The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
Some of the proof Morgan dollars struck from 1878 through 1904, as well as the limited number of proof-quality strikes in 1921, exhibit cameo contrast in which the devices, inscriptions, and other raised design elements of the coins bear white, frosty surfaces. The degree to which the cameo contrast bears out varies from piece to piece. But the general idea is that so long as the raised surfaces exhibit mostly complete, if even only light, frostiness then it qualifies as a cameo. This is particularly so if the devices and other raised elements on both sides of the same coin exhibit this cameo contrast.
On older proof coinage such as Morgan dollars, cameo proofs are generally much scarcer than typical proofs exhibiting little to no contrast between the devices and the fields. Cameos are thus not only scarcer than ordinary proofs, but they also command a much larger premium. How does one tell the difference between a cameo proofs and a deep cameo? While the nuances of subjectivity sometimes cause a bit of confusion in this department, as it does in most areas of coin grading, most experts agree that a deep cameo must show heavy frosting on the devices of the obverse and reverse with heavy contrast between the devices and the fields.
Obverse Description
Portrait of Liberty centered. On the left are found 7 stars with the words E*PLURIBUS*UNUM followed by 6 stars on the right. The date is positioned at the bottom.
Reverse Description
The heraldic eagle is centered holding a bunch of arrows and branch surrounded by and olive leaves. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * ONE DOLLAR frame the periphery. Mint mark, if any, appears above the letters DO of DOLLAR.
Book Reference
Designer: George T. Morgan. Weight: 26.73 grams. Composition: .900 silver, .100 copper (net weight .77344 oz. pure silver). Diameter: 38.1 mm. Edge: Reeded. Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, Denver, San Francisco.
Key to Collecting: Abundant opportunities exist to obtain a single coin for a type. The 1881-S, which at once is the most common Morgan dollar in gem grade and also is one of the sharpest struck, is an obvious candidate. However, it might be fun to add a Carson City coin (such dates as 1882-CC, 1883-CC, and 1884-CC are inexpensive) or one or another of a variety of special interest.
Note: For Morgan-design dollars struck under the 1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act, see the end of chapter 19.
Aspects of Striking and Appearance: Striking can vary widely. The best-struck pieces are those made at San Francisco. Check Liberty’s hair above her ear, and, on the reverse, the breast feathers of the eagle. The hair of Liberty might not be completely needlesharp, but it should be close. Once these two points are checked, examine lettering, denticles (usually decent), and other characteristics. Many coins were made from “tired” dies and show graininess or dull surfaces. Eye appeal can vary considerably from deeply rich and frosty to rather flat and insipid.
Proof Coins: Proofs were made of all years in the series. Quality can vary. Especially desired are certain pieces with frosty or “cameo” portraits and devices, often seen in the 1880’s and 1890’s. Many Proofs have been cleaned and thus have hairlines, others are rather dull in appearance. Take your time to select a truly nice one.
Catalog Information
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Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR69 |
|
$240,000 | $1,234 |
| PR69 | - | $210,000 | $1,234 |
| PR68 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR68 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| PR60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
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