CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. One of the key Carson City Morgan dollars and an undeniable rarity in this state of preservation. According to their latest census NGC has certified just fourteen coins at this level with none higher. A needle sharp strike and well preserved surfaces are but two of the components accounting for this lofty grade and accompanying prooflike designation. The fields are quite deeply mirrored (particularly on the reverse) and the devices are amply coated with white mint frost rendering a pronounced cameo effect. The obverse exhibits a faint blush of champagne patination. One could reasonably argue that this specimen is worthy of a full DMPL designation and it certainly merits its assigned grade. Regardless, this is an exceptionally nice example of this rare date. As a point of interest I originally purchased this coin along with a PCGS graded MS65 PL 1879-CC in October of 1998 for $38,000 (for the pair). One of my most discerning clients at the time asked me to select the best specimen of the two for his silver dollar collection and I opted for the NGC graded MS65 PL, which in my opinion was superior in all respects. Moreover, I had the opportunity to compare this particular coin to the highly touted PCGS MS65 DMPL Jack Lee specimen (which has an unsightly scratch on the cheek) and I prefer this piece hands down. Suffice it to say that this is a very special coin indeed and one that has resided in the same collection for nearly a decade.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. To begin with this coin is NOT prooflike. What? That's right, in my opinion PCGS erred in regard to the designation. It's a full DMPL all the way and clearly superior to the majority of 1879-CC dollars currently residing in MS64 DMPL holders. This specimen is boldly struck throughout with very deep watery mirrored fields and snow white frosted devices, which provide a powerful black and white cameo contrast. A few scattered light abrasions are present which accounts for the MS64 grade designation. This coin is blast white with tremendous flash and striking visual appeal. I have resubmitted it one time for designation review and will continue to do so (unless it sells quickly) because I strongly believe that it will ultimately end up in a MS64 DMPL holder, which will increase its value (and my asking price) substantially. Simply put, this specimen would be right at home in any world-class deep mirror prooflike dollar collection.
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WOW, this is a really impressive coin for its stated grade…and I know a thing or two about this date, having handled many of the top 1895-S DMPL dollars over the years. I purchased what I still believe to be the finest known ultra-deep mirror black and white cameo prooflike for $6,000 in mid-1980 and subsequently sold it to Bruce Amspacher in early 1981 for $26,000 -- quite a hefty price at the time…particularly in light of the horrific coin market crash of April 1980. This specific coin and transaction are discussed on page 146 of “The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook” by Wayne Miller. A couple of years ago I sold a PCGS MS66 DMPL 1895-S dollar to a well-known dealer for a price in the high $70,000 range and it just sold in the Bowers and Merena Denver ANA auction for $103,500 (including the buyers premium). To be perfectly honest – from a purely aesthetic perspective I like this MS63 DMPL better than the MS66 DMPL and it’s available for a lot less money! This coin is boldly struck with deeply mirrored fields and richly frosted cameo devices (the MS66 DMPL was more semi-PL and didn’t have nearly the contrast). The surfaces appear to be of much higher quality than the grade would indicate due to a lack of any significant abrasions (the MS66 DMPL had numerous light marks scattered across the cheek). Although 1895-S DMPL’s do exhibit die polishing lines in the fields, there are some (non mint caused) hairlines in the area under the jaw line of Liberty, which in reality shouldn’t have kept this coin out of the MS64 category. Moreover, this lovely piece is bathed in light champagne patina overall with accents of lilac, ice blue, lime and cinnamon at the periphery. In my opinion this is a solid MS64 DMPL that at first glance appears to be a Gem. It is certainly much more attractive and visually appealing than a number of washed out PCGS MS63 DMPL’s that have appeared in major auctions over the last several years. In the final analysis I’d much rather have an obviously original coin with a few trivial lines than one whose original skin has been burnt off by one too many trips in the Jewel Luster or at a conservation service.
