Victorian Era

The 1896-P

Philadelphia struck 9,976,000 Morgan dollars in 1896.

The Philadelphia Mint, America's first, was created by the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, and in March 1793 delivered the nation's first circulating coins, 11,178 copper cents. The very first Morgan dollar was struck here on March 11, 1878. Philadelphia coins of this era carry no mint mark.

The Year 1896

On April 6, 1896, King George I opened the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, and Boston's James Connolly won the triple jump to become the first modern Olympic champion. A dollar in 1896 had the buying power of about $39 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 67 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Authenticity Guarantee

This coin is covered by eBay's Authenticity Guarantee for coins: after purchase it goes first to eBay's authentication partner, PCGS, which inspects it against this listing, then on to you. There is no extra cost to the buyer, and shipping to and from the authenticator is included in the free shipping.

Also In Our Store

• Silver Eagles carrying the Walking Liberty design of German-born sculptor Adolph A. Weinman.
• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1887-P

Philadelphia struck 20,290,000 Morgan dollars in 1887.

The Philadelphia Mint, America's first, was created by the Coinage Act of April 2, 1792, and in March 1793 delivered the nation's first circulating coins, 11,178 copper cents. The very first Morgan dollar was struck here on March 11, 1878. Philadelphia coins of this era carry no mint mark.

The Year 1887

In December 1887, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson made their first appearance, in Arthur Conan Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet," published in London's Beeton's Christmas Annual. A dollar in 1887 had the buying power of roughly $33 to $36 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 64 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the American Numismatic Association's official grading service since 1995 and has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Authenticity Guarantee

This coin is covered by eBay's Authenticity Guarantee for coins: after purchase it goes first to eBay's authentication partner, PCGS, which inspects it against this listing, then on to you. There is no extra cost to the buyer, and shipping to and from the authenticator is included in the free shipping.

Also In Our Store

• Silver Eagles carrying the Walking Liberty design of German-born sculptor Adolph A. Weinman.
• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1900-O

New Orleans struck 12,590,000 Morgan dollars in 1900.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1900

On April 15, 1900, the Paris Exposition Universelle opened, drawing over 50 million visitors to a moving walkway, the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III. A dollar in 1900 had the buying power of about $39 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 64 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the American Numismatic Association's official grading service since 1995 and has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Authenticity Guarantee

This coin is covered by eBay's Authenticity Guarantee for coins: after purchase it goes first to eBay's authentication partner, PCGS, which inspects it against this listing, then on to you. There is no extra cost to the buyer, and shipping to and from the authenticator is included in the free shipping.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1885-O

New Orleans struck 9,185,000 Morgan dollars in 1885.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1885

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor from France aboard the French ship Isère, packed in more than 200 crates. Her crown of rays later inspired Liberty's crown on the Peace dollar. A dollar in 1885 had the buying power of roughly $33 to $36 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 65 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. The "+" is NGC's Plus designation, "awarded by NGC to coins at the high end of their assigned grade, approaching the quality requirements for the next grade." NGC, founded in 1987, has been the American Numismatic Association's official grading service since 1995 and has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Also In Our Store

• Peace dollars by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, whose Liberty wears a crown of rays inspired by the Statue of Liberty.
• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven’t confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

The 1883-O

New Orleans struck 8,725,000 Morgan dollars in 1883. PCGS estimates about 400,000 survive in Mint State. Strike quality on this date varies, often soft at the centers, so please judge this coin from the photos.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1883

The first Orient Express left Paris for Vienna, and the Brooklyn Bridge opened. Near Tulsa, where our store is based, Catoosa opened its first post office; today barges from Catoosa's river port reach New Orleans, where this coin was struck. A dollar in 1883 had the buying power of roughly $31 to $35 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 62 means no wear, with some marks. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1885-O

New Orleans struck 9,185,000 Morgan dollars in 1885.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1885

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor from France aboard the French ship Isère, packed in more than 200 crates. Her crown of rays later inspired Liberty's crown on the Peace dollar. A dollar in 1885 had the buying power of roughly $33 to $36 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 64 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Also In Our Store

• Peace dollars by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, whose Liberty wears a crown of rays inspired by the Statue of Liberty.
• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1880-O

