An authentic Morgan silver dollar coin should weigh 26.73 grams and be 38.1 mm in diameter. Variances in production allow for a small margin either below or above 26.73 grams. These specifications were outlined in the Coinage Act of 1873 which authorized the production of the Morgan dollar. Scales meant for postal shipping or cooking won’t have the required accuracy. An authentic Morgan measures 38.1mm in diameter. Blurry and ill-defined details like the hair strands on Lady Liberty’s head can indicate a counterfeit coin. The real coins boast intricate detailing from the mint’s dies. Over Liberty’s ear, on authentic coins, individual locks are evident. Fakes often show a solid mass with no separated strands visible. The breast feathers on the eagle reverse should demonstrate bold ridge lines delineating each feather. There will also be clear segmentation between the wing edges and the feather tips if the coin is real.
Counterfeits may show very faint lines for the feathers. The definition and depth of detail tend to be lacking compared to genuine Morgan dollars. One way to help determine if a Morgan dollar is counterfeit is to listen to the “ping” sound it makes when dropped. Authentic Morgan dollars were made with 90% silver, giving them a distinctive ringing chime when bounced off a hard surface. Counterfeits made from base metals like copper or zinc will make more of a “thud” than a sustained chime. OR FLIP IT and listen for that ping. Counterfeiters are getting better at matching the look and feel of real Morgan dollars through electroplating. But they still struggle to duplicate the resonant ring of 90% silver. I hope this helps!
