Morgans-Love em or Hate em?

I don't know why but I do not really enjoy Morgans. Matter a fact the only one I have was a gift my father in law. It is strange because I know that so many people are fascinated with them. I know that it is also true that they are one of the top series in demand? What is it that draws you to this coin?

 

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Love that question. To name the elephant in the room, I think Miss Liberty is ugly. That said, I do like the reverse very much. I bought the SF commem silver proof, so I could have a very affordable version of that.

Yet I am drawn to the coin for most of the reasons most others are: affordable, big silver piece, big history, vast variety of...varieties.

ETA: oh, and the variety of toning and luster. I do greatly prefer the design of the Peace dollar, but I haven't found nearly the same variety.

 

first silver coin i ever received from my grandfather, has more of a personal meaning to me

 

For me, the initial attraction was seeing something in circulation that was quite different from the run-of-the-mill penny, nickel, dime, quarter. I got my first Morgan in the winnings from a pool game in 1957, and my appreciation of those coins I amassed in the early years, despite having sold that entire collection in the mid-60's, has never wavered. When I re-entered the hobby in the late 80's, naturally, my first acquisitions were more Morgans.

Chris

 

I personally just dislike the look of the obverse. While I can respect the originality of the coin as well as the luster and appeal, I dont feel strongly drawn to collect Morgans. I'd be more inclined to collect Peace dollars personally.

 

I greatly appreciate the eagle design on the reverse, the quality of the mint, the prominent cartwheel and fantastic toning variations seen on some of the Morgans on Coin Talk. If I had access to a good coin dealer, would spend top dollar for low mintage MS66 with nice tone.

 

Overall I like Morgans. Not enough to actively collect them, but in general, they are a nice looking large coin. With the silver rise the last couple of years, they started looking more like bullion in a way. But for me, it varies Morgan to Morgan on my feelings towards them.
It's all about eye appeal to me.

On a side note, the first coin I ever received was the following Morgan dollar. It was from my great aunt for my baptism. I didn't know I had one until 36 years later though.

 

I think Clint summed it up: while the obverse is of questionable beauty stylistically, the coin is large, varied and silver. If the other "gateway" collecting coin is the Wheat penny, it can't hold a candle to the size and PM content of the Morgan. More to love.

Getting back to style, I think the Morgan Liberty, while a bit frumpy, nevertheless exudes some kind of nostalgic quality that might harken to simpler times.

BTW, how's the real estate class going?

 

First, let me preface my opinion with the fact that I've never seen a (BU) Morgan in hand nor owned one.

Anyways, I personally like them only because of their intense (and many times D/PL) luster and outrageous toning. Personally, I think it's one of the uglier designs (obverse) despite the intricate detail that's on Liberty's face. The reverse is really nice though IMHO.

 

Why did you sell your collection in the mid-60s? Was it hard to let go or had circumstances resigned you to the act?

 

Don't hate em, don't love em, but I like em. I like the olde english script on the reverse, I think that sort of script is unique among american coins.

 

I like Morgan dollars. It was one of the first sets I ever started when my Grandmother gave me two rolls of them when I was a teenager. Unfortunatelly, they've become popular with the bullion bubble, so I've stopped buying them until the pop occurs.
Guy

 

I was playing pool as much as 15 hours a day, and I just didn't have time for them.

Chris

 

I like the Morgan for a few reasons. The history of the coin, size and accessibility made me chose to collect it for my first series. Its not the easiest series but many of them are affordable. I do like the design as well including the obverse. And of course there is the toning, I have not seen too many coins tone like the way a Morgan does.

 

I'm with the OP here. I wouldn't state I hate them, but I'm sure not enamored like so many others. So many more beautiful coins out there ... Peace Dollars, Walking Liberty Halves, Mercury Dimes. Someday Ill pick one up for a type set collection, and then I'll likely stop there.

 

Dont hate them but dislike them cause there is so many, same with lincoln wheatbacks & some others.

 

I also like the fun of grading, strike condition vs. wear in the hair, cotton leaves, etc. That expansive rounded cheek to gather luster, rub, and dings. So again, I like the coin, I just dislike the obverse design

 

They must be doing something right. It is the most popular series for collection, and has been so for years and years. As regards Lady Liberty on the obverse being ugly, try the draped bust coins...>UGGH!

 

Once you see an MS67 or MS68 Morgan Dollar in hand, it becomes really hard not to like them. I think people are drawn to the series because they are an old series that is affordable in high grades for common dates. And of course, if you are a toning enthusiast, it is tough not to like a phenomenal bag toned Morgan Dollar.

 

Don't like them just to many, over priced, can't enjoy toned ones as I have a color problem. That being said I sure do have
a bunch of them