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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Possible Flaw in Reeding on Morgan Dollar
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Question
I have an 1884 Morgan Dollar where the reeding is incomplete on the edge of the coin. I've tried to send photo's but it extends the full thickness of the coin on one edge and then gradually gets narrower until on the opposite side it covers perhaps a third of the thickness. The un-reeded portion is slightly higher than the reeded portion. Could this be a mint error? Or is there some other cause?
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Thanks
Hi David:
Thanks for the question. You have what is called a partial collar error. The reeding is actually the third die on struck coins. The retaining collar on half dimes through gold coins had reeding. As the blank was struck, the reeding was pushed into the blank by the retaining collar.
Partial collar strikes occur when there is a malfunction of the striking press. This causes the collar to be in an incorrect position. The lower die (usually the reverse die) is recessed in the collar. This allows the coin which is going to be struck to have a formed rim. After a coin is struck the lower die raises upwards, pushing the struck coin out of the collar and ejecting it.
If a blank entering the collar is not properly seated, it will only have partial reeding as it is struck. The edge of this coin will have a partial reeding and a partial blank surface area.
Partial collar strikes on Morgan Dollars can likely bring between $100 to $350, depending on the date and condition of the coin.
Again, here are two sites to check actual real error values:
http://www.coinsite.com/html/userrorprices.asp
http://minterrornews.com/priceguide.html
You may want to check US coins and currency listings under errors on eBay from time to time to see if your coin is listed what this type of item may bring.
If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php
Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.
Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.
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Answers by Expert:
Ronald Fern
Expertise
I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.
Experience
Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.
Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG
Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News
Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964
BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968
Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.
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