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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Morgandude11, post: 7592276, member: 37839&quot;]I said that I was going to explain the phenomenon of PL (proof like) and DMPL (Deep Mirror Proof Like) coins, with photographic examples.&nbsp; Now, I will attempt to fulfill that promise, after the Coinweek article posted earlier.&nbsp; At any rate, both coins were not unique in being business strikes, with a proof like appearance.&nbsp; Other coins have examples of the same process.&nbsp; However, it has occurred more frequently with Morgan Dollars, and there are many affordable and available examples.&nbsp; First, let’s start with some samples, in frequently collected grades—MS 63, and MS 64.&nbsp; I have selected examples that I consider typical of both categories, and are strong, appealing examples of both type:</p><p><br /></p><p>MS 63 PL</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1307827[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1307828[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>MS 64PL</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1307829[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1307830[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>Both of these coins show characteristics of the PL type of coin.&nbsp; Highly polished dies, or dies loaded with die polish struck these coins, and left a highly reflective, strongly contrasting surface.&nbsp; The fields are mirrorlike, and the devices frosty, and have a bright, Prooflike appearance.&nbsp; These coins were not double struck—they show evidence of the process of die polish transfer on the planchet.&nbsp; Striations in the fields are common, and it looks as if there may have been evidence of contact.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is as a result of the abrasive effect of the highly polished die, and often exaggerates marks on the coin. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Now, for the DMPL.&nbsp; These are the “stars” of this phenomenon.&nbsp; If Prooflike coins look like proofs, then DMPLS look like Cameo proofs.&nbsp; They have a higher degree of reflectivity in the fields, and deep, cameo-like contrast between the devices and fields.&nbsp; They have that “black background” look, as opposed to the “shaving mirror” appearance of a PL coin.&nbsp; People often attempt a “read the text in the mirror “ approach to reflective depth.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; Ok, enough chattering.&nbsp; Here are two DMPLs:</p><p><br /></p><p>MS 63 DMPL</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1307841[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1307842[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>MS 64 DMPL</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1307843[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1307844[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>As can be readily observed, the DMPL coins look like cameo proofs.&nbsp; They have the extreme dark and light effect of a cameo proof.&nbsp; The same die markings such as striations, die polish residue, luster breaks, and polish strike throughs are apparent on both types of coins.&nbsp; It is just exaggerated even more with a DMPL.&nbsp; Imagine a modern proof, with the cameo effect, in a 120 year old plus coin!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I hope this gives a good illustration of the two types of business strike Morgans that hold many characteristics of a proof coin.&nbsp; Hopefully, this shows why they are prized by Morgan aficionados.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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