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Without question this is a stellar example of this particular date. This little jewel is well struck and boasts unencumbered icy white mint brilliance throughout. Moreover, the fragile mirror surfaces have been very well preserved over the years. And speaking of mirror surfaces, the fields are watery and deeply reflective while the motifs are engulfed in shimmering white mint frost rendering a pronounced cameo contrast. A very flashy specimen with powerful visual appeal.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. This coin is quite rare in this condition as evidenced by the fact that NGC has certified a scant twenty five coins as MS65 DPL with none graded higher. Of the two dozen specimens to have achieved this grade and designation at NGC -- this particular coin is surely among the finest. For starters, it is absolutely fully struck with all of the design elements boldly articulated and needle sharp. The glassy fields are deeply reflective and the devices are coated with white mint frost rendering a pronounced cameo contrast. Moreover, there are subtle nuances of turquoise and salmon iridescence scattered about, which add a dreamy element to the overall appearance of this exquisite coin. Finally, the fragile mirror surfaces have been meticulously maintained throughout the years with nary a mark of any real consequence to be found. To be honest, I don't know why this coin is not in a NGC MS66 DPL holder it is certainly a worthy candidate in my humble opinion.
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There is no doubt in my mind that this coin resides among the top five or six examples of deep mirror prooflike 1878 7/8 TF Strong dollars certified by PCGS. In fact, in my humble opinion this coin is superior to the Jack Lee MS65 DMPL (a coin I've had in my hand on a number of occasion -- and one that I sincerely believe to be over-graded). This specimen is boldly struck with well maintained surfaces that exhibit but a few minor luster grazes and tiny abrasions. The fields are watery with ultra-deep reflectivity throughout and thickly frosted creamy devices that provide a strong cameo effect. There is a slight trace of haziness present, but in no way does it diminish the sheer depth of the mirror fields. Although the PCGS census reports thirty-four graded at this level with two finer -- I believe that figure to be skewed to the high side due to crackouts and resubmissions. This is a genuinely rare coin and it's quality is such that I believe has few peers.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. If you desire the ultimate 1881-S deep mirror cameo prooflike dollar -- this is it. The technical quality and sheer visual appeal eclipse the monster PCGS MS66 DMPL I sold for $4,500 at the 2005 ANA Convention in San Francisco. And, this specimen is also better than another stunning example I recently sold to a prominent DMPL collector for a price that surpassed the $7,000 mark. Simply put (in the vernacular of today's youth) -- this coin is the bomb. It is boldly struck with wonderfully preserved brilliant surfaces. The fields exhibit ultra-deep crystal clear reflectivity throughout and dazzling snow white devices that provide a spellbinding black and white cameo contrast. One look at this exquisite coin will leave you breathless as it is the very definition of flash, eye appeal and pizzazz at the highest level. Moreover, this date is very scarce in this condition. According to the latest online population report PCGS has certified just seventy-one coins at this level with only seven finer. Of those seventy-one coins thus certified -- very few of them are ultra-deep mirror black and white cameo prooflikes. In fact I've seen five of the six MS67 DMPL's, all of which were brilliant prooflikes with very little cameo contrast. This magnificent specimen is a very rare and special coin indeed. I seriously doubt that it has many peers.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. At the Central State Show in Milwaukee (in 2004) I bought a PCGS MS65 DMPL 1885-CC for $7,000 that was so black and white, people would literally stop dead in their tracks as they passed my showcase. They say that lightning never strikes twice in the same place, well it did for me. I just bought the twin to the aforementioned coin at the Long Beach coin show and it is a sight to behold. The strike is full with all of the design elements boldly articulated and the surfaces have been very well cared for over the years -- but that's not what places this coin high above its like graded brethren. No, it is the absolutely stark black and white cameo contrast that is so profound as to impede your breathing. The fields are unfathomably deep in terms of reflectivity and the devices are coated in a thick layer of snow white mint frost, rendering the appearance of Liberty and the American Eagle afloat on a calm black pond. A showstopper for sure, this is an altogether exquisite deep mirror prooflike dollar with mind blowing eye appeal that is certain to have a powerful impact upon the viewer.
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I'm amazed that this coin is not in a MS65 DMPL holder. Of the nineteen specimens thus graded by PCGS this coin easily surpasses a number of them that I have personally seen from both a technical and visual standpoint. This coin is very boldly struck with gem quality surfaces throughout. The fields boast ultra-deep clear reflectivity and the devices are well frosted rendering a pronounced cameo contrast. The obverse exhibits a faint trace of very pale golden patina that in no way impedes the impressive depth and clarity of the mirrored fields. In my humble opinion PCGS completely missed the mark on this one, which affords the knowledgeable collector an excellent opportunity to acquire a true gem DMPL example of this date at half the price a coin surrounded by the right plastic would cost.
