How to Spot Rare Errors on Post your new Morgan images

Introduction: The Hidden Treasures in Plain Sight

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 the devil truly is in the details when it comes to Morgan dollars. These iconic American coins, minted from 1878 to 1921, are beloved by collectors worldwide, but few realize how many valuable varieties and errors exist within this series.

Historical Significance of Morgan Dollars

The Morgan dollar represents a fascinating period in American history, named after its designer George T. Morgan. These silver dollars were minted during the height of the silver mining boom in the American West and became symbols of the nation’s prosperity. Understanding the historical context helps collectors appreciate why certain varieties and errors are so significant.

The Minting Process and Common Error Sources

Morgan dollars were produced at five different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and briefly at Denver (D) in 1921. Each mint had its own die-making processes, which often led to unique varieties and errors. The high-pressure striking process and the use of multiple die pairs throughout production runs created numerous opportunities for mistakes and variations.

Identifying Key Markers: Die Cracks

Die cracks are among the most common and collectible errors found on Morgan dollars. These occur when the die used to strike the coin develops cracks due to the immense pressure and repeated use. As the die deteriorates, these cracks transfer to the coins, creating distinctive raised lines.

Common Die Crack Locations

• Liberty’s profile and coronet
• Along the eagle’s wings and breast
• Through the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
• Around the date and mint mark

When examining Morgan dollars, use a magnifying glass to check for these telltale signs. The most valuable die cracks are those that are dramatic and easily visible to the naked eye.

Double Dies: When the Mint Makes a Mistake Twice

Double die errors occur when the die itself is struck twice by the hub, creating a doubled image. These errors can appear on any part of the coin but are most commonly found in the date, lettering, and Liberty’s profile.

Notable Double Die Varieties

The 1878 8TF (eight tail feathers) is one of the most famous double die varieties, where the eagle on the reverse shows distinct doubling in the tail feathers. Another significant variety is the 1887/6 overdate, where traces of the underlying 6 can be seen beneath the 7 in the date.

Mint Mark Variations: Small Details, Big Impact

Mint mark variations can significantly affect a Morgan dollar’s value. The Carson City mint (CC) is particularly famous for its varieties, but all mints produced interesting variations worth noting.

Key Mint Mark Varieties to Look For

• 1878 7/8TF (seven over eight tail feathers)
• 1882-O/S (New Orleans mint mark punched over San Francisco)
• 1900-O/CC (Carson City mint mark overpunched with New Orleans)
• 1878-S with reverse of 1878

When examining mint marks, pay close attention to their size, position, and any signs of doubling or repunching. These subtle differences can mean the difference between a common date and a five-figure rarity.

Specific Errors to Look For

Beyond die cracks and double dies, Morgan dollars can exhibit numerous other interesting errors that collectors prize.

Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs)

Before 1990, mint marks were hand-punched into working dies, often resulting in multiple impressions at slightly different angles or positions. These repunched mint marks create distinctive patterns that can be identified with magnification.

Overdates

While less common on later Morgan dollars, overdates occur when an old date hub is used to create dies for a new year. The most famous example is the 1887/6 mentioned earlier, but others exist throughout the series.

Clashed Dies

When dies strike each other without a planchet between them, parts of each design can transfer to the opposite die. This creates ghostly images of one side’s design appearing on the other side of struck coins.

Authentication and Grading Considerations

When dealing with potential errors and varieties, proper authentication becomes crucial. Many Morgan dollar varieties have been extensively studied and cataloged, making authentication somewhat easier than with other series.

Professional Authentication

For potentially valuable varieties, professional authentication from services like PCGS or NGC is essential. They can verify whether your coin is a genuine variety and assign it the appropriate grade.

Slab Generation and Rarity

As mentioned in the forum discussion, early PCGS slabs (known as “rattlers”) from the mid-1980s are themselves collectible. Low serial number slabs, particularly from the first generation, can add significant value to already rare varieties.

Building a Collection of Varieties and Errors

Collecting Morgan dollar varieties and errors can be approached in several ways, depending on your budget and interests.

Focused Collection Strategies

• Collecting all known die varieties for a specific date
• Focusing on errors from a particular mint
• Building a type set of major varieties
• Collecting by error type (all doubled dies, all die cracks, etc.)

Market Values and Investment Potential

The market for Morgan dollar varieties and errors remains strong, with some pieces commanding extraordinary prices.

Value Ranges

• Common die cracks: $20-$100 premium
• Obvious doubled dies: $500-$5,000+
• Major varieties (1878 8TF, 1887/6): $1,000-$50,000+
• Ultra-rarities: $100,000+

The values mentioned in the forum discussion, such as the 1881-S in a first-generation PCGS holder selling for over $119,000, demonstrate the premium that collectors will pay for exceptional specimens with important provenance.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

Collecting Morgan dollar varieties and errors combines historical appreciation, detective work, and the thrill of discovery. Whether you’re examining raw coins at a coin show or carefully studying your existing collection, the possibility of finding something rare and valuable adds excitement to this rewarding hobby. Remember that knowledge is your most valuable tool – study reference books, join collector forums, and examine as many coins as possible to train your eye. The next great Morgan dollar discovery could be sitting in your collection right now, waiting for someone with the knowledge to recognize its true value.

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