The 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins in the Morgan Dollar series. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this key-date coin had a relatively low mintage of 300,000, making it scarce in all grades. Because of its rarity and high market value, it has become a prime target for counterfeiters. Identifying fake 1893-O Morgan Dollars is crucial for collectors and investors alike.
Why the 1893-O Morgan Dollar Is Targeted by Counterfeiters
The 1893-O Morgan Dollar is valuable due to its low mintage and limited availability in higher grades. Even well-worn examples can sell for thousands of dollars, while Mint State coins can fetch five to six figures at auction. The high demand and substantial price tag make it an attractive target for counterfeiters who try to deceive unsuspecting buyers.
Common Counterfeiting Methods
Counterfeiters use several techniques to produce fake 1893-O Morgans, including:
- Die-Struck Counterfeits – These are made using fabricated dies to strike fake coins, often showing incorrect details in design elements.
- Cast Counterfeits – Created by molding an authentic coin, resulting in poor details and surface imperfections.
- Altered Mint Marks – Some counterfeiters modify a more common 1893 Philadelphia (no mintmark) Morgan Dollar by adding a fake “O” mintmark.
How to Detect a Fake 1893-O Morgan Dollar
1. Check the Weight and Dimensions
An authentic 1893-O Morgan Dollar should weigh 26.73 grams and have a diameter of 38.1 mm. Counterfeit coins often have incorrect weight due to impure metal content. Use a precision scale and calipers to verify these specifications.
2. Examine the Mintmark
The New Orleans Mint used a specific style and placement for the “O” mintmark. Common counterfeit errors include:
- An incorrectly shaped “O” that is too large, too small, or the wrong font.
- The mintmark being in the wrong position—too high, too low, or off-center.
- Traces of alterations, such as tool marks around the mintmark, indicating it was added to a Philadelphia-struck coin.
3. Inspect Surface Details
- Look for weak or incorrect strikes. The 1893-O is known for its weakly struck details, especially in the hair above Liberty’s ear and the eagle’s breast feathers.
- Check for grainy or porous surfaces. Cast counterfeits often exhibit rough textures, unlike the sharp luster of genuine coins.
4. Use the Magnet and Ring Test
- Authentic Morgan Dollars are non-magnetic. If a coin sticks to a magnet, it is a fake.
- The ring test involves lightly tapping the coin with another silver piece. Genuine silver dollars produce a high-pitched ringing sound, while counterfeits made of base metals sound dull.
Conclusion
Because of its high value and rarity, the 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar is commonly counterfeited. Collectors should always buy from reputable dealers, authenticate coins with PCGS or NGC, and use proper detection techniques to avoid purchasing a fake.
FAQs
Why is the 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar commonly counterfeited?
Due to its low mintage and high value, counterfeiters often alter mintmarks or produce fakes to deceive collectors.
How can I tell if my 1893-O Morgan Dollar is fake?
Check for incorrect weight, altered mintmarks, weak strikes, and surface flaws. Using a magnet or ring test can also help detect fakes.
Should I get my 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar authenticated?
Yes, for high-value coins like the 1893-O Morgan, certification by PCGS or NGC ensures authenticity and protects your investment.