Morgan Silver Dollars

Obverse of 1880 American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

USA

Reverse of 1881-S American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

The Famous Wild West Silver Dollars
The American silver dollars issued between 1878 and 1921 were designed by George T. Morgan, a former pupil of the Wyon's at the Royal Mint in London, and for this reason they are usually known as "Morgan" dollars. They are also known by their alternative name of "Liberty Head" dollars.

Designs
As shown in our photograph, the obverse is a beautifully detailed engraving of the head of Liberty, with the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the date. The reverse features an eagle, its wings spread, arrows and a laurel branch in its talons, within a wreath, with the inscriptions:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ONE DOLLAR
IN GOD WE TRUST

Historic Coins
The large discoveries of silver in America in the late 1800's led to the issue of large numbers of silver dollars. Because these were in use during the "Wild West" days of the 1880's and 1890's, they have achieved lasting fame. The penultimate date was 1904, after which there was a long gap until the final issue in 1921, but the attractive design remained the same.

Rediscovered
During the 1960's, the U.S Treasury discovered many bags of these original dollars, along with the Peace designs, stored as part of its silver reserves. Many bags were still unopened. These were sold by auction or tender, and the large quantities involved meant that many dates, some previously rare, became available at bargain basement prices. We used to sell them at prices between £1 and £1.50 (thirty shillings) each depending on condition which varied from Extremely Fine to Uncirculated. These low prices have helped to make them even more popular!. Since the 1960's prices have increased, and not always steadily, but they remain inexpensive and interesting coins for collectors.

Mintmarks
Morgan dollars were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and Carson City mints. Philadelphia coins do not carry a mintmark, the other mintmarks are to be found below the wreath on the reverse of the coins.
O = New Orleans
S = San Francisco
CC = Carson City

Specifications of Morgan Silver Dollars

Diameter	38.1 mms
Weight	26.73 grams
Silver Alloy	.900
Silver Content	0.7735

Notes to Table
Face Value = Denomination in American Dollars.
Weight = Standard weight in grams.
Silver Content = Fine silver content in troy ounces.
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.

Prices & Availability

Date	Grade	Availability	Price £	Price $
1880	good VF	Sold	£12	$18
1881	Unc	Sold	£25	$40
1881	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1882	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1883	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1884	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1884	VF	Sold	£10	$15
1885	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1885	EF	Sold	£15	$25
1885	good VF	Sold	£12	$18
1886	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1887	Unc, toned	Sold	£25	$40
1887	about EF	Sold	£15	$23
1888	about EF	Sold	£15	$23
1889	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1889	EF	Sold	£15	$25
1890 O	good VF	Sold	£15	$23
1896	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1896	EF	Sold	£15	$25
1898	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1898	EF	Sold	£20	$30
1900	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1900 S	good VF	Sold	£15	$23
1921	about EF	Sold	£15	$19
1921 S	good VF	Sold	£12	$15

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