Morgan Silver Dollar Collection (Mixed Dates)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint - Designed by George T. Morgan, former Assistant Engraver at the Royal Mint in London. Minted at Philadelphia (no mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D).
Pattern: Liberty Head / Morgan Dollar Series (1878-1921)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint - Designed by George T. Morgan, former Assistant Engraver at the Royal Mint in London. Minted at Philadelphia (no mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D).
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (known as Coin Silver standard). Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver per coin.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches); Thickness: 2.4 mm; Weight: 26.73 grams per coin (when mint state/unworn).
Description
A diverse group of ten Morgan silver dollars, arguably the most iconic coin in American history. These coins symbolize the 'Wild West' era and the massive silver strikes of the Comstock Lode. The design by George T. Morgan was revolutionary for its time, using a real person (Anna Willess Williams) as the model for Liberty rather than a Greco-Roman ideal. These pieces show varying degrees of circulation wear, typical of silver that travelled through the frontier economy.
Key Features
Large silver planchet, 'Morgan' profile with detailed tresses, reeded edges, 90% silver purity, and the specific 1921 date which represents a different die variety from the 1878-1904 run.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (known as Coin Silver standard). Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver per coin.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated business strike finish. Obverse features a profile portrait of Lady Liberty with a Phrygian cap, cotton, and wheat. Reverse (not shown) features a bald eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch within a wreath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: Date (visible as 1878, 1880, 1883, 1885, 1891, 1896, 1902, 1903, 1921), 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 13 stars. Mint marks are located on the reverse below the ribbon of the wreath.
Construction Details
Planchet-fed die-struck coinage; manufactured using steam and later electric-powered coin presses at various U.S. Mint facilities. Edges are reeded (189 reeds).
Functional Features
Legal tender currency ($1.00 USD), though currently traded primarily for numismatic and bullion value. Reeded edges were designed to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of precious metal.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (cylindrical coin form). Surface wear indicates typical handling in commerce prior to collection.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure dies. The depth of relief in the 1878-1904 series is notably higher than modern coins, showcasing the exceptional engraving skills of George Morgan during the Victorian era.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic wear patterns (flatness on Liberty's hair), correct typeface for the era, denticles along the rim are sharp, and date fonts match known US Mint master dies. The weight should be verified to 26.7g to rule out modern base-metal counterfeits.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; specific mints identifiable by reverse marks. Production followed strict federal standards for weight and fineness.
Era & Period
The Gilded Age and the American Frontier expansion (late 19th to early 20th century). Spans the Bland-Allison Act (1878) through the Pittman Act (1918).
Age Estimate
Authentic dated coins ranging from 1878 to 1921. Individual dates include first-year issue (1878) and final-year issue (1921).
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American economic power and the political battles over the 'Silver Standard' versus the 'Gold Standard.' The Morgan dollar was the workhorse of the American West, often found in saloons and gambling halls.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition ranging from 'About Good' (AG) to 'Extremely Fine' (XF). Visible high-point wear on the hair above the ear and on the cap. Tarnish/patina varies from bright cleaned appearance to dark rim toning. Several coins show surface contact marks ('bag marks'). GRADE: Good to Very Good for the group.
Value Estimate
$30 to $60 per coin for common dates in circulated condition. Rare mint marks (like 'CC') or high-grade uncirculated examples can command hundreds or thousands of dollars. Total group value approx. $320 - $450 depending on mint marks.
Care & Maintenance
DO NOT CLEAN. Collectors value original patina; chemical dipping or abrasive polishing significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent 'PVC damage' and environment-induced toning.
Similar Pieces
Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935), Seated Liberty Dollar (1840-1873), and modern American Silver Eagles (1986-present). Trade Dollars are also similar but have a distinct 'Liberty Seated' design.
Interesting Facts
The Morgan Dollar was so nicknamed because it was the first coin to feature Morgan's design. The 1921 issue was a 'one-year type' after a 17-year production hiatus, utilizing newly created dies that were shallower than the originals.