Hey guys, I was looking to get an 1881 S Morgan ms65 semi proof coin as my "ideal Morgan example". A seller had one that really caught my eye but it sold before I could nab it. Now he has another 1880 S semi proof. I know the 1881 are scrutinized more and I was just wondering if I should stick with trying to get an 81 or if I should just do an 80? Is there that much of a difference? Thanks
Neither one is scrutinized more than the other. Both 80 and 81 S are EXTREMELY common dates, and some of the easiest Morgans to find nice examples. You can find a nice MS 65 PL of either date, and it will not be backbreaking to purchase. They are both well struck, and usually have loads of eye appeal.
Ok, thanks guys. And on another note, I just found my capped bust half to finish off my half set. Photos to come when it gets here. Now I need to figure out what's next lol.
The term is "prooflike" and some folks use "semi-prooflike" to denote a coin with less flash to the surfaces. Both PCGS and NGC will designate Morgan dollars as PL or DMPL (deep mirror prooflike at PCGS) while I forget the exact letters that NGC uses for DMPL. The 1881-S issue is absolutely the most common issue in higher grades in the Morgan dollar series and they are not scrutinized more than other issues. This is a coin that you can have patience with in order to find something terrific.
You can include the '79-S as well. All 3 are known for being easily found in gem condition. However, grading is more strict on those 3 coins than any others in the Morgan series.
Ok, thanks GDJ. It might be fun to aquire cc set 82-84, and then the PL set 79-81. That might be my next project after my half set.
Go for the recognized subset of CC dollars--1880CC-185CC. Since 79CC is so hard to get for anything reasonable, that subset is very affordable, and the 1880, 1881, and 1885 CC are all good dates--low mintages and getting more and more expensive. I have those in GSA holders, and it makes for a nice Morgan subgroup.
