JEFF BURKE'S NEW 1880-S MORGAN DOLLAR

"Morgan Dollar Bibliography Note"
Jeff Burke

Since I wrote about my Lincoln Cent hunt in the July 19, 2020 issue of The E-Sylum, I have continued my search of high-grade, well-struck and inexpensive type coins by seeking to add a mint state Morgan dollar to my collection. Before launching my Morgan dollar treasure hunt, I watched an ANA recorded webinar – "Collecting and Investing in Morgan Dollars: A Comprehensive Approach," taught by John Baumgart and Dr. Michael S. Fey earlier this year. I also reread sections of Girl on a Silver Dollar, Roger W. Burdette, 2019; The Private Sketchbook of George T. Morgan, Karen M. Lee, 2013; The Complete Virtual Guide to Pricing Your Morgan Silver Dollars (1878-1921), Dr. Michael Fey, 2019; Numismatic Photography, Mark Goodman, 2008; A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars, Q. David Bowers, 2006; and Pleasure & Profit: 100 Lessons for Building and Selling a Collection of Rare Coins, Robert W. Shippee, 2014.

I narrowed down my target coin to an 1880-S or 1881-S Morgan dollar. According to David Bowers, these particular pieces are among the most well-struck, plentiful, and beautiful coins in the series (see Bowers, Guide Book, pp. 135, 141).

I prefer Morgan dollars in mint state with frosty snow white surfaces. Recently, I have come to appreciate naturally toned Morgan dollars in beautiful colors as well as prooflike specimens. I studied numerous coins online before making my selection. I finally decided to purchase an 1880-S NGC MS64+ from Bonanza Coins that I spotted on Collectors Corner.

This wonderous coin arrived in the mail today. I love the golden toning around the periphery of both sides! It is an unusual piece that lacks the excessive bag marks of so many cartwheels.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
JEFF BURKE'S NEW 1909 V.D.B. LINCOLN CENT (https://www.coinbooks.org/v23/esylum_v23n29a23.html)

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