Q. David Bowers
1889-S: 42 (65+: 1)
1880-CC Rev. of '78: 38 (65+: 3)
1891: 36 (65+: 0)
1895-S: 21 (65+: 0)
1891-O: 19 (65+: 1)
1903: 19 (65+: 3)
1900-S: 14 (65+: 2)
1879-CC Large CC over Small CC: 12 (65+: 0)
1893-CC: 11 (65+: 0)
1894-S: 11 (65+: 0)
1886-O: 10 (65+: 1)
1921-D: 9 (65+: 2)
1879-S Second Rev: 8 (65+: 0)
1893-O: 8 (65+: 3)
1896-O: 8 (65+: 0)
1897-O: 7 (65+: 0)
1885-S: 5 (65+: 1)
1892-O: 5 (65+: 1)
1900: 5 (65+: 3)
1895-O: 4 (65+: 0)
1887/6: 3 (65+: 1)
1894-O: 3 (65+: 0)
1902: 3 (65+: 1)
1883-S: 2 (65+: 0)
1901-S: 2 (65+: 0)
1904: 2 (65+: 0)
1921-S: 2 (65+: 0)
1892-S: 1 (65+: 0)
1893: 1 (65+: 0)
1894: 1 (65+: 0)
1901: 1 (65+: 0)
1902-S: 1 (65+: 0)
1882-O/S:0(65+:0)
1884-S: 0 (65+: 0)
1887/6-O: 0 (65+: 0)
1887-S: 0 (65+: 45)
1893-S: 0 (65+: 0)
1896-S: 0 (65+: 0)
1900-O/CC: 0 (65+: 0)
1903-S: 0 (65+: 0)
1904-S: 0 (65+: 0)
PL and DMPL Commentary
When reading the comments concerning PL and DMPL coins throughout the Morgan dollar section (under the individual listings for dates and mintmarks, 1878 through 1921), please keep in mind my earlier commentary that certification standards for such pieces are lower than what used to be called PL and DMPL. Many pieces that I consider to be semi-prooflike are now certified as PL, and coins that used to be PL are now in some instances certified as DMPL. The population numbers in the present text refer to the "new" interpretations and standards. For example, while possibly 1,500 to 3,000 DMPL 1878 TF exist under current interpretations, under the old standards the number would probably be a few hundred at best. Such waffling, fuzzy standards have hurt the market for PL and DMPL coins in recent years.
PL and DMPL coins are part of the corpus of extant Morgan dollars, and, perhaps, should be re-evaluated and given a more distinct place in the numismatic scheme of things. Now, they are relatively unloved and out of favor.
Collecting Die Varieties
Morgan silver dollars offer a great opportunity to collect minute die varieties. Below are some thoughts on the subject.
Collecting Die Varieties Oeff Oxman) Writing an essay, "Die Varieties in the Morgan Dollar Series," for inclusion in The Comprehensive US. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia, Jeff G. Oxman noted that new collectors invariably pose this question, "What should I collect?"
In the Morgan dollar series there have been many varieties issued, the known examples of which are delineated in magnificent detail in the book by Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of Morgan & Peace Silver Dollars. However, relatively few collectors have the interest, perseverance, financial ability, or inclination to endeavor to assemble a complete set of thousands of varieties (over 200 for 1878 alone, the most prolific year), some of which differ from each other only by a microscopic feature.
But, beyond the normal roster of straight date and mintmark varieties, there are some other varieties of more than passing interest. Jeff G. Oxman picked these favorites in his essay:
1878 with 7/0ther tail feathers
1878 with reverse of 1879
1879-S with reverse of 1878
1880 overdates (Philadelphia, CC, O, and S)
1882-O/S
1887/6
1887/6-O
1900-O/CC
Favorite Varieties (Bill Fivaz)
Noted variety expert Bill Fivaz has provided some suggestions which comprise a wider range, nearly two dozen varieties which he considers to be particularly significant and interesting. (Letter to the author, November 30, 1991.)
Silver dollars and varieties-it seems like they were made for each other. Dollar collectors are generally enthralled by die varieties on their favorite series. An overdate here, a doubled die there and palms become sweaty and eyes start spinning.