Let's start 2008 by discussing the odd Silver Dollar issues of 1878 to 1880 -- those created by the mint with leftover dies.
1878 7F Rev. of 1879. This issue is scarce to begin with -- before trying to find the jewel among the junk. Specimens with blazing lustre
are very scarce and, while strike is not usually a problem, marks can be. Highly recommended in MS-64, eye appeal 9 or 10.
1879-S Rev. of 1878. This is a somewhat forgotten issue, very scarce in eye appeal 9 and 10, with just over 3000 pieces certified in all grades by NGC and PCGS combined.
Most pieces found today came from the Redfield hoard and, in fact, this issue was generally unpublicized until the 1960s. So, what we see is probably what we get: a few thousand
examples, most falling into the MS-60 to MS-63 range. The one major problem with the issue is marks, and they are abundant. Rarely do I find a coin in MS-60 to MS-63 without loads of
marks. Jump on this issue if you see a nice example in MS-63 to MS-64, eye appeal 9 or 10.
1880-CC Rev. of 1878. This issue is much scarcer than the reverse of 1879 -- about 3 to 1 -- and very difficult to locate in eye appeal 9 or 10. Marks are a problem, as is dull lustre.
But, it is one of the best "CC" issues for the money. Buy in MS-64 to MS-65, eye appeal 9 or 10.
All three of these odd ball issues with different reverses are considered part of the complete dollar set and are highly recommended, with major consideration to the very scarce 1879-S Rev.
of 1878.
I also highly recommend the following dollars in MS-65, as each is very reasonably priced for its scarcity in the current market (1/08).
| 1879 |
1880 |
1881 |
1882 |
1883 |
| 1884 |
1885-S |
1886-S |
1887-S |
1888-S |
| 1889-S |
1890-S |
1891-S |
1897 |
1897-S |
| 1898-S |
1899 |
1899-S |
1900-S |
1901-S |
| 1902 |
1902-S |
1903 |
1903-O |
1921-D |
