From Wikipedia: The 1881 Assay Commission found that approximately 3,000 silver dollars struck at the Carson City Mint had been struck in .892 silver rather than the legally mandated .900. It is unclear if the Treasury took any steps to attempt to recover the issued pieces. I didn't know this. Did you?
296,000 CC dollars were struck in 1881 - the .008 difference is negligible and cannot be analyzed or determined for any specific coin without destructive testing - an interesting factoid, but of little numismatic consequence
A general comment on this, never use that as a factual site. It's a catch all site that requires verification and further research
This doesn't pertain (as much) to the original question of the 1881 CC. Although, Wikipedia is also very biased on the information they present. You should never automatically take them as 100% factual.
Yes, never use Wikipedia as your main resource. To be honest, it doesn't matter much that they were .892 to me. Although it's an interesting fact, it doesn't have much impact on collecting Morgan dollars. JMO.
Maybe the original article http://www.numismaster.com/ta/Coins...&@pushOnStack=0&@noBG=1&@showMB=1&@ForPrint=1
1836 was the last year for 89.24% silver coins. However, they did have the same amount of silver after this change was made (so essentially less copper was added to the alloy after 1836).
Take a look at your redbook again. It will give you the weights and compositions of US coins. Wait! Don't have a redbook? I strongly recommend getting a copy of "A Guidebook of United States Coins" It will be the best $12-15 you ever spent on the hobby. And you may be able to find a year old version at those discount/overstock places for a lot less
