Morgan Dollar 1878—1904

The Morgan Dollar is a silver dollar coin that was minted by the United States government from 1878 to 1904, and then again in 1921. It is named after its designer, George T. Morgan, who was an English-born engraver at the United States Mint.

The Morgan Dollar was introduced through the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and convert it into coins. The design for the coin was created by George T. Morgan, who depicted Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse (back) of the coin. The coin's size and weight were based on the silver dollars used in commerce during the time.

The production of the Morgan Dollar began in 1878 at various mint facilities, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, San Francisco, and Denver. These coins were primarily used for trade and commerce in the United States, as well as for international transactions.

In 1904, the production of the Morgan Dollar was halted due to the availability of large silver supplies and changes in legislation. The bullion from the Silver Purchase Act of 1890 had largely been exhausted, and the government's focus shifted away from silver coinage.

Following the passage of the Pittman Act in 1918, which mandated the melting and recoinage of silver, the production of the Morgan Dollar resumed in 1921. However, the design was slightly modified, with a smaller eagle and changes to the relief. This year saw substantial production at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints.

The production of the Morgan Dollar came to an end later in 1921. It was replaced by the Peace Dollar, which featured a new design symbolizing peace after World War I. The Peace Dollar became the last standard silver dollar minted by the United States until the release of the Eisenhower Dollar in 1971.

Morgan Dollars have become highly sought-after due to their historical significance and beautiful design. Some Morgan Dollars, particularly those from the Carson City mint, are rare and valuable.

Key Dates

1878: The Morgan Dollar's inaugural year of production. There are various varieties and mint marks for this year, including the 7 Tail Feather variety, the 8 Tail Feather variety, and the 7/8 Tail Feather overdate variety. The 1878-CC (Carson City) and 1878-S (San Francisco) mint-marked coins are also highly sought after.

1879-CC: The Carson City mint produced a limited number of Morgan Dollars in 1879. The "CC" mint mark denotes the Carson City mint and adds to the coin's collectability.

1881-S: This date is known for its scarcity in uncirculated condition. Morgan Dollars from the San Francisco mint in 1881 are highly sought after by collectors.

1889-CC: The Carson City mint struck a small number of Morgan Dollars in 1889. The "CC" mint mark and limited mintage make this date highly desirable.

1893-S: The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is considered one of the key dates in the series due to its low mintage and scarcity. It is highly sought after by collectors.

1895: No Morgan Dollars were officially minted for circulation in 1895. However, a small number of coins were struck as proofs and are extremely rare and valuable.

1895-O: The New Orleans mint produced Morgan Dollars in 1895, making it the only mint to produce this coin for circulation that year. The 1895-O is a key date and holds significant value.