New Orleans struck 5,305,000 Morgan dollars in 1880.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1880

On January 27, Thomas Edison received a US patent for his incandescent electric lamp, the invention that brought practical electric light into homes. On October 1 the Melbourne International Exhibition opened in Australia, drawing 33 countries and over 1.3 million visitors. A dollar in 1880 had the buying power of roughly $31 to $34 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

AU (About Uncirculated) 55 means only traces of wear. ANACS, founded in 1972 as the American Numismatic Association's authentication service, is the oldest of the major grading services. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the ANACS website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1899-O

New Orleans struck 12,290,000 Morgan dollars in 1899.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1899

On March 27, 1899, Guglielmo Marconi sent the first wireless radio signal across the English Channel between England and France. A dollar in 1899 had the buying power of about $39 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 64 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1885-O

New Orleans struck 9,185,000 Morgan dollars in 1885.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1885

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor from France aboard the French ship Isère, packed in more than 200 crates. Her crown of rays later inspired Liberty's crown on the Peace dollar. A dollar in 1885 had the buying power of roughly $33 to $36 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 64 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the American Numismatic Association's official grading service since 1995 and has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Also In Our Store

• Peace dollars by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, whose Liberty wears a crown of rays inspired by the Statue of Liberty.
• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1900-O/Cc

New Orleans struck 12,590,000 Morgan dollars in 1900.

This is the famous O-over-CC variety. The Carson City Mint stopped striking coins in 1893, leaving reverse dies already prepared with its CC mint mark; rather than waste them, the Mint punched an "O" over the "CC" and sent them to New Orleans. It is often called the last Carson City silver dollar. The New Orleans Mint, designed by William Strickland and opened in 1838, struck its last coins in 1909; since 1981 it has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1900

On April 15, 1900, the Paris Exposition Universelle opened, drawing over 50 million visitors to a moving walkway, the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III. A dollar in 1900 had the buying power of about $39 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

F (Fine) 12 shows heavy but even wear. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1884-O

New Orleans struck 9,730,000 Morgan dollars in 1884.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1884

On December 16, New Orleans, where this coin was struck, opened the World Cotton Centennial, a world's fair whose Main Building was the largest roofed structure yet built, lit by 5,000 electric lights. A dollar in 1884 had the buying power of roughly $32 to $36 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 62 means no wear, with some marks. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association since 1995, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1882-O

New Orleans struck 6,090,000 Morgan dollars in 1882.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1882

On August 29, Australia beat England at the Oval, prompting a mock obituary for English cricket that gave birth to "The Ashes." The same year the Krewe of Proteus was founded in New Orleans, where this coin was struck; it is today the oldest continuously parading Old Line Mardi Gras krewe. A dollar in 1882 had the buying power of roughly $31 to $34 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

AU (About Uncirculated) 55 means only traces of wear. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association since 1995, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1883-O

New Orleans struck 8,725,000 Morgan dollars in 1883.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1883

The first Orient Express left Paris for Vienna, and the Brooklyn Bridge opened. Near Tulsa, where our store is based, Catoosa opened its first post office; today barges from Catoosa's river port reach New Orleans, where this coin was struck. A dollar in 1883 had the buying power of roughly $31 to $35 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

AU (About Uncirculated) 55 means only traces of wear. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association since 1995, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1882-O

New Orleans struck 6,090,000 Morgan dollars in 1882.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1882

On August 29, Australia beat England at the Oval, prompting a mock obituary for English cricket that gave birth to "The Ashes." The same year the Krewe of Proteus was founded in New Orleans, where this coin was struck; it is today the oldest continuously parading Old Line Mardi Gras krewe. A dollar in 1882 had the buying power of roughly $31 to $34 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

AU (About Uncirculated) 55 means only traces of wear. NGC, founded in 1987, has been the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association since 1995, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Munich and London. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the NGC website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1885-O

New Orleans struck 9,185,000 Morgan dollars in 1885.

The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838, struck half dollars for the Confederacy in 1861, and began striking Morgans in 1879. Since 1981 the building has been part of the Louisiana State Museum.

