1879 Morgan Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint; designed by George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver who later became Chief Engraver of the US Mint.
Pattern: Morgan Dollar series (1878-1904, 1921); specifically the 1879 Philadelphia or branch mint issue.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint; designed by George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver who later became Chief Engraver of the US Mint.
Material
Coin Silver; 90% Silver, 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
38.1 mm (1.5 inches) in diameter; 26.73 grams total weight. Features a reeded edge.
Description
An iconic piece of American numismatic history, the Morgan Dollar represents the westward expansion and the silver boom of the late 1800s. The obverse depicts Anna Willess Williams, who modeled for Morgan as Liberty. The 1879 issue is a classic 'Gilded Age' coin, showcasing thick relief and an intricate wreath of agricultural products in Liberty's hair, symbolizing American abundance.
Key Features
Distinctive profile of Liberty; 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' motto; 13 stars representing the original colonies; 1879 date; George Morgan's 'M' initial at the base of the neck.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver; 90% Silver, 10% Copper. Contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck business strike with a circus-grade satin-to-circulated finish. Obverse features a profile of Lady Liberty with a Phrygian cap, cotton, and wheat. Reverse (implied) features a heraldic eagle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1879' on obverse. Letter 'M' for Morgan is visible at the truncation of the neck. Mint marks (S, CC, or O) would be located on the reverse above 'DOLLAR', though Philadelphia issues have no mark.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via high-pressure steam-powered or hydraulic coin presses at a US Mint facility. Die-struck planchet.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for one US Dollar; reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the silver from the perimeter.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular coin form designed for handheld exchange and pocket storage.
Craftsmanship Details
Highly skilled die engraving; the relief is deeper than modern coinage, providing a tactile and substantial feel characteristic of late 19th-century US industrial manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'M' designer mark is present; the font of the date and lettering matches 1879 die standards; tooth-like denticles on the rim are consistent; wear patterns appear natural to the era and material.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; minted in Philadelphia (no mark), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), or New Orleans (O).
Era & Period
Gilded Age / Reconstruction Era (Late 19th Century). Design reflects Neoclassical influences common in American coinage of the period.
Age Estimate
Dated 1879; approximately 145 years old.
Cultural Significance
Known as the 'Cartwheel' due to its size, this coin is a symbol of the American Old West and was frequently used in saloons and gambling halls, as silver was preferred over paper money in the frontier.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) condition based on wear. Significant smoothing on Lady Liberty's hair above the ear and on the cotton bolls. Surface shows minor scratches and a natural grey-toning typical of circulation. No major rim dings visible.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $65.00 for common circulated versions; significant premium if it bears a 'CC' (Carson City) mint mark on the reverse, potentially reaching several hundred dollars.
Care & Maintenance
Collectors advise NEVER cleaning or polishing this coin, as it destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule. Avoid handling with bare hands to prevent oils from causing spots; hold by the edges.
Similar Pieces
Peace Dollar (1921-1935) featuring a more Art Deco Liberty; Seated Liberty Dollar (pre-1873) which is rarer and smaller; Trade Dollar (1873-1885) intended for commerce in the Orient.
Interesting Facts
The Morgan Dollar was born out of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the US Treasury to buy millions of dollars' worth of silver each month to be minted into coins to support Western miners.