Is Your 1879-S Morgan Dollar Real? Expert Authentication Guide

Introduction

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. The 1879-S Morgan Dollar represents one of the most collected coins in American numismatics, but it’s also frequently targeted by counterfeiters and altered coins. This authentication guide will walk you through the essential verification steps to determine if your 1879-S Morgan Dollar is genuine or if it has been cleaned or altered.

Historical Context

The 1879-S Morgan Dollar was minted at the San Francisco Mint and represents an interesting transitional period in Morgan Dollar production. This particular coin features the Reverse of 1878 design, which collectors often refer to as the “1879-S (Rev of ’78)” variety. While not considered particularly rare, this variety still holds significant value for collectors, especially in higher grades or with desirable die varieties.

Weight Verification

The first and most fundamental test for any Morgan Dollar is weight verification. Genuine Morgan Dollars should weigh exactly 26.73 grams. This weight is consistent across all genuine Morgan Dollars regardless of mint mark or date. When testing your 1879-S, use a precision scale that can measure to at least 0.01 grams. Any significant deviation from 26.73 grams indicates a counterfeit.

Magnetic Properties Test

Morgan Dollars are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, making them non-magnetic. A simple magnet test can quickly identify many counterfeits. If your 1879-S shows any magnetic attraction, it’s definitely not genuine. However, the absence of magnetism alone doesn’t guarantee authenticity, as some sophisticated counterfeits use non-magnetic base metals.

Die Markers and Design Features

Authentic 1879-S Morgan Dollars have specific die characteristics that can be examined. The Reverse of 1878 variety features seven tail feathers on the eagle, compared to the eight tail feathers found on later reverses. Pay close attention to the detail in Liberty’s hair, the eagle’s feathers, and the lettering quality. Genuine coins will show crisp, well-defined details, while counterfeits often have soft or mushy features.

Key Diagnostic Points

When examining your 1879-S, focus on these critical areas:

• The date and mint mark clarity and positioning
• The detail in Liberty’s coronet and hair
• The eagle’s breast feathers and wing details
• The lettering sharpness, particularly in “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR”

Common Fakes and Alterations

Counterfeiters employ various techniques to create fake 1879-S Morgan Dollars. Some common methods include:

Cast Counterfeits

These are created by making molds from genuine coins and casting copies in base metals. They often show porosity, lack of fine detail, and incorrect weight. The surfaces may appear grainy or have small pits.

Struck Counterfeits

More sophisticated fakes are struck using transfer dies made from genuine coins. These can be extremely deceptive and may pass visual inspection. However, they often have incorrect metal composition and weight.

Altered Dates and Mint Marks

Some scammers alter common-date Morgans to appear as rare varieties. Check for signs of tooling around the date and mint mark. Authentic mint marks should be the same style and depth as the surrounding design elements.

Testing Methods

Visual Examination

Using proper lighting and magnification is essential. A 10x loupe can reveal many details that are invisible to the naked eye. Look for:

• Tool marks or signs of cleaning
• Inconsistent toning or artificial coloration
• Die cracks or polishing lines that don’t match known genuine examples

Specific Gravity Test

This test can help verify the silver content. Morgan Dollars should have a specific gravity of approximately 10.5. This test requires a precise scale and a water displacement setup.

Professional Authentication

For valuable coins, professional authentication by services like PCGS or NGC is highly recommended. These services use advanced techniques including X-ray fluorescence analysis to verify metal composition.

Identifying Cleaning and Alteration

The forum discussion highlights an important aspect of Morgan Dollar authentication: identifying cleaning. Several collectors noted cleaning in specific areas of the coin in question:

The coin looks cleaned to me at the area you mentioned, beneath the M in UNUM, the two stars to its right and the TED in UNITED on the reverse. I also wonder about Liberty’s face and neck.

Signs of Cleaning

Common indicators of cleaning include:

• Unnatural brightness or reflectivity
• Loss of original mint luster
• Inconsistent toning patterns
• Hairline scratches visible under magnification
• Areas that appear “washed out” compared to surrounding surfaces

Natural Wear vs. Cleaning

It’s important to distinguish between natural wear and cleaning. As one forum member noted:

For someone that actually carried silver dollars in their jean pockets, this is how many of them looked. They were not “cleaned” in the sense of someone intentionally doing so. They were “cleaned” by the fabric of the denim pockets.

This “pocket wear” creates a specific type of abrasion pattern that differs from intentional cleaning methods.

Value Considerations

Market Value Impact

Cleaning significantly impacts a coin’s value. As mentioned in the discussion, a cleaned 1879-S might be “just under market acceptable.” While still valuable as silver content, cleaned coins typically sell for 30-70% less than their uncleaned counterparts in similar wear conditions.

Investment Potential

For collectors and investors, acquiring uncleaned, original specimens is generally preferable. However, for type set collectors or those seeking affordable examples, cleaned coins can still serve a purpose, especially at the right price point.

Authentication Checklist

Quick Verification Steps

1. Verify weight: 26.73 grams ± 0.1 gram
2. Test for magnetism: should be non-magnetic
3. Examine design details for sharpness and clarity
4. Check for signs of cleaning or alteration
5. Verify specific gravity if possible
6. Consider professional authentication for valuable specimens

Conclusion

Authenticating a 1879-S Morgan Dollar requires attention to multiple factors including weight, magnetic properties, die characteristics, and signs of cleaning or alteration. While this particular variety isn’t exceptionally rare, it still represents an important piece of American numismatic history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, understanding these authentication principles will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Remember that when in doubt, professional authentication services can provide peace of mind for valuable specimens.

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