United States Morgan Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Bureau of the Mint). Minted at Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, San Francisco, or Denver. Designed by George T. Morgan.
Pattern: Morgan Dollar, Liberty Head design, minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Bureau of the Mint). Minted at Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, San Francisco, or Denver. Designed by George T. Morgan.
Material
90% Silver and 10% Copper (Coin Silver); Contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.1 mm; Thickness: 2.4 mm; Weight: 26.73 grams.
Description
A classic specimen of American numismatic history, the Morgan Dollar reverse showcases the majestic bald eagle. This piece displays significant circulation wear, softening the detail on the eagle's breast feathers and the wreath, giving it a characteristic 'circulated' silver patina highly sought by historical collectors.
Key Features
George T. Morgan’s signature 'M' (on obverse, not pictured), gothic script motto, and the specific eagle tail feather count (either 8 or 7 in early 1878 variants).
Material & Composition
90% Silver and 10% Copper (Coin Silver); Contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Original luster with a die-struck finish. Reverse features a bald eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by a wreath. Gothic script lettering for 'In God We Trust'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse contains mint marks below the wreath (O, CC, S, or D); Philadelphia minted coins have no mint mark. Legends: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'.
Construction Details
Machine-made; die-struck using heavy industrial coinage presses on planchets (blanks). Reeded edge for security.
Functional Features
Standard currency circulation piece with reeded edges to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the silver from the perimeter.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Circular disk format for portability and exchange).
Craftsmanship Details
Expert industrial die-sinking; consistent weight and purity standards met by the US Treasury Department of the era.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and weight proportions; characteristic typography for the period; natural wear patterns consistent with agricultural/commercial circulation.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; produced at Government Minting facilities under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878.
Era & Period
Late 19th to Early 20th Century (Gilded Age and Progressive Era). Reflects Neoclassical American design influences.
Age Estimate
Circa 1878–1921. Based on the visible reverse design of the Morgan series.
Cultural Significance
Represents the power of the American silver lobby and the Comstock Lode era; symbol of the 'Wild West' where silver was often preferred over paper currency.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) condition. Notable surface tarnish, rim nicks, and 'flatness' on high points of the eagle and lettering. Structure is sound with no major gouges.
Value Estimate
Current market range: $25 to $60 for common dates in circulated condition; significantly higher for rare dates/mint marks like 1889-CC or 1893-S.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish numismatic coins as it destroys collector value; store in PVC-free flips or capsules to prevent environmental oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935), Seated Liberty Dollar, and modern Silver American Eagles (pure .999 silver).
Interesting Facts
The model for Lady Liberty on the obverse was Anna Willess Williams. The coin was nicknamed the 'Cartwheel' due to its large size and weights in pockets.