands. As an error coin hunter, I’ve learned that Morgan Silver Dollars, despite their common appearance, hide numerous varieties and errors that can dramatically increase their numismatic value. Whether you’re browsing through a dealer’s inventory or examining your own collection, knowing what to look for can make all the difference.

Understanding Morgan Silver Dollar Basics

Before diving into errors and varieties, it’s essential to understand what makes Morgan Silver Dollars special. Minted from 1878 to 1921 (with a brief revival in 1921), these coins were produced at five different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D – only in 1921). The series offers collectors a rich field for discovery, with over 100 date and mint mark combinations to pursue.

The Anatomy of a Morgan Dollar

Each Morgan Dollar features Lady Liberty on the obverse, designed by George T. Morgan, and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The coin weighs 26.73 grams and contains .77344 ounces of pure silver. Understanding this basic structure helps when identifying where errors typically occur.

Die Cracks: The Most Common Error

Die cracks are raised lines on the coin’s surface that occur when the die used to strike the coin develops a crack or break. These are among the most frequently encountered errors on Morgan Dollars and can range from barely noticeable to dramatic features that significantly affect the coin’s appearance.

Where to Look for Die Cracks

Common locations for die cracks on Morgan Dollars include:

• Through Liberty’s profile, particularly around the forehead and nose
• Along the rim, creating what collectors call a “die break” or “cud”
• Through the eagle’s wings on the reverse
• Around the lettering, especially in “LIBERTY” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

Die Crack Examples from Forum Images

Examining the Morgan images shared in the forum thread, several coins show classic die crack patterns. One particularly interesting example shows a die crack extending from Liberty’s chin down through the neck, creating a raised line that’s visible even in standard lighting. Another coin displays a rim-to-rim die break that affects the entire design, making it a more dramatic error.

Double Dies: When the Minting Process Goes Wrong

Double die errors occur when the die itself is struck more than once during the hubbing process, creating a slight offset that results in a doubled image on the final coin. These errors can appear on either the obverse or reverse and vary in visibility from subtle to dramatic.

Identifying Double Die Characteristics

Key areas to examine for doubling on Morgan Dollars include:

• The date, particularly on 1878 and 1879 issues
• Liberty’s profile features, including the coronet and facial details
• The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the obverse
• Eagle’s wing feathers and talons on the reverse
• The lettering in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”

Double Die Varieties Worth Noting

Some notable double die varieties in the Morgan series include the 1878 8TF (Eight Tail Feathers) with various die states, and certain 1921 issues that show dramatic doubling. The forum images don’t clearly show double die errors, but collectors should always examine coins under magnification, as many doubling varieties require careful inspection to identify.

Mint Mark Variations: Small Details, Big Impact

Mint mark variations on Morgan Dollars can significantly affect a coin’s value. These variations include different sizes, positions, and even overmintmarks where one mint mark was punched over another.

Common Mint Mark Variations

Key variations to watch for include:

• 1882-O/S: An overmintmark where an S was punched over an O
• 1900-O/CC: Another overmintmark variety
• Different sizes of mint marks, particularly on Carson City issues
• Repunched mint marks (RPMs) where the mint mark was struck multiple times

Forum Examples of Mint Mark Variations

Several forum members shared images of Carson City Morgans, which are particularly prized by collectors. The 1889-CC mentioned in one post is especially notable, as Carson City Morgans from this year had relatively low mintages. Examining mint marks closely with a loupe can reveal whether you have a common or rare variety.

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond die cracks and double dies, Morgan Dollars can exhibit other interesting errors that collectors seek out.

Off-Center Strikes

These occur when the planchet isn’t properly centered in the press, resulting in a design that’s shifted to one side. While not extremely common on Morgan Dollars, they do exist and can be quite dramatic when found.

Clipped Planchets

A clipped planchet error shows a curved or straight clip missing from the coin’s edge, where the blank was improperly cut from the metal strip. These errors can range from minor clips to major portions missing.

Wrong Planchet Errors

Although extremely rare, there are documented cases of Morgan Dollars being struck on incorrect planchets, such as quarter or half dollar blanks. These would show incorrect weights and diameters.

Strike-Through Errors

These occur when something foreign (grease, string, cloth) gets between the die and planchet during striking, leaving an impression on the coin. On Morgans, these often appear as raised areas on Liberty’s face or the eagle’s feathers.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

When you believe you’ve found a valuable error or variety, professional authentication becomes crucial. The forum discussion mentions several PCGS-graded coins, including an 1881-S in a white label rattler holder with a low serial number (1080017).

The Value of Early PCGS Holders

Early PCGS holders, particularly the white label “rattlers” from 1986, have become collectible in their own right. The discussion about low serial numbers (like 1102279 mentioned) highlights how even the holder can add value. These early slabs represent the beginning of third-party grading and are sought after by both coin and slab collectors.

Professional Grading Services

Major grading services like PCGS and NGC can authenticate errors and assign appropriate designations. For dramatic errors like major die breaks or multiple errors, professional grading is essential for establishing value and marketability.

Building Your Error Collection

The forum members’ posts reveal various approaches to collecting Morgan Dollars, from building date sets to focusing on specific mints or grades. For error collectors, a strategic approach might include:

Starting with Accessible Errors

Begin with common die cracks and minor varieties that are affordable. As you develop your eye and knowledge, you can progress to more dramatic and valuable errors.

Specializing in Specific Types

Some collectors focus exclusively on doubled dies, while others pursue die breaks or mint mark varieties. Specialization allows you to become an expert in your chosen area.

Documenting Your Finds

Keep detailed records of your error coins, including photographs, descriptions, and any authentication information. This documentation becomes valuable as your collection grows.

Current Market Trends

The forum discussion provides insight into current market conditions. Several members mention purchasing coins in the MS63-64 range, suggesting this is a sweet spot for many collectors – offering good eye appeal without the premium of higher grades.

Toning and Eye Appeal

Several posts mention toning, which, while not an error, significantly affects value. Natural toning on Morgan Dollars can add substantial premium, particularly when it’s rainbow or target toning on otherwise high-grade coins.

Investment Considerations

While error coins can be valuable, the most important aspect is personal enjoyment. The members sharing their “new” purchases demonstrate the ongoing passion that drives the hobby, regardless of investment potential.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

Morgan Silver Dollar collecting offers endless opportunities for discovery, particularly in the error and variety niche. From dramatic die breaks to subtle doubled dies, these coins reward careful examination and specialized knowledge. As the forum members’ posts demonstrate, whether you’re examining a raw coin at a show or carefully studying your latest purchase, the possibility of finding something special always exists. The key is developing your eye, learning the diagnostics of different errors, and never overlooking the small details that could make a common coin uncommonly valuable.

Happy hunting, and may your next Morgan Dollar purchase contain a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered!

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