Silver Dollars Are Among the Favorites
Question: In our family we have one silver dollar dated 1800 and another silver dollar dated 1880. Naturally, the family is interested in knowing if they are collector items and their approximate worth.--H.E.V.
Answer: Silver dollars are most likely the favorite coins of the most people. Some collectors concentrate on the dollar series exclusively. The dream of owning one of each United States silver dollar by date and mint mark is beyond the reach of all but a few very wealthy collectors. However, it is possible to own one of each type. By type, I mean one of each of the various designs since 1794, when the first dollar was minted. The early dollars, by and large, are quite expensive, depending upon condition.
Other collectors concentrate on just one series. The most popular in this case is the Morgan dollar (named for the designer, George T. Morgan). One of your dollars, the 1880, is an example of this series. Unfortunately, it’s a rather common date. However, various mint marks and different varieties can add to the value. Prices start at about $10.
The 1800, on the other hand, is known as a Bust dollar and is quite desirable, as all the early dollars are. After all, if you stop to think about it, many of the Founding Fathers could have handled these coins, which helps put numismatics into a proper perspective. Mintages are not known for many of the early coins, but their lack of availability is evidence enough to determine that they are a little special. Consequently, a dollar such as your 1800 is worth from $175 to $1,500.
Coin Calendar
Friday and Saturday--San Diego will be the site of one of the first major West Coast shows of the year. The San Diego Show will have more than 100 booths, catering to collectors and investors of coins, stamps and related items. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Holiday Inn Embarcadero, 1355 N. Harbor Drive. Admission is $2.
Coin News
A commemorative medal marking the inauguration of George Bush carries on a tradition that began with George Washington. The medal (pictured) was designed by Mico Kaufman and struck by the Medallic Art Co. of Danbury, Conn. The presidential medal is available through the American Bicentennial Presidential Inaugural (800) 447-BUSH; the Medallic Art Co. (800) 654-7316; Bowers & Merena Galleries of Wolfeboro, N.H. (800) 222-5993, and the Presidential Coin & Antique Co. of Alexandria, Va., (703) 354-5454. Prices range from $12.50 for a 1 1/2-inch bronze to $920 for a set with a maximum mintage of 750, including a gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Many other commemorative items are available from the Inaugural Committee, ranging from a Boehm bisque eagle ($1,195) to Inaugural license plates ($50). For a catalogue: (800) 447-BUSH.
The Spanish silver dollar, also known as a piece of eight, circulated widely in the American Colonies due to its availability. It was produced at the Mexico City Mint from 1732 to 1772. Now, commemoratives modeled from the pattern of the original die the engraver used are available from Casa de Moneda de Mexico. Prestige sets consisting of 1-ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and one-tenth-ounce silver proofs are $395. A 12-troy-ounce piece is $295. Four-piece presentation sets are $100. Place orders with Colonial Coins, 909 Travis St., Houston, Tex. 77002, telephone (800) 231-2392.
“Four Landmark Collections” is the title of a five-day sale beginning March 27 in New York. The auction will include the Hagle collection of scarcities and rarities, the Jerome Griner collection of Hard Times tokens plus tokens from the estate of Lionel G. Rudduck; and the Aubrey and Adeline Bebee collection, Part II. For a single auction catalogue priced at $15, contact Auctions by Bowers & Merena, Box 1224, Wolfeboro, N.H. 03894.