Community Voice Responses (Jan. 23, 2018)

From the Dec. 29 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Should the Morgan dollar be struck in gold in 2018 for its 140th anniversary?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

Sure. Why not?

Morgan was a good guy so far as I know.

Max Stucky
Colorado Springs, Colo.

No. Wait until the 150th anniversary, not 140th.

Actually, the Mint will screw up the distribution so bad that the average collector will not get any unless they pay an outrageous markup to dealers, so why make them at all?

Steven Schmits
Goshen, Ohio

No! Silver dollar is spelled S-I-L-V-E-R and is 38 mm in diameter. It is big and heavy. The gold dollar was a minuscule coin at 12.7 to 14.3 mm diameter. It is small and easily lost.

Those five-ounce quarters, tenth-ounce dime, quarter-ounce quarter plus that half-ounce half dollar or the three-quarters-ounce Kennedy half dollar are not coins. They are bullion pieces that look like coins that circulated. Stop this nonsense. You are not making collectors, just a confused public.

Wesley Ellis
Portland, Ore.

No, wait until the 150th anniversary.

Richard Weber
Columbiana, Ohio

It is not necessary at this stage, but perhaps at 150 years it may be. If gold may be more expensive by then, perhaps a purchase now of gold in planchets may be a prudent move. After all, if a rise in gold by then, it may be worthwhile to sell at a higher price. This will cover storage fees for the time involved.

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

I would prefer a 100th anniversary Peace dollar and save the Morgan for a 150th anniversary.

Rene De La Garza
Address withheld

Absolutely not! It is about as ridiculous or even more so than the 38th anniversary of the Korean War commemorative coin.

Phil Iversen
Address withheld

I don’t think that it should. 140 years isn’t a milestone. Maybe in 2028 when it’s a century-and-a-half years old.

David Clarke
Address withheld

I do think a gold commemorative Morgan dollar would be great, but not in 2018. The Mint should wait until 2028, the 150th Anniversary.

I do not understand why it seems that there is such a desperate search for approriate subjects for the US commemorate coin programs. This is a great nation! We have a rich history full of events, places and people to commemorate! Amazing individuals, including inventors, scientists, artists and others. We have an amazing land of beautiful and awe inspiring locations! We have a rich diversity of wildlife and plants! Exploring different subjects might appeal to younger people and other current non collectors and maybe bring some new people to our great hobby!

I think there needs to be some individuals or a committee to compile lists of possible subjects for commemoration on our coinage, with an eye to upcoming anniversaries or important events and individuals. This should be sent to both the Mint and the Congressional committees responsible for US coinage.

I do have a suggestion for a coin commemoration. 2021 is the 100th anniversary of our beautiful Peace dollar! I would love to see both gold and a new silver version! It is not too early to start advocating for this!

Nick Rulli
Address withheld

It would be great, but the only ones that could afford it would be the ones with big money. The average collector could not afford one.

What symbol was on the original peace dollar but never distributed? Was it a “Broken Sword?”

Name withheld

I would not like to see a Morgan in gold for 2018 due to the fact that it was all I could do to afford the half ounce Walking Liberty coins. A full ounce gold coin has always evaded me even if I would desire to own one in my collection.

Due to budget reasons I would not like to see the Morgan in gold for the 140th anniversary, save it for the 150th. Thank you.

Name withheld