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Quite rare in this state of preservation as evidenced by the fact that PCGS has certified a mere twenty coins at this level with a single coin graded higher. This specimen is very sharply struck with all the design elements present and accounted for. The surfaces are exceptionally clean and rest upon the very threshold of the next higher grade designation. The gleaming mirror fields are deeply reflective and the devices are lightly frosted rendering a soft cameo contrast. A thin transparent layer of very light patination rests upon the surface, which in no way inhibits the reflectivity. This is a genuine premium quality example of this date and one that I'm confident has few (if any) peers.
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This is an altogether extraordinary deep mirror prooflike example of a date seldom found with such characteristics. As testimony to that statement, PCGS has certified a mere sixteen coins at this level with only one finer. Of the sixteen listed in the Population Report I am confident that this specimen would give any of its like graded brethren a run for their money. To begin with, it is fully struck with all of the design elements boldly articulated. The fields exhibit ultra deep reflectivity throughout while the devices are richly frosted, providing abundant cameo contrast. Moreover, the surfaces have been well maintained throughout the years. Bright white and very flashy with great eye appeal. My current sight-seen bid on the CCE/FACTS trading network stands at $5,250 and I haven't had a single coin offered to me. I suspect that even if I increase my bid by 20% or more I still may not shake any loose.
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This is a legitimately rare coin in this lofty state of preservation, particularly when one considers that PCGS has certified a mere thirty-four coins at this level over the past twenty years with just a single piece graded higher (which I recently sold to a prominent DMPL collector). This scintillating jewel is boldly struck with very well maintained surfaces. The glassy mirror fields exhibit ultra deep reflectivity throughout while the devices boast a thick coating of creamy snow white mint frost, rendering a striking black and white cameo contrast. Exceptional quality and powerful visual appeal. Although my current (02/04/08) bid on the CCE/FACTS trading network now stands at $4,000 I have not succeeded in adding a single specimen to inventory. I suspect I'll have to raise by bid levels even higher to pry loose any more coins of this caliber.
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An altogether extraordinary example of this date and surely one of the finest of the fifty-nine specimens graded MS66 DMPL by PCGS thus far. To begin with this coin is boldly struck throughout with well maintained surfaces. Now here's where we separate this particular coin from its like graded brethren. The crystal clear glassy fields are more deeply mirrored than those of any other 1885-P dollar I have encountered. Moreover, the devices are richly coated with snow white mint frost rendering a stark black and white cameo contrast that is not normally seen as far as this date is concerned. Extraordinary flash and eye appeal with few (if any) peers in my experience.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. PCGS has certified a mere sixteen examples of this date as MS64 PL with none having been graded higher. As a side note there are but eighteen MS64 DMPL's certified with none finer. This is an undeniably rare coin in this condition and very desirable as such. It is well struck throughout and the fragile reflective surfaces reveal only minor distractions. The fields are actually quite reflective and the devices are lightly frosted rendering a distinct cameo contrast. There is a faint blush of light champagne patination present.
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This is an altogether exceptional example for this date and grade designation -- and, it is quite scarce as such, PCGS having certified just fifty nine MS66 DMPL's with a single coin graded higher. The strike is needle sharp throughout and the gleaming surfaces have been extremely well maintained. The deep glassy reflective fields are deeper than one would normally encounter with this particular date and the devices are well frosted, providing a pronounced cameo contrast. This is as nice a top flight 1885 DMPL as one is likely to locate.
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Simply put -- this coin is incredibly rare in this particular state of preservation. PCGS has certified a scant sixteen coins at this level with none finer. I'm also thoroughly convinced that the population figure is skewed to the high side due to crackouts and resubmissions. I'm reasonably sure that this coin has been tried more than once because it genuinely flirts with a higher grade. It is very well struck for the date with nearly full definition. The fields are highly reflective and right on the cusp of a full DMPL designation while the devices are lightly frosted, rendering a mellow cameo effect. The surfaces are wonderfully preserved throughout with only a few inconsequential abrasions scattered about. Considering its premium quality status I'm certain that this specimen is at or near the top of its class.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. This specimen is 100% fully struck with all the design elements boldly articulated. The watery mirror fields exhibit ultra deep clear reflectivity throughout and the devices are abundantly coated with snow white mint frost rendering a stark black and white cameo contrast. There are small abrasions scattered about, which account for the assigned MS64 grade. Exceedingly brilliant with tremendous flash and compelling visual appeal. An absolutely striking 1878-CC dollar.
