Morgan Silver Dollar, 1881-S (Estimated San Francisco Mint)
Coin / Bullion · United States Mint, designed by George T. Morgan. The San Francisco branch (if marked 'S') was renowned for the highest quality strikes of this era.
Pattern: Morgan Dollar series, Liberty Head design, introduced in 1878 and produced until 1904, then briefly in 1921.
Type
Coin / Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, designed by George T. Morgan. The San Francisco branch (if marked 'S') was renowned for the highest quality strikes of this era.
Material
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver standard), containing 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm; Thickness: 2.4 mm; Standard Weight: 26.73 grams.
Description
The Morgan Dollar is the most iconic silver coin in American history, symbolizing the wealth of the Comstock Lode and the industrial might of 19th-century America. This reverse shows a vibrant heraldic eagle, capturing the bold Neoclassical aesthetic of the era.
Key Features
The 'S' mint mark, the 2-1/2 tail feathers visible above the arrows, and the characteristic 'cartwheel' luster often found on San Francisco issues.
Material & Composition
90% Silver, 10% Copper (Coin Silver standard), containing 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a reeded edge. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by a laurel wreath. Gothic-style lettering for 'In God We Trust'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR' on reverse. The mint mark 'S' (visible below the wreath) indicates the San Francisco Mint. No silversmith hallmarks as this is legal tender.
Construction Details
Die-struck at high pressure using steam-powered or electric presses. The planchet (metal disk) was upset to create the rim before striking.
Functional Features
Reeded (milled) edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving off silver from the perimeter. Legal tender denomination of one US dollar.
Handle & Grip Details
None; circular numismatic form designed for pocket carry and transactional durability.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-sinking and detail in the eagle's plumage; the San Francisco Mint was known during this period for superior technical execution compared to Philadelphia.
Authentication Indicators
Correct denticles around the rim, sharp lettering, and expected wear patterns for a 90% silver alloy. No evidence of 'casting bubbles' found in counterfeits.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; San Francisco Mint, California (noted for high-luster 'PL' strikes).
Era & Period
Gilded Age / Victorian Era (Late 19th Century American expansion).
Age Estimate
Dated 1881 (Based on commonality of San Francisco strikes for this reverse type).
Cultural Significance
A primary medium of exchange in the American Old West; represents the political battle between the 'Gold Standard' and 'Free Silver' advocates.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in 'About Uncirculated' (AU) to 'Mint State' (MS) condition based on the feather detail on the eagle's breast. Visible light toning and minor surface chatter. Grade: Very Good to Excellent.
Value Estimate
$40–$75 for common AU examples; $150+ if professionally graded MS65 or higher by NGC/PCGS.
Care & Maintenance
DO NOT POLISH. Cleaning silver coins with abrasives or dips destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent 'milk spots' or environmental damage.
Similar Pieces
Peace Dollar (1921-1935), Seated Liberty Dollar (pre-1873). The 1881-S is significantly more common and valuable in high grades than the 1881-O (New Orleans) or 1881-CC (Carson City).
Interesting Facts
The San Francisco Mint produced 12,702,000 Morgan dollars in 1881, many of which remained in Treasury bags for decades, resulting in the high survival rate of pristine examples.