How Many Morgan Silver Dollars Make a Pound?
The question of how many Morgan silver dollars make a pound is a bit trickier than it initially seems, as it depends on several factors. There isn't a simple, single answer. Let's break down the complexities to provide a comprehensive understanding.
What is the weight of a Morgan Silver Dollar?
The key to answering this question lies in understanding the weight of a Morgan silver dollar. While they're often described as weighing one troy ounce, this isn't precisely accurate for all Morgan dollars minted. The official weight of a Morgan silver dollar is 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams (or approximately 0.946 troy ounces). Slight variations exist due to manufacturing tolerances across the years of minting.
Converting Grams to Pounds
To determine how many Morgan silver dollars equal a pound, we need to convert grams to pounds. There are approximately 453.592 grams in one pound.
Therefore, to find the number of Morgan silver dollars in a pound, we can use the following calculation:
453.592 grams (1 pound) / 26.73 grams (per dollar) ≈ 17 dollars
Therefore, approximately 17 Morgan silver dollars would equal one pound.
Factors Influencing the Calculation
It's crucial to understand that this is an approximation. Several factors can influence the exact number:
- Minting variations: As mentioned, slight variations in weight occurred during the minting process across the years the Morgan dollar was produced (1878-1904 and 1921).
- Condition of the coins: Significant wear and tear on the coins could alter their weight slightly.
- Purity of the silver: Although the official standard was 90% silver, minor inconsistencies might have existed.
Because of these variations, it's unlikely that exactly 17 Morgan silver dollars would weigh precisely one pound in every case. The calculation provides a close estimate, and this must be considered when seeking a precise figure.
What about Peace Silver Dollars?
People often confuse Morgan Silver Dollars with Peace Silver Dollars. While similar in appearance and silver content, they have slightly different weights. Peace dollars, minted from 1921-1935, weigh slightly less than Morgan dollars. Therefore, the calculation would yield a slightly higher number of Peace dollars per pound.
Are you trying to weigh your Morgan Dollars?
If you're looking to weigh your Morgan silver dollars, using a precise scale will give you a much more accurate measurement of their weight than relying on a calculation based on an average. This is helpful if you are trying to determine the value of your collection.
This detailed explanation provides a comprehensive answer to your question and addresses potential variations and related considerations. Remember to always use precise measurements when dealing with precious metals.
