Getting back to my roots and remembering why it is I collect coins.

The recent post ?HEY BUDS----- YA GOT ANY PICS?? by Six Mile Rick is refreshing in that Rick exhibits his true heart and passion for collecting coins. Part of what I find refreshing is Ricks collecting passion for Morgan Dollars. One thing I can always count on is Rick attaching a photograph of one of his Morgan Dollars to each of his posts. The aforementioned post, while short on information, is loaded with passion. It?s Rick?s display of passion that causes me to think about my roots and passion, giving me a good shot in the arm. Reading Rick?s post evokes fond memories of my earliest days as a coin collector, when I was a teenager.

Money to purchase coins was always a challenge for me as a teen, especially since I earned $2.10/hour busting suds and $1.50/hour working at the hardest job I ever had on a farm. Whatever earnings my parents didn?t make me save, I spent on coins. Though I do not collect Morgan Dollars today, my very first coin purchase was an 1881-S proof like dollar for $12. I still smile when I think about that first purchase. As a type collector, I desired to purchase a dollar minted at the Carson City Mint. This branch mint has always intrigued me because it is reminiscent of the wild, wild, west. I had an opportunity to purchase my Carson City Dollar when the LaVere Redfield hoard of 407,000 silver dollars became available for purchase. Having a low mintage of 228,000 I choose to purchase the 1885-CC Morgan Dollar for about $95. Since then I have had this coin certified by PCGS as MS-64.

Today, I am posting a picture of my 1885-CC dollar so that Rick can have his ?fix? for the day! Enjoy the post my friend, you deserve it! Now for Rick, I offer this bit of trivia. The Morgan Dollar has the distinction of being one of four coins known not for their designs, but for their designer! The other designers are Charles Barber, Augustus Saint- Gaudens, and Christian Gobrecht. For the most part, I?d say that George T. Morgan is running in good company! Now for all a reminder, when the US Mint annoys you or the economy restricts your purchases, go back to the heart of the matter and remember why it is that you collect, and I am sure you will be encouraged!