Peace Dollar
Everyone probably dreams of finding one of these beautiful coins when they start the hobby, and we were not an exception. I can't say we got lucky right away though. Took us about 5 years to finally find our first silver dollar... And ain't it a beauty!
You just never know where one is waiting for you, to my surprise I found it on the beach, in the water at low tide with my Fisher Impulse. It's not in the best of shape, but at least I can say I found one - a 1923 Peace type Silver Dollar.
Coin
History
This coin was issued from 1921-1935. The designers name is Anthony De Francisci. A 1921 design was slightly changed due to a high relief which made it impractical. In 1922 a new design was introduced.
This makes the Peace Dollars minted in 1921 much more valuable to collectors. Alas, not the right date, but still a nice find.
How much is it worth you ask? Ah, maybe $35 if I'm lucky.
Peace Dollar weigh 26.73 grams and are 38.1mm in diameter. Made out of an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in: Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco.
Morgan Dollar
Though this is not a "natural find" I think it deserves a spot here. We found it at one of our club hunts, so until we find one that was not planted, here is a little info in case you were lucky enough to find one of these Morgan Dollars.
Coin History
The Morgan Dollar, or also known as the Liberty Head dollar, 1878 to 1921, was designed by George T. Morgan, hence the name.
In 1873 the government didn't make a provision for silver dollars. The gold dollar was common and the trade dollar was used for transactions with foreign governments.
The Bland Allison Act of 1878 restored silver dollars back into circulation.
Mr. Morgan was working in the London Mint when he designed the Morgan dollar. His initial M is found in the lower part of the neck.
Coinage of the silver dollar was stopped in 1904, when silver bullion ran out. 270 million silver dollars were melted in 1918 and in 1921 the mintage of silver dollars was resumed.
The value of the silver dollar depends on collectors. Most uncirculated silver dollars have scratches on them because of handling. The mint mark is on the obverse underneath the wreath.
The Morgan Dollar weighs 26.73 grams and are 38.1mm in diameter. Made out of an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper. Minted in: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Denver, New Orleans, and Carson City.