Parent Hobby
- At-a-Glance
- What / Why
- Getting Started
- Key Dates & Mintmarks (starter list)
- Varieties & Prooflikes
- Buying & Authentication Tips
- Budget Planning (example paths)
- Care & Storage
- Related Guides (when you have them)
- FAQ
At-a-Glance
Parent hobby: Coin Collecting
Era: 1878–1904, 1921 (U.S. Mint)
Composition: 90% silver (0.77344 troy oz)
What matters most: Grade, key/semi-key dates, mintmarks, and eye appeal
What / Why
What: The most collected classic U.S. silver dollar series. Sets range from a single type coin to full date–mintmark runs.
Why: Big, beautiful coins with rich history, abundant learning (grading, varieties), and clear upgrade paths.
Getting Started
- Choose a path: Type coin, short set (e.g., 1879–1885), or full date–mint run.
- Learn grading from VF ↔ MS; study luster and bag marks unique to dollars.
- Favor PCGS/NGC slabs as value rises; raw coins are fine for common mid-grades.
- Track purchases (date/mint/grade/price/provenance) and store in inert holders or slabs boxes.
- Avoid cleaning; be cautious of altered/added mintmarks on key dates.
Key Dates & Mintmarks (starter list)
- 1889-CC, 1893-S — classic keys (scarce in all grades)
- 1892-S, 1893-CC, 1895-O — semi-keys
- Solid type choices (affordable in AU–MS): 1881-S, 1880-S, 1921 (various mints)
Varieties & Prooflikes
- PL/DMPL (prooflike / deep mirror prooflike) bring premiums—look for mirrored fields + frosted devices.
- Notable varieties: 1878 7/8 tail feathers, hub changes, and select overdates.
Buying & Authentication Tips
- Verify mintmarks; compare to diagnostics for added/altered marks.
- For pricey coins, stick to graded slabs; review cert numbers and recent auction comps.
- Eye appeal matters: fewer bag marks in focal areas + strong luster can justify premiums.
Budget Planning (example paths)
- $: VF–XF common date type coin
- $$: AU–MS63 common date (e.g., 1881-S)
- $$$+: Key/semi-key or PL/DMPL in certified holders
Care & Storage
- Inert 2×2 flips or albums made for dollars; slab boxes for graded coins.
- Control humidity; handle by edges; avoid rubber bands and PVC plastics.
Related Guides (when you have them)
- Grading Morgans: Luster, Marks & Eye Appeal
- Building a Short Set (Recommended Dates)
- Safe Storage & Insurance for a Small Collection
FAQ
Do I need graded coins?
Not for common dates in lower grades; as price rises, third-party grading helps avoid costly mistakes.
What’s PL vs. DMPL?
Prooflike has mirror fields; DMPL is deeper mirrors (stricter standard), typically higher premiums.
Should I clean a tarnished coin?
No—cleaning destroys value. Leave toning alone; store properly.