You are here:

Coin and Paper Money Collecting/189? Morgan silver dollar

Advertisement


Question
QUESTION: My 189? O Morgan silver dollar is almost completely missing the last numeral in the date.  The 1897/8 is a common overstrike.  Could this missing numeral (we are fairly certain a 7) be the result of this process or did someone tamper with this coin after it left the mint?  The overall coin is grayed, with a slight dimple in the reeding under the "9" in 189?.  Thank you for your response.

ANSWER: Diane,

On the overdate, the last digit would be clearly visible -- not almost missing like you describe.  I suspect something happened to your coin after it left the mint.

Dan


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: While I believe your original answer will stand, I did more research and finally got the question into my browser to get a sensible answer.  Therefore, I wonder if this could be a "filled die" error.  Thank you, again.

Answer
Yes Diane, it is possible you have a filled die error, caused by a foreign substance like machine grease getting into the die and preventing the full strike of the coin.  The dimple in the reeding may be coincidental, however, it may be an indicator that your coin got damaged at some time after it left the mint.  I would need to see the coin first hand to make an accurate determination.

Dan

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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