BOOK REVIEW: MORGAN DOLLAR

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V17 2014 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 17, Number 53, December 28, 2014, Article 5

I’m attaching a book review that Mike Nottelmann wrote for “Coin Talk Radio.” It’s for Miles Standish’s Morgan Dollar: America’s Love Affair With a Legendary Coin. Mike grants permission for his reviews to be published. I thought this might interest the readers of The E-Sylum.

For years, the Morgan Dollar has been a favorite of American coin collectors. Generation after generation have collected these large silver coins for varying reasons. Many enjoy the history and imagery of the “Wild West” where some of these coins were used in circulation. Some have collected them because of their worth above their face value, and yet others have been compelled by the availability of 100+ year old coins that still exist in pristine condition.

The release of the GSA hoards in the 1960s changed the world of Morgan Dollars and the availability of certain date and mintmark combinations to the public, and yet, even the release of thousands of coins thought to be lost forever didn’t quench the collecting world’s appetite for these large cartwheels.

While most series of American coinage will suffice with a single reference, it seems that Morgan Dollars have compelled more writers than any other. Q. David Bowers has written more than one covering this series, and yet our hunger to know more about Morgans continues to go unsatisfied.

Michael “Miles” Standish has recently released a new Morgan Dollar reference. One that I feel is worthy of your consideration and would be an excellent addition to your numismatic library. Morgan Dollar: America’s Love Affair With a Legendary Coin is a brilliant book that explores these legendary coins and features the Coronet Collection, ranked number 1 by PCGS as the finest Morgan Dollar set of all time, to illustrate examples of each coin by date and mintmark.

Standish, Vice President and Senior Grader at PCGS describes the rich history of America during the Morgan Dollar Era, and faithfully describes the symbolism utilized in the obverse and reverse designs. He also breaks the series down for his readers year by year and Mint by Mint.

Included are certified populations, and retail prices in multiple grades. He describes general strike characteristics and rarity for each coin as well. Also included is an entire chapter devoted to the proof coinage date by date describing the strikes one will encounter in surviving examples from each year.

Standish has endeavored to bring readers the finest reference on Morgan Dollars available today. His concise writing style is easy to read and packed with useful information. His historical accounts and use of current population data illuminate the romance and wide appeal of these coins, making sense of the rarity and desirability of each issue.

Unlike many other Morgan references, illustrations are a true highlight of this book, utilizing absolutely stunning photography of the Coronet Collection. Collectors can see with their own eyes what should be strived for in each and every coin.

In my opinion, Standish has hit the nail squarely on the head with this book. He has re-defined the Morgan Dollar reference and created what is to date, the ultimate volume on this series. A book that will be valued by Morgan Dollar enthusiasts at all levels of interest. A treat for both your eyes and your mind that will be studied and enjoyed for years to come.

Available from Whitman publishing for $29.95 US, Morgan Dollar: America’s Love Affair With a Legendary Coin is tuition for your numismatic education that is well worth the investment.