5 Secrets To Spot A 1979 Morgan Dollar

The world of coin collecting is filled with excitement, mystery, and the thrill of discovery. One particularly sought-after treasure in this realm is the 1979 Morgan Dollar. Although the official minting of Morgan dollars ended in 1921, numismatists and collectors occasionally come across these fascinating pieces from various private mints, raising both eyebrows and suspicions. Let's delve into the secrets that help spot a 1979 Morgan Dollar and unlock the history behind this enigma.

The Mysterious 1979 Morgan Dollar

In the vast sea of numismatic wonders, the 1979 Morgan Dollar stands out as an anomaly. Here's why:

• Historical Background: The Morgan Dollar was primarily minted from 1878 to 1904, with a brief resurgence in 1921. However, the date "1979" raises questions about its origin.

• Private Mints: Post-1921, private mints began producing tokens and medals, occasionally creating coins that mimicked the Morgan Silver Dollar. This includes the infamous 1979 Morgan Dollar, often referred to as a "copy" or "restrike."

Secret 1: Examine the Mint Mark

The first secret to spot a 1979 Morgan Dollar lies in understanding its mint mark:

• Legitimate Mint Marks: Morgan Dollars were minted at three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans ("O"), San Francisco ("S"), and Carson City ("CC").

• Suspicious Mint Marks: A 1979 Morgan Dollar would typically feature "1879" as its date, but you might find additional marks indicating it's from a private mint:

  Location	Mint Mark
  Philadelphia	None
  New Orleans	O
  San Francisco	S
  Carson City	CC

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Pro Tip: Always look for "1879" first. If you find "1979," you're most likely dealing with a restrike or a copy.</p>

Secret 2: The Artwork and Engraving

• Master Die Variations: The original dies for Morgan Dollars were meticulously crafted. Modern copies or restrikes often have different details due to changes in tooling and engraving techniques.

• Details to Observe: Look at Lady Liberty's hair, the eagle's feathers, and the overall sharpness of the strike.

  <p class="pro-note">🎨 Pro Tip: Compare the artwork with known authentic pieces. Small discrepancies can be a telltale sign.</p>

Secret 3: Weight and Composition

Morgan Dollars were minted in 90% silver. A genuine coin weighs about 26.73 grams. Here's how to check:

• Weight Check: Use a precise scale to measure the coin. If it's significantly off from 26.73 grams, consider it suspicious.

• Silver Test: Conduct a magnet test. Silver does not attract magnets, unlike many base metals used in private minting.

  <p class="pro-note">⚖️ Pro Tip: Although not conclusive, both weight and composition are quick ways to narrow down potential fakes.</p>

Secret 4: The Date and Proof of Minting

• Date Discrepancies: True Morgan Dollars were never officially minted in 1979.

• Proof of Minting: Check any documentation or certification that accompanies the coin, looking for signs of authenticity from a recognized mint or authentication body.

<p class="pro-note">📄 Pro Tip: When in doubt, research the coin's provenance. Authentic documents can confirm a coin's history.</p>

Secret 5: Market Knowledge and Experience

• Price Indicators: The 1979 Morgan Dollar typically sells for much less than its authentic counterparts. If someone is selling it for a significantly low price, be wary.

• Collector Insights: Experienced collectors and dealers can often spot fakes instantly. Engaging with the numismatic community can provide invaluable knowledge.

<p class="pro-note">🤝 Pro Tip: Attend coin shows, join forums, and seek expert advice. Experience is the best tool for spotting counterfeits.</p>

Identifying Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Mistakes to Watch Out For:

• Overly Shiny: Counterfeiters often make coins too shiny or polished, unlike authentic pieces with natural wear.

• Inconsistent Edges: Look for inconsistencies in the reeded edges, often a telltale sign of poor reproduction.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Compare with Reference Material: Always have a catalog or a digital tool to compare suspected coins with known examples.

• Edge Inspection: Examine the coin's edges under magnification to check for signs of tampering or counterfeiting.

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Pro Tip: Patience and attention to detail are your allies in authenticating coins.</p>

Final Thoughts on 1979 Morgan Dollars

To sum up, identifying a 1979 Morgan Dollar requires a keen eye, historical knowledge, and a bit of detective work. Remember:

• Mint marks and dates are key indicators.
• Artwork, composition, and weight are crucial to verify.
• Provenance can be the ultimate proof.
• Community knowledge is invaluable in navigating the world of counterfeits.

We encourage you to explore more numismatic tutorials to deepen your understanding of coin authentication. Collecting coins is as much about the thrill of the hunt as it is about the joy of discovering true history in your hands.

<p class="pro-note">🗺️ Pro Tip: Keep learning and expanding your knowledge base. The more you know, the better you can spot the rare gems in the world of coin collecting.</p>

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can a 1979 Morgan Dollar be genuine?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, there were no Morgan Dollars officially minted in 1979 by the United States Mint. Any coin dated 1979 is either a copy, restrike, or a product of a private mint.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I tell if my Morgan Dollar is from the 1879 original mintage?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Check for the year '1879' on the coin, look at the mint mark, verify the weight, and compare the coin’s details with known authentic examples. An authentication from a recognized grading service can confirm authenticity.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why are private mints making 1979 Morgan Dollars?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Private mints produce these coins for collectors who want to own a piece of history or for numismatists studying restrikes. They often carry historical value or are sought after as curiosities.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>