Expert: Neil S Berman - 10/27/2009

Question
Although the 1889-CC had more Morgans minted than the 1885-CC Morgans, the prices are considerably more for the 1889-CC. I assume that is because someone, somehow, somewhere decided that fewer 1889-CC Morgans actually exist. How do they really know that is factual? What proof exists?
The fact that a hoard of 1885's were found in the early 60's is NOT conclusive evidence that it means there were then less 1889's than 1885's.


Answer
This is the short, very short version of the answer. The 1889CC was distributed and used in 1889, and so the majority of surviving examples show considerable wear. The 1885CC was for the most part not distributed in the 19th century, and therefor is much more common in uncirculated condition then used conditions. In just one of several hoards, the US Government sold 148,000 uncirculated 1885CC dollars in the 1970s. And the population of known coins is a calculated number, not as you say "someone, somewhere..." The proof is in the known count, as in "known facts", like the world is round and not flat, and men are decended from Ape. Of course, could more 89CC coins turn up, sure, it would be fun and make news, but could Amelia fly into Paris or my hair come back, I guess anything is possible. Your comment only shows that you personally no nothing of how coin populations are counted and you might want to read up on the subject some more. In any case, what I am telling you a fact, not my opinion. I've been a full time professional coin dealer since 1968 and made a living knowing these facts. What you are surmising is a novices opinion based on a total lack of information. Could I prove what I have said in a court of law, sure I can, and while not on this particular date, I already have done so many, many times, but I doubt you have a serious enough interest to pay my bill to "prove" it to you so good luck on your research.