coin collection

Unexpected Treasures: The Case of the Morgan Silver Dollar

Coins are some of the most easily passed down collectibles. They are small, often easily stored and immediately cherished as something of value which means they don't end up forgotten in an attic. Luxist reader Jerome sent us some photos of United States coins that he reports belonged to his late mother. The first was immediately recognizable to me as a Morgan silver dollar. The Morgan dollar takes its name from the designer, George T. Morgan and features a profile of Liberty wearing a "Liberty" coronet or small crown surrounded by stars on one side. The reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings.

The Morgan dollar was minted intermittently from 1878 to 1921. This example dates from 1883 and was minted at the New Orleans Mint. The small "o" designating the New Orleans Mint appears between the the D and O in the word dollar. Judging by the photographs this piece appears to be in "good" condition meaning that it is heavily worn. the design and words are still visible but the sharp details such as the eagle's wings and Liberty's hair are worn smooth in parts.

Tags: coin collecting, coin collection, coins, liberty cents, morgan silver dollar, numismatics, old coins, unexpected treasures

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Rare Collection of Saint-Gaudens Coins Up For Auction

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

Beautiful and rare coins are headed to auction next week when Bonhams & Butterfields in Los Angeles presents an auction of Rare Coins, Medals and Banknotes. The September 20 auction includes the J.D. Collection of Saint-Gaudens $10 eagle coins which is comprised of approximately 30 highly sought after gold coins, date from 1907 to 1932. Most of the coins have been off the market for many yeas and many of them are in Choice to Gem Uncirculated condition and are graded by the both major numismatic entities, NGC and PCGS. Part one of the J.D. Collection, a rare and complete set of Gem Mint State $2.50 Indian Head quarter eagles was sold by Bonhams & Butterfields in early 2010.

The most expensive lot is a 1907 $10 with Wire Rim graded NGC MS64. There was an estimated mintage of only 500 pieces. Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt to create completely new designs for United States coinage. The Wire Rim and Rolled Edge Indian eagles, along with High Relief double eagles, represent the original work of Augustus Saint-Gaudens as he intended these coins to look. The coin shown above is estimated to bring $36,000-44,000. Other rare coins include a 1910 $10 MS67 NGC (estimated at $18,000-25,000); 1911 MS66 NGC (estimated at $10,000-14,000); 1913-S MS63 PCGS (estimated at $20,000-24,000); 1914-S MS64 PCGS (estimated at $10,000-13,000); 1914-D MS65 NGC (estimated $11,000-13,000) and a 1915 MS66 NGC (estimated at $10,000-14,000).

Tags: auguste saint-gaudens, coin collecting, coin collection, coin collectors, numismatics, rare coins, saint-gaudens