Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1886 dollar coin

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/8/2008


Question
i have several silver dollar coins from 1886 to 1925 my question is there such a thing as a platinum 1886 dollar coin the one i have is lighter in weight than the others and shows no signs of tarnish

Answer

sold toned for $550
Hello Salvatore,                             

I have never heard of platinum 1886 USA Morgan Dollar being made. In fact the dies used to produce a 90% silver coin would not work with a Platinum coin blank. So I suspect your coin is likely a 90% silver

I have seen many of these dollars without any tarnish on them. Some toned blackish and others with rainbow toning from olive to blue and violet. In fact a higher premium is paid for a spectacularly naturally rainbow toned coin than a bright un-tarnished one.

The brown toning silver gets is directly caused by its environment. There are many contaminants that react with the Silver and Copper in the alloy.
Without the proper storage or any surface protection they will tarnish.

There is also the slight possibility you have a fake coin that is not silver but some other metal but not platinum. I have not come across an 1886 date in counterfeit since it is an affordable coin in all grades there would not be much profit in faking one.
If you can weigh it I might be able to find what metal it is made from. And I have seen some of these coins hollowed out as well.

If you do want someone in you area to look at the note write me again with your postal Zip Code and a couple of the nearest large cities for your area. I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.  
Make sure you mark your Question as private.

I hope this information helps, Good Luck,

PapaJack


P.S.
The image is a coin sold for $550 a few years ago. The reverse exhibits attractive arcs of rainbow tones but the heads side not toned at all. This coin is from a collection which was in a group of over 1,400 toned Morgan dollars. Included in this group were coins that represented the very finest rainbow toned pieces to come out of original mint bags.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    Commenti believe papajack to be extremely well versed in subject matter and was quite timely in his response. it helped me understand what i have in my coin and where to go if i wish to advance my search with other coins i have. papajack is a asset to your website and once again thank you sincerely salvatore baratta


  • Ask a Question

PAPAJACK

Expertise

Knowledge of United States Coins from 1793 to date. Able to answer most common numismatic questions. Collected U.S. Coins from half cent to 50 dollar gold coins.

Experience

QUALITY CONTROL
United States Coin COLLECTOR/DEALER OVER 20 YEARS, U.S. COINS Worked trade shows,
EXPERT Consulting since 1990, Knowledge of all methods of fabrication used in the industry.
Hobbies:US notes, clocks, cars, computers, coins, leisure activity and crafts to name a few.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.