United States Morgan Silver Dollar c. 1878-1921
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans mints). Established in 1792, the US Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States, globally renowned for its high manufacturing standards and numismatic history.
Pattern: Morgan Dollar Series, designed by United States Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan. Introduced in 1878 and minted intermittently through 1921, it is one of the most widely collected and iconic coin series in American numismatic history.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans mints). Established in 1792, the US Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage for the United States, globally renowned for its high manufacturing standards and numismatic history.
Material
Coin Silver / 90 percent Silver, 10 percent Copper. Standard weight is 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 millimeters, containing approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter of 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches), thickness of approximately 2.4 millimeters, and a standard weight of 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces) of 90 percent silver alloy.
Description
An iconic piece of American numismatic heritage, the Morgan Silver Dollar is celebrated for its substantial heft, high silver content, and bold neoclassical relief designs. The obverse showcases a profile of Lady Liberty modeled after Anna Willess Williams, encircled by thirteen stars, the word 'LIBERTY', and the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' alongside the vintage year. The reverse features a majestic American eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a wreath and the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR'.
Key Features
High silver alloy content, bold George T. Morgan relief engraving, classic Americana iconography, and distinct mint marks indicating production facility.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver / 90 percent Silver, 10 percent Copper. Standard weight is 26.73 grams with a diameter of 38.1 millimeters, containing approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with relief details depicting Lady Liberty on the obverse and an American heraldic eagle on the reverse. Reeding along the edge. Classic late 19th-century numismatic design representing neoclassical style motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks vary depending on the specific facility of origin (e.g., CC for Carson City, S for San Francisco, O for New Orleans, D for Denver, or no mint mark for Philadelphia). The obverse features the designer's initial 'M' on the truncation of the neck.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coin presses from rolled alloy blanks (planchets) with a reeded edge applied during the striking process via a collar die.
Functional Features
Standard circulating legal tender coin of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, later held as bullion and numismatic collectibles.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; standard round coin shape with a reeded edge to prevent clipping.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional mechanical precision characteristic of late 19th-century federal minting operations, featuring deep die sinking by George T. Morgan and flawless pressure striking on standardized alloy planchets.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, reeded edge, proper weight proportions, and distinct high-relief details consistent with genuine late 19th-century United States Mint coin production. Definitive authentication requires specific gravity testing and close micro-examination for counterfeit casting seams or incorrect metal composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, produced at various official United States Mint branch facilities under federal authorization.
Era & Period
Gilded Age / Progressive Era (1878-1921), reflecting late 19th-century American economic expansion and the silver mining boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1878-1921, dependent on the visible date on the specific coin specimen.
Cultural Significance
A profound symbol of the American West, industrial expansion, and the fierce political debates surrounding the silver standard versus the gold standard during the late 19th century.
Condition Notes
The specimen exhibits moderate to heavy natural dark tarnish (patina/sulfide deposits) across both surfaces, typical of older silver coins stored in non-airtight environments. Minor surface wear on high points consistent with handling or circulation. Graded as circulated, in Fair to Good condition overall.
Value Estimate
Market value generally ranges from melt value for heavily worn common-date specimens (approximately 20 to 30 USD based on silver spot prices) to hundreds or thousands of dollars for rare mint marks, key dates, and high uncirculated mint state grades.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean, polish, or wash numismatic silver coins, as abrasive cleaning permanently destroys numismatic value and destroys original surface patina. Store in archival-grade, PVC-free coin flips, capsules, or inert storage boxes in a low-humidity environment.
Similar Pieces
Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935), Walking Liberty Half Dollar, and Seated Liberty Dollar. Key differences lie in the design motifs, mint years, and total silver weight variations.
Interesting Facts
The Morgan Dollar was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase massive amounts of silver from western mines and coin it into dollars, heavily influencing the American economy and the silver mining industry of the West.