United States Morgan Silver Dollar c. 1878-1904
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, or Denver mints), established in 1792, renowned for producing official US circulating coinage with high precision and strict metallic standards.
Pattern: Morgan Dollar Series, designed by George T. Morgan, introduced in 1878, produced intermittently through 1921, highly popular among numismatists and precious metal investors.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, or Denver mints), established in 1792, renowned for producing official US circulating coinage with high precision and strict metallic standards.
Material
Coin Silver / 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper (.900 fine silver), total weight approximately 26.73 grams with a pure silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces.
Dimensions
Diameter of 38.1 millimeters, thickness of approximately 2.4 millimeters, and standard weight of 26.73 grams.
Description
An iconic piece of American numismatic history, this Morgan Silver Dollar features the classic profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse surrounded by thirteen stars and the motto E Pluribus Unum, paired with a majestic bald eagle on the reverse. The coin displays natural age-related toning and surface wear characteristic of historical currency.
Key Features
Distinctive large diameter, high silver content, detailed relief work by George T. Morgan, and historical association with the Comstock Lode silver discoveries.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver / 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper (.900 fine silver), total weight approximately 26.73 grams with a pure silver content of 0.77344 troy ounces.
Finish & Decoration
Standard business strike finish with reeded edge, featuring the obverse portrait of Liberty modeled by Anna Willess Williams and the reverse heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, styled in late 19th-century American Neoclassicism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No traditional silversmith hallmarks, but features mint marks (such as CC, S, O, D, or none for Philadelphia) on the reverse below the wreath, along with designer's initial 'M' on the truncation of Liberty's neck and reverse ray base.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure hydraulic coin presses from prepared metal planchets, featuring a reeded edge applied via close-collar striking.
Functional Features
Designed as legal tender currency for circulation in the United States economy under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as this is a circulating coin, though the reeded edge historically served to prevent clipping of the precious metal content.
Craftsmanship Details
Exemplifies the peak of 19th-century mechanical die engraving and high-pressure coin striking technology, with crisp details and durable metallic composition.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, reeded edge details, precise weight parameters, and authentic design relief proportions consistent with genuine late 19th-century US mint output.
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted in the United States at various government mint facilities, adhering to strict federal coinage acts and metallic composition standards.
Era & Period
Gilded Age / Late Victorian Era (1878-1914), reflecting the industrial expansion and silver mining boom in the American West.
Age Estimate
Circa late 19th to early 20th century (1878-1904), determinable by the visible design characteristics, though specific date requires unobstructed viewing of the obverse date digits.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the American West, the Free Silver movement, and the economic policies of the late 19th century industrial boom.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear, natural dark tarnish/patina, and minor edge dings consistent with circulated historical currency. Grade is estimated to be in Circulated (About Good to Very Fine) condition.
Value Estimate
Market value generally ranges from bullion melt value plus a modest numismatic premium (approximately 30 to 50 USD for common circulated dates), scaling significantly higher for rare mint marks, pristine uncirculated grades, or key dates.
Care & Maintenance
Never clean or polish numismatic silver coins, as cleaning destroys original patina and significantly reduces collector value. Store in inert holders, flips, or capsules in a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935), Seated Liberty Dollar (1840-1873), and Trade Dollar (1873-1885), distinguished by different years of issue, metal compositions, and artistic motifs.
Interesting Facts
Named after its designer George T. Morgan, these coins were heavily hoarded and stored in government vaults for decades under the Pittman Act of 1918 before being released to collectors in the mid-20th century (the GSA hoard).