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 Replies: 32 / Views: 9,260 |
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
  Hi all, I am hoping that these uploads have worked. I do have other pictures but am having difficulty getting them to post. I am fairly new to this whole coin collecting thing but have recently come across this 1895 Morgan silver dollar with no mint mark. The research that I have been doing on this particular coin has me rather skeptical about its authenticity and I am wondering if anyone could take a moment and give an opinion on fake or real? And, if you feel that it is fake could someone please explain to me how you can tell? Thank you in advance!
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
Would be nice to see the entire coin, but nothing shouts fake to me. At that time, coins minted in Philadelphia didn't have a mint mark, so its very likely that's the reason that you do not see a mint mark. EDIT - and it does look like it has been cleaned  |
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New Member
 Canada
7 Posts |
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
Thank you for the response...can you tell me how you can tell that it has been cleaned?
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
in your first picture, you can see dirt between the numbers of the date. I need to change my judgement on it being real or fake. The 1895-P Morgan dollar was issued only in proof quality, and it is very valuable and often faked. Your second picture, does look a little like a mint mark was removed.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I'd bet fake. It doesn't have the proof look, the date logotype looks wrong as well.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
I have read that there were 880 proofs minted, but I have also read on this site that there were 12000 (P) minted that weren't proof. Am I reading these stats incorrectly then?
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
You are reading that correctly, but I believe all of those circulation strikes were melted and only the 880 proof strikes survived. The 1895-P is the only Morgan dollar that I lack for my collection.  According to information I have seen elsewhere: - There are no circulation strike 1895 Morgan dollars from the Philadelphia Mint known to exist - In December 2010, an example graded NGC Proof 68 Ultra Cameo sold at auction for a stunning $121,643.55 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1750 Posts |
I looked up the date logotype in my Van Allen-Mallis ( VAM) book. From your pictures, I am highly skeptical of that "5" in 1895. No one can really say with absolute certainty whether business strikes were done in Philly in 1895. I tend to be in the camp that if minted, they were struck with 1894 dies, but included in 1895 mintage figures. This theory is bolstered by the observations that 1894-P Morgans seem to be a bit more common than the 110,000 mintage suggests. I have read it is suspected that the mintage could be as high as 170,000. Therefore, given the history, I would assume you have a counterfeit or altered coin UNTIL proven otherwise. You should weigh it and see if it matches with the weight of a normal Morgan. The folks at PCGS would also be able to give a definite answer, but that will cost you $$. But, this coin will have to make it into a major TPG holder to be worth big money. Edited by DoubleEagle20
11/16/2014 10:55 am
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New Member
United States
24 Posts |
1 question please, Would cleaning the coin remove any way to tell if it's a proof coin?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1750 Posts |
Probably not, Sammy. There would be distinct die characteristics that PCGS would look for to determine if it's an actual proof. I have no doubt they would compare this coin to the photographs of the past 1895 proofs they have handled.
Edited by DoubleEagle20
11/16/2014 10:46 am
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New Member
United States
24 Posts |
Maybe he has found the Holy Grail of Morgans? The elusive 1895P Business Strike?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1750 Posts |
I'd leave that determination to the pros at PCGS or NGC ;)
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New Member
Canada
7 Posts |
There is currently a graded 1895p listed on ebay. Someone is selling their entire Morgan set (there is a link via the 1895 stat info on this site). I have been looking at that going back and forth and back again but again, I am far from being an expert. I only know as much as I have read the last month or two. I am however, leaning toward agreeing with the skepticism on the "5". Is there anyone willing to peek at the listing for quick comparison? I am really sorry and am not trying to beat a dead horse, but I do not yet have it in my possession, that is scheduled for today, I really want to make as informed decision as possible and not a) get "hosed" or worse b) walk away from a truly incredible find. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6394 Posts |
Here's a photo of a certified PR64 1895 Morgan from Heritage. The shape of the 5 in the date alone is enough to convince me the poster's coin is a fake.  |
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Replies: 32 / Views: 9,260 |
Posted 11/16/2014 03:45 am