The Year 1885

On June 17, 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor from France aboard the French ship Isère, packed in more than 200 crates. Her crown of rays later inspired Liberty's crown on the Peace dollar. A dollar in 1885 had the buying power of roughly $33 to $36 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 63 means no wear; within MS 60 to 70, the number rises as marks decrease and luster and strike improve. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Also In Our Store

• Peace dollars by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, whose Liberty wears a crown of rays inspired by the Statue of Liberty.
• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

The 1881-S

San Francisco struck 12,760,000 Morgan dollars in 1881.

The San Francisco Mint opened in 1854 to turn California Gold Rush gold into coin. Its 1874 building, designed by Alfred B. Mullett with sandstone imported from British Columbia, survived the 1906 earthquake and fire while holding $300 million, a third of the nation's gold reserves.

The Year 1881

On February 8, King Kalākaua of Hawaii sailed from San Francisco, where this coin was struck, on his celebrated voyage around the world. Two years later the San Francisco Mint struck Hawaii's own silver coins, designed by US Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. A dollar in 1881 had the buying power of roughly $31 to $34 today.

The Morgan Dollar

Isn't it remarkable that one of America's best-known collectible coins was designed by an Englishman, who went on to become Chief Engraver of the United States Mint?

George T. Morgan, from the Birmingham area of England, joined the US Mint in 1876 on the recommendation of Britain's Royal Mint. His model for Liberty was Anna Willess Williams of Philadelphia. In 1918 the Pittman Act melted over 270 million silver dollars, and sold much of the silver to Britain to back its currency in India.

Grade And Authenticity

MS (Mint State) 62 means no wear, with some marks. PCGS, founded in 1986, guarantees its grades. The seller also tested the metal through the holder with a calibrated Sigma Metalytics verifier (consistent with silver), inspected the holder for tampering (none found), and confirmed the certification number on the PCGS website.

Also In Our Store

• Victorian advertising trade cards, chromolithographed in the Morgan years.
• Holiday postcards from the Golden Age of Postcards, many printed in Germany.
• Peace dollars, designed by Sicilian-born Anthony de Francisci, and more world coins and banknotes.

Disclaimer

Specifications and detailed item descriptions are provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be one hundred percent accurate. Please do your own research. There are generally no receipts available for any items from original purchases. Any dimensions and/or weights are approximate. The absence of a more detailed condition report does not imply there are no condition issues with the item(s). Please inspect images carefully as they are part of the official item description and best representation of the actual condition. Additional images may be available upon request depending on time and availability. Not responsible for internet mis-translations or mis-identification of maker's marks if found or assumptions of makers or materials — item descriptions will indicate if it is assumed. If you see a problem, please message us immediately and we will do our best to sort out a solution and confirm the information. With the exception of eBay rules, no returns are accepted.

Historical Context

The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the Treasury to buy two to four million dollars' worth of silver every month and coin it into silver dollars, and George T. Morgan's design carried that silver from 1878 to 1904. The Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890 then raised the Treasury's purchases to 4,500,000 troy ounces of silver a month. San Francisco struck 8,230,373 Morgan dollars in 1890, coins known for a strong strike.

Buying Power

In 1890 this dollar had the buying power of about $37.03 today.

Condition

[Est. XF-40] Circulated, original and never cleaned, in light gray. Light wear on the cheek, the hair above the ear and the center of the eagle's breast; the hair strands above the forehead, the cotton blossoms and the wing feathers are well defined, with full rims. Rust-orange deposits on the obverse left of the hair, by the eye and at the nose and lips, and on the reverse by the left wreath and the arrows (see the photos). The S mint mark is single, with no repunching. Tested on a Sigma Metalytics precious metal verifier: reading consistent with silver. Grade estimated; not professionally graded. Currently still legal tender, but worth far more to collectors and for its silver than its face value.

Also In Our Store

More Morgan and Peace silver dollars: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=silver+dollar

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the Treasury to buy two to four million dollars' worth of silver every month and coin it into silver dollars, and George T. Morgan's design carried that silver from 1878 to 1904. Philadelphia struck 20,290,000 Morgan dollars in 1887.

Buying Power

In 1887 this dollar had the buying power of about $35.47 today.

