Discover the Morgan silver dollars with the most promising potential for appreciation. This guide delves into the historical performance and future prospects of these iconic coins, highlighting the 1895, 1892-CC, 1894, 1878-CC, and 1883-CC as top contenders for significant value growth. Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the numismatic scene, understanding the factors that drive the desirability of these silver treasures can help you make informed decisions for your collection.
The Morgan silver dollar, a cornerstone of American numismatics, was first struck in 1878, following the Bland-Alison Act's mandate. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the coin was a product of political maneuvering by influential silver mining interests aiming to prop up silver prices. This resulted in the overproduction of silver dollars, leading to a surplus that sat unused in vaults for years. The minting of Morgan dollars continued sporadically until 1904 and resumed briefly in 1921 before the series concluded.
Initially overlooked by collectors, Morgan dollars could be acquired for a mere dollar, even in mint state. The landscape shifted in 1962 when the U.S. government sold surplus silver dollars to the public, sparking a collecting frenzy. This event significantly broadened the Morgan dollar's appeal and collector base.
Today, Morgan silver dollars are revered for their size, beauty, historical significance, and availability. While they have experienced various market cycles, their long-term value trajectory has been generally positive.
While some may advocate for Morgan silver dollars as purely investment vehicles, the more nuanced approach is to consider them as collectibles with the potential for future value appreciation. Historically, certain Morgan dollars have shown impressive growth patterns, suggesting that coins with strong past performance are likely to continue appreciating.
To identify the most promising Morgan dollars, a systematic analysis was conducted. Retail prices from 1950, 1980, 1995, 2000, and estimated 2005 values were compiled and adjusted for grading terminology changes over time. Compounded annual return rates were calculated for each period, and a composite score was derived by averaging these rates for each coin.
| Date | Score | |------------|-------| | 1895 | 11.37 | | 1892-CC | 10.54 | | 1894 | 10.43 | | 1878-CC | 10.28 | | 1883-CC | 10.25 |
Based on a 55-year performance review, the 1895 Morgan silver dollar leads the pack, with the 1892-CC, 1894, 1878-CC, and 1883-CC following closely. Carson City Mint dollars are particularly sought after, occupying 13 of the top 16 spots, reflecting the allure of the American West.
Conversely, Morgan dollars with the lowest prospects include the 1898, 1899-O, 1884, 1888-O, and the 1897, which scored a mere 2.66.
For those aiming to acquire Morgan silver dollars with a bullish outlook, focusing on the "Top Five" is advisable. It's important to purchase the highest grade you can afford, ensuring the coins are free of issues and certified by a reputable grading service. A minimum five-year holding period is recommended, as the market may need to stabilize following recent value surges.
Morgan silver dollars have long been a beloved aspect of the numismatic hobby, a stark contrast to their century-long confinement in government vaults. Their transformation from forgotten stockpiles to treasured collectibles is a testament to the dynamic nature of coin collecting.
For further insights into the Morgan silver dollar's history and value, reputable sources such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) offer extensive information and certification services. Additionally, the American Numismatic Association provides educational resources and supports the numismatic community.
The Story of the Star Spangled Banner
The future of the young United States looked bleak as the summer of 1814 entered its final weeks. The “Second War for American Independence”, often called the “War of 1812”, had taken a perilous turn for the upstart Americans. On August 19, British warships sailed up Chesapeake Bay and captured Washington D.C. in only five days. President Madison and other government officials barely escaped the city before the Redcoats set fire to the US Capitol, the White House, and numerous public buildings. As if by divine intervention, a torrential rainstorm struck just in time to save the city from total destruction.
Identifying US Coins with Bullish Futures
Okay, let’s get something straight… I do not advocate the purchase of United States coins strictly for investment purposes. Like most traditional collectors, I believe coins are to be primarily appreciated for their artistic beauty, historical connections, and the joy of pursuing them. However, it should be no secret that a significant number of us do add to our numismatic holdings while simultaneously peeking at the payback angle, too.
