Prooflike and DMPL Morgan Dollar coins—Morgandude’s views. With pictures

I said that I was going to explain the phenomenon of PL (proof like) and DMPL (Deep Mirror Proof Like) coins, with photographic examples. Now, I will attempt to fulfill that promise, after the Coinweek article posted earlier. At any rate, both coins were not unique in being business strikes, with a proof like appearance. Other coins have examples of the same process. However, it has occurred more frequently with Morgan Dollars, and there are many affordable and available examples. First, let’s start with some samples, in frequently collected grades—MS 63, and MS 64. I have selected examples that I consider typical of both categories, and are strong, appealing examples of both type:

MS 63 PL


MS 64PL



Both of these coins show characteristics of the PL type of coin. Highly polished dies, or dies loaded with die polish struck these coins, and left a highly reflective, strongly contrasting surface. The fields are mirrorlike, and the devices frosty, and have a bright, Prooflike appearance. These coins were not double struck—they show evidence of the process of die polish transfer on the planchet. Striations in the fields are common, and it looks as if there may have been evidence of contact. This is as a result of the abrasive effect of the highly polished die, and often exaggerates marks on the coin.


Now, for the DMPL. These are the “stars” of this phenomenon. If Prooflike coins look like proofs, then DMPLS look like Cameo proofs. They have a higher degree of reflectivity in the fields, and deep, cameo-like contrast between the devices and fields. They have that “black background” look, as opposed to the “shaving mirror” appearance of a PL coin. People often attempt a “read the text in the mirror “ approach to reflective depth. This is often a mistake, as a high grade, high luster Morgan can be shiny and mirrorlike, but is lacking in the appropriate amount of contrast. Ok, enough chattering. Here are two DMPLs:

MS 63 DMPL


MS 64 DMPL



As can be readily observed, the DMPL coins look like cameo proofs. They have the extreme dark and light effect of a cameo proof. The same die markings such as striations, die polish residue, luster breaks, and polish strike throughs are apparent on both types of coins. It is just exaggerated even more with a DMPL. Imagine a modern proof, with the cameo effect, in a 120 year old plus coin!


I hope this gives a good illustration of the two types of business strike Morgans that hold many characteristics of a proof coin. Hopefully, this shows why they are prized by Morgan aficionados.

 

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Very good, clear explanation, and beautiful coins, The 1880-s is unbelievable!
After seeing these, I think it may be time for me to start collecting Morgans more seriously and really get to know the series better than the rudimentary knowledge I have of them and the few that I own, thanks @Morgandude11...

 

Nice presentation!

 

you can also find some good deals on OBV DMPL coins . If you can not afford a dmpl these are quite a bit cheaper.

 

I see the black mirror-like DMPL on the 64 but not the 63.

Great photos.

 

My favorite is the 81-cc. Pretty coin.

 

heres one that says OBV DMPL no mention of the reverse even being PL . I think the reverse is close to PL by what I am seeing in the pics but I am not sure if the obverse is DMPL . It could just be the pics
Not my coin

 

Wonderful! This thread should become a Featured Article.

 

I would call it close, but no cigar. The obverse is probably PL, but the reverse is definitely not. No way the obverse is DMPL—a lot of dealers with minimal expertise write that, but that obverse does not look even close to DMPL.

 

its graded OBV DMPL from ANACS which is tough on grading Morgans generally but maybe a little loosy goosey on the DMPL grades

 

Well, it is hard to tell from the picture. The reverse is definitely not even Prooflike.

 

Bumping this, as I know some folks who had questions did not see the article.