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Although designated as a PL this coin displays deep crystal clear reflectivity throughout that is on par with many examples that are certified as DMPL's. The strike is 100% full with all of the design elements boldly impressed. The surfaces are very clean overall the devices are lightly frosted providing a distinct cameo contrast.
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A really nice eye appealing example of this date. It is very boldly struck throughout with glistening surfaces that display just a smattering of minor abrasions that are commensurate with the grade designation. The fields are clear and exhibit deep reflectivity contrasted by frosty white cameo devices. A very flashy coin that is solid for the grade.
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Wow, this psychedelic beauty is reminiscent of the fabulous Battle Creek dollars in regard to the sheer intensity and vibrancy of its spectacular coloration. It is sharply struck with well maintained surfaces that exhibit fewer imperfections than the grade would indicate. Having said that -- it is the wildly hued obverse toning that lifts this coin above the crowd. Crimson, emerald, teal, violet, fuchsia, tangerine and electrifying apricot set this coin ablaze in a kaleidoscope swirling rainbow iridescence. Moreover, this is an 1882-P -- a date you'd never expect to find with such exquisite toning. If you're building a date set of toned Morgan's this is the coin with which to fill the 1882 year slot. Over the course of thirty-four years buying and selling beautifully toned dollars -- I believe that this is the most gorgeous toned example of this issue that I have encountered.
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My emphasis has always been on the purchase of genuine premium quality specimens -- the top ten percent of the coins in a given grade category if you will. Well this coin exceeds those standards and may very well be the finest PCGS MS66 DMPL 1880-S dollar I have handled to date. It is absolute fully struck with all of the design elements boldly articulated. The surfaces have been meticulously preserved and are even nicer than a couple of higher graded specimens that have been shipped to me during the past year. No, I don't think it's a MS67 DMPL but it is darn close. The gleaming mirror fields exhibit ultra-deep reflectivity and the devices boast thick snow white mint frost rendering a powerful black and white cameo effect. A breathtaking example of this date and one that would be hard to surpass in terms of quality for the stated grade and its sheer beauty and eye appeal.
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CAC approved with sticker denoting Premium Quality. WOW, here's an end roller that might light your fire -- it sure did mine. This little jewel packs a heck of a powerful punch in terms of its sheer visual appeal. It is sharply struck with dazzling frosty mint brilliance throughout, and as the grade designation would indicate, very well preserved surfaces too. I have to tell you though -- it's the wild neon toning that delivers the knockout punch. The obverse exhibits brilliant flourescent teal, peacock, fuchsia, tangerine and crimson hues laid out in a well defined geometric pattern atop a canvas of lemon, lilac and sky blue iridescence. The reverse is primarily white with a crescent of light ocher clinging to the rim at the bottom. Monster eye appeal and a more than ample quotient of pizzazz combine to form a genuine numismatic work of art.
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This date is quite scarce in this condition as evidenced by the fact that PCGS has certified a mere FORTY ONE coins at this level with just EIGHT graded higher (and that's after twenty plus years in the grading business). This coin is fully brilliant and boldly struck with very clean surfaces that place it in the mid to upper end range for the grade designation. The glistening fields are deeply mirrored and the motifs are coated with creamy mint frost that provides a soft cameo contrast. A radiant gem with excellent eye appeal and much nicer than the majority of its like graded brethren.
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This is a stunning dollar pedigreed on the holder to the Larry Shapiro collection. It is boldy struck and well preserved with ultra-deep mirror fields and richly frosted devices that provide a striking black and white cameo contrast. Very flashy with powerful visual appeal.
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An altogether enchanting specimen that is both bright and beautiful. Although there is some striking softness in the dead center area, the brilliant coruscating luster and supremely clean surfaces help to offset any perceived defficiencies. And if that's not enough to achieve that goal, the obverse is ablaze with vibrant iridescent rainbow toning comprised of crimson, teal, violet, fuchsia, apricot, pale lime and aquamarine hues while the reverse is bright white with a touch of amber at the periphery. Superb quality and strong visual appeal.
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