📖 Overview
A Guide Book of Morgan Silver Dollars serves as a comprehensive reference for collectors and numismatists focused on Morgan dollar coins minted between 1878-1921. The book covers the complete history, production details, and valuation guidelines for every date and mintmark in the series.
The text provides mint-by-mint analysis, condition grading standards, and market price data derived from auction results and dealer transactions. Photography and detailed illustrations help readers identify authentic specimens and detect counterfeit pieces.
Beyond technical specifications, the book explores the historical context of Morgan dollar production, including the political forces and economic conditions that shaped the series. Profiles of key figures like George T. Morgan and insight into collecting strategies round out the volume.
This guide reflects the enduring appeal of Morgan dollars as both historical artifacts and investment vehicles, while documenting their central role in American numismatic culture. The work stands as an essential resource for understanding one of the most collected coin series in U.S. history.
👀 Reviews
Readers value this book as a detailed reference for Morgan dollar collectors, with many citing its depth of historical information and pricing data.
Liked:
- Clear photos and detailed coin descriptions
- Historical context about the Morgan dollar series
- Mint-by-mint analysis of production
- Market analysis and price trends
- Tips for detecting counterfeits
Disliked:
- Some price data becomes outdated quickly
- Index could be more comprehensive
- Some readers wanted more grading guidance
- A few note the binding quality could be better
Ratings:
Amazon: 4.7/5 (127 reviews)
Goodreads: 4.4/5 (9 reviews)
Reader quotes:
"The mintage figures and historical details make this more than just a price guide" - Amazon reviewer
"Helped me understand die varieties and what to look for" - Goodreads review
"Would benefit from more information about grading Morgan dollars in circulated condition" - Numismatic forum post
📚 Similar books
A Guide Book of United States Type Coins by Ken Bressett
A comprehensive reference guide with detailed specifications and pricing for collectors of American coins by type rather than date.
100 Greatest U.S. Coins by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth An examination of the most significant American coins based on historical importance, rarity, and market value.
The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman and Kenneth Bressett The standard reference for U.S. coin collectors with mintage figures, grading standards, and values for every U.S. coin ever minted.
Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933 by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth A catalog of American gold coins with historical data, specifications, and mintage information for each issue.
The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection by Scott A. Travers A technical manual for determining coin grades and identifying authentic versus counterfeit specimens.
100 Greatest U.S. Coins by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth An examination of the most significant American coins based on historical importance, rarity, and market value.
The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman and Kenneth Bressett The standard reference for U.S. coin collectors with mintage figures, grading standards, and values for every U.S. coin ever minted.
Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933 by Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth A catalog of American gold coins with historical data, specifications, and mintage information for each issue.
The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection by Scott A. Travers A technical manual for determining coin grades and identifying authentic versus counterfeit specimens.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Author Q. David Bowers has been nicknamed "The Dean of American Numismatics" and has written over 50 books on coins and collecting.
💫 Morgan Silver Dollars were minted from 1878 to 1904, and then again for one year in 1921, making them one of the most collected vintage U.S. coin series.
🌟 The guide includes detailed information about the mysterious disappearance of millions of Morgan Dollars that were melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918.
💫 The designer, George T. Morgan, created the Liberty head portrait using Philadelphia school teacher Anna Willess Williams as his model, swearing her to secrecy about her role.
🌟 Some rare Morgan Dollars, like the 1889-CC (Carson City mint), can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars in pristine condition.