How Many Morgan Silver Dollars Make a Pound?
Determining exactly how many Morgan silver dollars make a pound isn't a straightforward calculation, as it depends on several factors. While a single Morgan dollar is often described as weighing one troy ounce (which is approximately 31.1 grams), the actual weight can vary slightly due to manufacturing tolerances and wear. Additionally, we need to clarify whether we're talking about avoirdupois pounds (the standard pound used in the US and UK, equal to 16 ounces or 453.6 grams) or troy pounds (a different unit of weight used for precious metals, equal to 12 troy ounces).
Let's break down the calculation and address some common points of confusion:
Understanding the Weight Variations
- Nominal Weight: A Morgan silver dollar is nominally 26.73 grams. This is the intended weight, as specified during their minting.
- Actual Weight: Due to variations in the minting process, individual coins can weigh slightly more or less than the nominal weight. Wear and tear over time also reduces a coin's mass.
- Troy Ounces vs. Avoirdupois Ounces: The common reference to a Morgan dollar's weight as "one troy ounce" is approximate. While close, this isn't precisely accurate; the slight difference needs to be considered for accurate calculations.
Calculating Based on Avoirdupois Pounds
To calculate based on avoirdupois pounds (the most common usage), we'll use the nominal weight of 26.73 grams per coin and convert to avoirdupois ounces:
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Grams to Avoirdupois Ounces: There are approximately 28.35 grams in one avoirdupois ounce. Therefore, 26.73 grams / 28.35 grams/ounce ≈ 0.943 avoirdupois ounces per coin.
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Coins per Pound: Since there are 16 avoirdupois ounces in a pound, we can calculate the number of coins per pound as follows: 16 ounces/pound / 0.943 ounces/coin ≈ 17 coins per pound.
Therefore, approximately 17 Morgan silver dollars would weigh one avoirdupois pound. However, remember this is an approximation. The actual number could be slightly higher or lower due to the weight variations mentioned above.
Calculating Based on Troy Pounds (Less Common)
If we were to use troy pounds and troy ounces (less common in everyday weight measurements), the calculation would differ. A troy pound is equal to 12 troy ounces. Since a Morgan dollar is approximately one troy ounce, approximately 12 Morgan silver dollars would weigh one troy pound. However, this is less relevant for most practical purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
H2: What is the metal content of a Morgan silver dollar?
Morgan silver dollars are 90% silver and 10% copper by weight. This composition significantly impacts their overall weight and value.
H2: How much is a Morgan silver dollar worth?
The value of a Morgan silver dollar varies considerably based on condition, mint mark, and rarity. Some can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while others may be worth only slightly more than their melt value (based on the current price of silver). Checking reputable coin grading services and auction sites would be required to determine a specific coin's value.
H2: Where can I find out more about Morgan silver dollars?
Numerous online resources and books provide detailed information about Morgan silver dollars, including their history, mintage figures, and variations. The American Numismatic Association (ANA) website is an excellent starting point.
H2: How do I determine the weight of a specific Morgan silver dollar?
A precise weight can be obtained using a digital scale capable of measuring grams with reasonable accuracy. This will help to account for the weight variances mentioned above. Keep in mind that this weight will be affected by wear and tear over time.
In conclusion, while approximately 17 Morgan silver dollars make an avoirdupois pound, the actual number will vary slightly. Remember to account for the potential weight differences between individual coins when making any calculations.
