1881 Morgan Dollar United States Silver Dollar
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, or Carson City mints)
Pattern: Morgan Dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, or Carson City mints)
Material
Coin Silver / Standard Dollar Silver, composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper
Dimensions
Diameter of 38.1 millimeters, thickness of 2.9 millimeters, standard weight of 26.73 grams
Description
An iconic example of American numismatic history, the 1881 Morgan Dollar displays the classic profile of Liberty modeled by Anna Willess Williams. The obverse features sharp details in the hair curls, cap, and stars, encased in a certified third-party grading slab with barcode identifier. The brilliant uncirculated cartwheel luster reflects the high silver purity and traditional minting standards of the era.
Key Features
High-relief portrait of Liberty, prominent date 1881 at the base, surrounding denticles, and encapsulated in a protective grading holder
Material & Composition
Coin Silver / Standard Dollar Silver, composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper
Finish & Decoration
Business strike or proof finish featuring the left-facing profile of Liberty with a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, surrounded by stars and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (if present, located on the reverse above the DOLLAR denomination as CC, S, O, or no mark for Philadelphia); designer initial M on truncation of neck and hair
Construction Details
Machine-struck coin using high-pressure hydraulic presses from prepared silver planchets with a reeded edge
Functional Features
Standard circulating legal tender coin of the United States, standardized for trade and monetary backing
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge designed to prevent clipping of precious metal from the coin's circumference
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional precision in die sinking by George T. Morgan, yielding fine details in Liberty's hair, wheat, and cotton leaves
Authentication Indicators
Encapsulated in a tamper-evident grading holder with a unique certification barcode and serial number matching official registry standards
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, minted in federal mint facilities under the authority of the Coinage Act of 1873
Era & Period
Late 19th Century / Gilded Age (1878-1910)
Age Estimate
Dated 1881, produced in the calendar year 1881
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the American West's mining boom and the fierce political debates surrounding the bimetallism standard and the Bland-Allison Act of 1878
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Brilliant Uncirculated or Mint State condition within a professional grading slab, displaying strong cartwheel luster and minimal contact marks
Value Estimate
Ranges from 45 to several thousand dollars depending on the specific mint mark, numerical grade assigned by PCGS or NGC, and overall eye appeal
Care & Maintenance
Keep permanently sealed inside the protective grading holder to preserve the original surface luster, prevent environmental toning, and avoid physical contact wear
Similar Pieces
Peace Dollar, Seated Liberty Dollar, Trade Dollar
Interesting Facts
The Morgan Dollar was named after its designer, George T. Morgan. Millions of these coins sat untouched in federal vaults for decades until the Treasury released them in the mid-20th century, particularly during the GSA hoards of the 1970s