The unprecedented crossover underscores his personal efforts to combat “grade inflation.”
Morgan dollar deep cameo proofs are among the most desirable of all Morgans, with oft-exorbitant prices paid to acquire DCAM proofs. While some proof Morgan dollars have very few or sometimes even no known examples of DCAM proofs, DCAMs are known throughout the series and are quite popular with collectors. When discussing early proofs, such as proof Morgan dollars, they are generally much rarer (and much more valuable) than their regular CAM counterparts.
The big question for so many in the hobby is knowing how to tell the more common CAM designation apart from DCAM. The distinctions can sometimes trip up even the most experienced collectors and dealers. Indeed, it takes a highly attuned collector numismatist some time to pick up the necessary knowledge to properly distinguish those details. However, when one compares a regular CAM next to a DCAM, the difference become obvious to many folks. A DCAM will exhibit heavy and complete frosting on the devices, inscriptions, and other raised surfaces providing deep contrast against the fields. Whereas as CAM will typically show light, sometimes interrupted frosting, with less intense contrast against 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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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for Morgan Dollar $1 1878-1921 PR DCAM [Type]
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Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PR69 |
|
$288,000 | $1,234 |
| PR69 | - | $240,000 | $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 |
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