How to Spot Rare Errors on This might be a new record for an MS 62 Common Date Morgan reverse toner
February 17, 2026Grading Breakdown: Why This MS62 Morgan Dollar Reverse Toning Just Set a New Price Record
February 17, 2026Authentication Guide for Morgan Silver Dollars
As Morgan Silver Dollars soar in popularity, counterfeiters have followed suit – making authentication skills essential for every collector. These beauties, especially in sought-after mint condition like MS 62, deserve careful scrutiny. This guide will share the diagnostic secrets experts use to confirm your Morgan’s authenticity.
Historical Significance and Collectibility
Struck from 1878 to 1904 with a curtain call in 1921, the Morgan Dollar isn’t just silver – it’s American history in your hand. Minted across five facilities (Philadelphia’s plain, New Orleans’ “O,” San Francisco’s “S,” Carson City’s legendary “CC,” and Denver’s 1921 “D”), its 90% silver composition fuels both numismatic value and counterfeit attempts. That distinctive luster and heft? That’s what makes collectors’ hearts race.
Weight and Dimensions: Your First Defense
Always start with the scales! A genuine Morgan tips them at precisely 26.73 grams (±0.13g tolerance). Why such precision? Fakes often use cheaper metals that can’t match silver’s density.
Grab a precision scale (accurate to 0.01g) and place your coin gently. More than 0.2 grams underweight? Alarm bells should ring. Surprisingly, overweight coins raise suspicion too – heavier base metals sometimes lurk beneath.
Now measure: 38.1mm diameter and 2.4mm edge thickness separate the real McCoys. Counterfeiters struggle to hit these marks consistently, so trust your calipers.
The Magnet Test: Silver’s Telltale Rebuff
Here’s a thrilling trick: Silver scoffs at magnets! Hold a neodymium magnet near your Morgan’s surface. No movement? Breathe easier. Pulled toward the magnet? You’ve likely caught an impostor.
Remember, though: Some sophisticated fakes pass this test only to fail others. Combine methods for certainty.
Die Markers: The Devil’s in the Details
Authentic Morgans boast distinctive features forged by original dies – the subtle fingerprints of genuineness. Examine these areas under good light:
- Breast feathers on the eagle: Seek crisp separation with delicate relief
- Liberty’s hair above the ear: Distinct strands showing skilled strike
- Reverse cotton bolls: Sharp definition, each boll visible
- “IN GOD WE TRUST”: Consistent depth and spacing throughout
Fakes often show mushy details here. Scrutinize Liberty’s profile and eagle’s wings – their fine artistry trips up counterfeiters.
Spotting Fakes: Know Your Enemy
Understanding counterfeit types gives you an edge:
Cast Counterfeits
Molded from real coins, these usually betray themselves through:
- Pitted surfaces like orange peel
- Blurry details that lack sharpness
- Weight discrepancies
- Magnetic response (silver never sticks!)
Struck Counterfeits
Trickier adversaries showing subtle flaws:
- Design elements slightly “off” versus genuine specimens
- Mint marks placed incorrectly
- Irregular edge reeding
- Surface texture mismatches
Altered Dates and Mint Marks
Common coins dressed as rare varieties:
- Changed dates (1893-S altered to 1898-S)
- Added “CC” mint marks for Carson City premium
- “Micro O” varieties fabricated via mint mark tampering
Advanced Authentication Techniques
For prized specimens, these methods add security:
Specific Gravity Test
Measure density by weighing your coin in air versus water. Silver’s 10.49 specific gravity is tough to fake – even plated counterfeits falter here.
Professional Grading Services
NGC and PCGS experts authenticate using comparative databases and multiple tests. For rare varieties or mint-state gems, their encapsulation offers peace of mind worth every penny.
Microscopic Clues
Under magnification, authentic Morgans reveal
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