Condition

[Est. VF-35] Circulated, original and never cleaned, with natural gray toning that darkens toward the rims. Wear on the cheek, the hair above the ear and the cotton blossoms; LIBERTY on the headband is sharp and the hair strands above the forehead still show. The eagle's breast feathers are mostly worn flat and the tops of the wings show wear. Light handling marks (see the close-ups). Checked for the 1887/6 overdate (VAM-2) and the Alligator Eye (VAM-12): none seen. Tested on a Sigma Metalytics precious metal verifier: reading consistent with silver. Grade estimated; not professionally graded. Currently still legal tender, but worth far more to collectors and for its silver than its face value.

Also In Our Store

More Morgan and Peace silver dollars: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=silver+dollar

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

The Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the Treasury to buy two to four million dollars' worth of silver every month and coin it into silver dollars, and George T. Morgan's design carried that silver from 1878 to 1904. In 1886 Philadelphia struck 19,963,000, a record for the denomination at the time. That same year, on October 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

Buying Power

In 1886 this dollar had the buying power of about $35.64 today.

Condition

[Est. XF-40 Details, Cleaned] Circulated. Fine hairlines across both sides show an old cleaning, done before the coin came to us. Light wear on the cheek, the hair above the ear and the eagle's breast; the cotton blossoms and wing feathers are well defined and the rims are full. Small red-brown spots in the cotton leaves of the hair and on the reverse at the L of DOLLAR, left of the D and by the M of AMERICA (see the close-ups). Checked for the 1886 VAM-1C clashed reverse: none seen. Tested on a Sigma Metalytics precious metal verifier: reading consistent with silver. Grade estimated; not professionally graded. Currently still legal tender, but worth far more to collectors and for its silver than its face value.

Also In Our Store

More Morgan and Peace silver dollars: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=silver+dollar

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A neighborhood shoe store. Rosenberg sold wholesale and retail from a double storefront on South Fourth Street and took in custom work and repairs.

A girl and her pug. Dog collectors prize pug cards, and this is one of the largest cards in the group.

Condition

Front: excellent, bright color, light edge wear. Back: blank and toned. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The Rosenberg imprint is printed in black, and the back is blank.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Jacob Rosenberg cards in our store: https://www.ebay.com/str/tfauctionsintl?_nkw=rosenberg

More Victorian advertising trade cards are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A Detroit stove giant. The Michigan Stove Company sold its Garland stoves and ranges across the country, and the back calls the firm the largest maker of stoves and ranges in the world.

Heat for the parlor. The Oak-Michigan is a classic Victorian oak stove, with nickel trim and an ornate finial, built to burn coal, coke or wood.

Condition

Front: light toning, clean image. Back: clean and bright, crisp stove engraving. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The back is printed in black.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A reward for Sunday school. Cards like this were given to children for learning a verse or for attendance, and many were saved in Bibles and albums.

A St. Louis religious publisher. The stamp names the John Burns Book Co. of St. Louis as the seller.

Condition

Front: very good, embossed, bright color. Back: embossed, light toning, faint stamp. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The card is embossed, and the back carries a rubber stamp.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A milliner sold hats and the trimmings that went on them — ribbons, flowers, feathers, lace — and fancy goods covered the rest of what a well-dressed woman might want from a small shop. The satin cushion and the rose are the shop's own stock, shown at their most luxurious.

This is a single-shop card from one street address. A national brand might print millions; a card like this was printed for one milliner on Hamilton Street and handed out to her customers.

Condition

Toning and age typical of the period. The right edge is rough, with paper loss and small tears; a large brown stain on the blank reverse; minor corner wear. The rose and cushion on the front remain bright and the imprint fully legible. Please view the images carefully.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A Burlington clothier. W. L. Linder sold men's, boys' and children's clothing on Jefferson Street in Burlington, Iowa, and promised to undersell everybody.

Die-cut novelties. Shaped cards cost more to make than plain rectangles and were saved as keepsakes.

Condition

Die-cut, irregular outline, cut closely around the fan. Front: a crease across the left side of the fan and small surface losses. Back: light toning. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The card is die-cut with a scalloped edge, and the back is printed in black.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A Peoria storefront. Peoria sits on the Illinois River, a trading town for the farms around it, and "Special Attention given to the out of town Trade" shows this store courting customers from the surrounding countryside. A china store sold the dinnerware, glass and lamps that furnished a Victorian home.

