Look at the design of the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the coin. The genuine Morgan dollar has a distinctive design that includes the following:
- Obverse: The obverse of the original Morgan dollar features the profile of Lady Liberty facing to the left, with her hair tied back in a bun. The words "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are inscribed above the design, while "LIBERTY" is inscribed below.
- Reverse: The reverse depicts an eagle with its wings outstretched, grasping the arrows of war in one talon and an olive branch in the other. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" are inscribed at the top, and "ONE DOLLAR" is written at the bottom.
Counterfeit or copy Morgan dollars may not accurately follow these design details, or the engraving might be less refined or have noticeable imperfections.
Color and Luster:
Genuine Morgan dollars usually have a white to silvery-white color due to the silver content in the alloy. Copies or counterfeits may have a different color or an unnatural sheen, such as a yellowish or grayish tint. Additionally, pay attention to the luster of the coin. Original Morgan dollars often display a soft and satiny luster, while replicas might appear dull or have a harsh, artificial shine.
Weight:
The weight of a genuine Morgan dollar is approximately 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces). Check the coin's weight to see if it matches the standard for a Morgan dollar, keeping in mind that slight variations could be due to wear or manufacturing tolerances. Counterfeit coins might be slightly heavier or lighter than genuine ones.
Edge Reeding:
Examine the edge of the coin. Genuine Morgan dollars have reeding, which refers to the raised vertical lines around the edge. The original Morgan dollar has evenly spaced, fine reeding. Counterfeits may have uneven reeding, less defined lines, or a different number of reeds than an authentic Morgan dollar.
Mint Mark:
Look for a small letter below the eagle on the reverse of the coin. This is the mint mark that indicates where the coin was produced. Genuine Morgan dollars have distinct mint marks for the different mint facilities, such as "CC" (Carson City), "O" (New Orleans), "S" (San Francisco), or "P" (Philadelphia). Copies might not have the correct mint mark or might have an improperly placed or poorly executed one.
Size and Thickness:
Compare the size and thickness of the coin to known genuine Morgan dollars. Authentic Morgan dollars are 38.1 millimeters (mm) in diameter and have a thickness of 2.41 mm. Deviations in size or thickness might indicate that the coin is not genuine.
Sound and Ping:
When dropped onto a hard surface, a real Morgan dollar should produce a clear, ringing sound due to the alloy composition. Counterfeits might produce a dull or muffled sound. You can also gently tap the coin with your fingernail and listen to the resulting sound. A genuine Morgan dollar typically makes a high-pitched "ping" sound.
Overall Aesthetics and Feel:
Hold the coin in your hand and examine it closely. Counterfeits or copies may lack the sharpness of detail and overall craftsmanship found in genuine Morgan dollars. Look for any irregularities or imperfections in the design or feel of the coin that could indicate that it's not authentic.
Consult Experts or Dealers:
If you're still uncertain about the authenticity of the coin, it's advisable to consult with experts or reputable coin dealers who have experience in numismatics (the study of coins). They can provide a more accurate assessment and verification based on their expertise and specialized knowledge.