Some collectors make a serious -- and frustrating -- mistake with Silver Dollars: comparing one mint to another, expecting all coins to look the same Doesn't work that way, folks!
Remember, most coins were minted for circulation, not collecting. The finished product was affected by die condition and preparation; planchet quality; press settings; and even weather conditions. Here are some brief details about the "make" of Morgan Dollars minted between 1878 and 1904.
San Francisco Mint
1878-S to 1891-S. Coins from this period come bright, flashy and well struck -- definitely the best of all Morgan Dollars in terms of minting characteristics.
1894-S to 1899-S. S-mint coins from this date period are somewhat less bright and flashy than the earlier period. Here we see some weakness of strike, especially 1896-S.
1900-S to 1902-S. Coins exhibit soft, frosty lustre and some weakness of strike.
1900-S and 1904-S. These dates present soft satin finish and some weakness of strike.
New Orleans Mint
1879-O to 1882-O. During this period coins have frosty lustre and a grey tint. Die rust is common and strike ranges from soft to good. 1881-O sometimes comes with blazing lustre.
1883-O to 1885-O. Large numbers of coins were minted during this period, so many different looks are found. Color ranges from dull grey to bright frosty white; strike is poor to good. Die rust is common.
1886-O. Particularly noted for poor lustre (usually grey/white), good strike.
1887-O. Color ranges from grey/white to blazing frosty white. Poor strike is normal; die rust is normal.
1888-O. This issue is generally blazing and frosty white. Strike is generally good.
1889-O to 1892-O. These coins are dull grey to frosty white; strike is generally poor.
1893-O. Coins are dull frosty white with average or below-average strike.
1894-O. Most are dull frosty white with a poor strike.
1895-O. Color is dull frosty white; strike is average or above.
1896-O and 1897-O. Coins are dull frosty white with below-average strike.
1898-O to 1904-O. Most pieces are bright frosty white. Die rust is common on 1901-O and 1904-O. Strike problems are noticeable on 1904-O. 1903-O sometimes comes with blazing lustre.
Carson City Mint
1878-CC. Look for bright, frosty white with a sharp strike.
1879-CC and 1880-CC. Coins are bright, frosty white with some strike problems. 1880-CC issues have die rust problems.
1881-CC to 1885-CC. Look for bright frosty white with a good strike.
1889-CC. Most have blazing lustre; over 50% are proof-like with sharp strikes.
1890-CC to 1892-CC. Coins are bright frosty white with some strike problems in 1891 and 1892.
1893-CC. Issue is bright frosty white with a poor strike.
Philadelphia Mint
1878 issues. Bright and frosty, sometimes blazing lustre; most exhibit a sharp strike. The 1878 Rev. 1879 is almost always muted frosty white.
1879 to 1881. Dull frosty white, but once in a while a "blazer" is seen. 1879 has some strike problems.
1882 to 1888. Coins in this period are frosty white (some blazing white); good strike.
1889-1890. Here we find dull frosty white and strike can be poor.
1891 to 1893. Issues are soft frosty white, and some have strike problems.
1894. Coins are dull grey/white with slightly below-average strike.
1896 to 1898. These issues are generally bright frosty white. Occasionally one sees an 1896 with blazing lustre.
1899 to 1900. Most coins are dull frosty white.
1901. Noted for grey/white color, very "soft" appearance and generally a poor strike. Some coins have die rust.
1902 and 1904. Coins are grey/white and appear dull.
1903. This issue is blazing white, with a sharp strike.
In conclusion, when choosing coins for a collection, be sure to compare to qualities or characteristics within each coin's issue. Don't make the mistake of trying to compare apples to oranges. In the meantime, enjoy your hobby!
