The 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar, particularly the “Doubled Die Reverse” variety, is a special piece for coin collectors. This coin has unique features, including a notable doubling on the eagle’s tail feathers and other areas. Recognized in the “Red Book” for its rarity, it holds significant value, especially in high grades. In 2024, the auction world witnessed the sale of an MS-60 graded example for a remarkable $28,800. Below, we’ll dive into the story of this unique coin, its grading, auction highlights, and why it’s so treasured among collectors.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Morgan Silver Dollar |
| Year | 1901 |
| Notable Varieties | Doubled Die Reverse, Shifted Eagle (VAM-3) |
| Reverse Doubling Locations | Eagle’s tail feathers, lower wing feathers, arrows, and olive branch |
| Grading Highlight | PCGS graded an MS-60 example; finest known is MS-62+ |
| Auction Price (MS-60) | $28,800 (sold at Stack’s Bowers Rarities Night Auction) |
| Noteworthy Surface Details | Satin to softly frosted, silver-white appearance |
| Demand | Highly sought after, especially in Mint State grades |
| Collector Appeal | Recognized for its unique doubling, rarity, and historical significance within the Morgan Dollar series |
| Listed in | The “Red Book” (official guide to U.S. coins) |
About the 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1901 Morgan Dollar stands out for its rarity, especially in uncirculated (Mint State) condition. Its “Doubled Die Reverse” feature, seen in details like the eagle’s tail feathers and olive branch, adds to its appeal. Collectors value these details, which are considered unique markers of this coin’s history.
Key Features of the Doubled Die Reverse
The 1901 Doubled Die Reverse Morgan shows doubling on specific parts:
- Eagle’s Tail Feathers and Wing Feathers: Clear signs of doubling.
- Arrows and Olive Branch: Subtle doubled impressions. These features make it distinctive, contributing to its high value.
The “Shifted Eagle” VAM-3 Variety
Another remarkable variety is the “Shifted Eagle” (VAM-3), one of the most sought-after versions. Coins in this category have a unique shift in the eagle’s design, setting them apart from standard Morgans. A VAM-3 graded MS-60 by PCGS was recently sold at auction, a rare find for collectors.
Rarity and Grading of the 1901 Morgan Dollar
Grading is critical for collectors:
- PCGS Grading: PCGS rated the auctioned VAM-3 as MS-60, the only coin in this grade at the service.
- Condition and Luster: Described as having “satin to softly frosted” surfaces with a silver-white shine, adding to its allure. Grading impacts the coin’s value significantly, making higher-grade examples highly coveted.
Auction Details and Price Realization
Stack’s Bowers auctioned an MS-60 grade of the VAM-3 “Shifted Eagle” variety for an impressive $28,800, underscoring its rarity and the strong demand among collectors. Only six examples have been graded higher by PCGS, with the top grade being MS-62+.
Why the 1901 Morgan Dollar is Popular with Collectors
Collectors admire the 1901 Morgan Dollar for several reasons:
- Historical Significance: This coin is part of the early 1900s Morgan Dollar series.
- Rarity in High Grades: Few 1901 Morgans are found in Mint State, making them valuable.
- Unique Doubling Features: The Doubled Die Reverse and the VAM-3 “Shifted Eagle” varieties add to its appeal.
Connecting with the Coin Collecting Community
For those interested in the latest updates and rare finds in the coin world:
- Coin Newsletters and Magazines: Stay informed with resources like Coin World’s free eNewsletter or magazine subscription.
- Community Interaction: Platforms like MyCollect allow enthusiasts to connect with fellow collectors.
Conclusion
The 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar, especially in varieties like the “Doubled Die Reverse” and “Shifted Eagle,” represents an exciting chapter in numismatics. With its unique features and rarity, it continues to captivate collectors and achieve high auction prices. Owning one of these coins is not just about its market value; it’s about holding a piece of history.
FAQs
1. What makes the 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar special?
The 1901 Morgan Dollar is special due to its rarity, particularly in uncirculated (Mint State) condition. It also has unique varieties, like the Doubled Die Reverse and Shifted Eagle (VAM-3), which feature doubling on parts of the eagle and other details on the reverse side.
2. What is the “Doubled Die Reverse” on the 1901 Morgan Dollar?
The Doubled Die Reverse is a feature on the 1901 Morgan Dollar where specific parts of the coin’s reverse, such as the eagle’s tail feathers, arrows, and olive branch, show signs of doubling. This error makes the coin highly collectible.
3. What is the VAM-3 “Shifted Eagle” variety?
The VAM-3 Shifted Eagle variety is a unique version of the 1901 Morgan Dollar where the eagle design appears slightly shifted. It’s one of the rarest types, highly valued by collectors, and adds to the coin’s overall appeal.
4. How rare is a Mint State 1901 Morgan Dollar?
A 1901 Morgan Dollar in Mint State is quite rare, with few examples graded above MS-60. For instance, the recent auctioned example graded MS-60 is one of only a few, with the highest known grade being MS-62+.
5. How much did the auctioned 1901 Morgan Dollar sell for?
An MS-60 graded 1901 VAM-3 Shifted Eagle Morgan Dollar sold for $28,800 at a Stack’s Bowers auction, illustrating its rarity and value among collectors.