Stock cards, made to order. Lithographers printed picture cards like this by the thousand, with a design number in the margin, and left space for a local merchant's name to be added in black. The "1314" at lower left is that number.

The trade card craze. In the 1880s cheap color printing put picture cards on every store counter, and families pasted them into scrapbooks by the hundred.

Condition

Very good front. Bright colors. Corners lightly worn; a small nick at the top edge near the center. A small grey smudge in the blue area at right of center. The blank reverse is toned and mottled, with spots of old album residue and paper scuffing at the right side and lower left and a small ink mark at center left. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The store imprint was added in black over the printed picture, and the reverse is blank.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards for Illinois merchants and china, glass and household goods are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A survivor. This card is printed on paper as thin as onion skin, and it is remarkable that it has lasted well over a century. Farm-implement advertising on paper this fragile seldom survives.

Haying by horse power. The mower's cutter bar sizes, from 4 ft. 3 in. to 6 ft., were the selling points for farmers choosing a machine.

Superstitions for the farmhouse. The back gave the farm family something to keep: a page of folk sayings about luck, love and the weather.

Condition

Fragile and sold as is. Thin onion-skin paper with staining, edge tears and small chips on both sides, and soft creases. Text and illustration remain legible. It will ship in a rigid holder between stiff boards. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This card is printed in a single black ink by letterpress from a line cut, on very thin, translucent paper. Under magnification the illustration resolves into engraved lines and hatching, not a dot screen.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A neighborhood shoe store. Rosenberg sold wholesale and retail from a double storefront on South Fourth Street, took in custom work and repairs, and advertised an agency for German felt shoes and slippers.

Stock card, local imprint. Designs like this were printed in quantity with open space for a merchant's name; Rosenberg's advertising fills the sky. The number 1009 at lower left is a stock design number.

Children at play. Sweet scenes of children, here a tumble with a hoop on the way home from school, were among the most popular trade card subjects of the 1880s.

Condition

As-is, with honest wear. Front: a diagonal crease across the lower right corner, running into the picture, with a small chip at the corner tip; a short crease at the left edge about halfway down; wear at the upper corners; overall toning to the margins. Back: blank and toned, with a darker vertical band near the left edge; long diagonal creases at the upper left and lower left corners, a small corner chip at lower left, and short edge creases at the right side and bottom. Colors remain strong. No writing. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The Rosenberg advertising is printed in black type in the sky of the design.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian advertising trade cards for local merchants, with children and other popular subjects, are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.

Historical Context

A card waiting for a name. Lithographers printed picture cards in quantity and sold them to merchants, who had their names added for their own customers. This one was never imprinted, so it survives exactly as it left the printer.

Dogs and children. A dog in harness pulling children in a shoe brings together two favorite Victorian subjects, with holly for the holidays, and it crosses over to dog, winter and Christmas collectors.

The trade card craze. In the 1880s cheap color printing put picture cards on every store counter, and families pasted them into scrapbooks by the hundred.

Condition

Very good. Bright colors and clean front; corners sharp with light wear. A small dark spot in the sky at upper left. The blank reverse is toned with an overall mottled, wavy staining pattern. Please see the photos, which are part of the description.

About The Printing

This is an original chromolithograph, and it was slow, exacting work. Each color had to be drawn onto its own separate stone by hand — in monochrome, the artist judging how much stipple each area needed so the colors would combine correctly only once every stone had been printed. The sheet then went through the press once for every color it carries, often a dozen or more, and every pass had to register exactly against the last. A pass out of register showed.

Under magnification the image resolves into irregular hand-drawn stipple, each ink carrying its own dot pattern, the colors mixing in the eye rather than on the paper. There is no regular halftone screen and no four-color rosette, which is what a modern reproduction would show. Modern process printing simulates every color from four inks; chromolithography laid each color down as its own.

The reverse is blank.

Provenance

From my family's estate collections, built over more than 60 years by knowledgeable antiques collectors and traders. Stored in a climate-controlled environment.

Also In Our Store

More Victorian trade cards with dogs, children and winter scenes are in our store.

Disclaimer

The images and any video show the actual item and are part of the official listing description, so please review them closely. Measurements and weights are approximate, and any maker or material we haven't confirmed is described as assumed. Questions? Message us; we answer quickly.