Morgan Silver Dollars

Obverse of 1881 American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

USA

Reverse of 1881 - S American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

Obverse of 1885 American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

Reverse of 1885 - O American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

Obverse of 1887 American Morgan Type Silver Dollar

Reverse of 1887 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, Denver 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
D = Denver

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
Please contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.

Date	Grade	Availability	Price £	Price $
1878		See Page	£Ask	$Ask
1878	EF	Yes	£30	$48
1880	good EF	Yes	£20	$32
1881 - S	Unc	Yes	£35	$40
1881 - S	Unc	Yes	£55	$88
1882	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1883	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1884 - O	About Unc	Yes	£25	$40
1884 - O	Unc	Yes	£50	$80
1885 - O	Unc	Yes	£40	$65
1886	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1887	Unc	Yes	£40	$65
1888	Unc	Yes	£30	$48
1889	Unc	Yes	£45	$73
1896	Unc	Yes	£45	$72
1898	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1900	About Unc	Sold	£20	$30
1900	good VF	Sold	£15	$23
1904 - O	Unc	Yes	£40	$65
1921	EF	Yes	£20	$30
1921 - D	about EF	Yes	£20	$30

Peace Dollars
USA Coins Index
American Silver Eagles
Other Silver Bullion Coins
American Gold Eagles
Available now.

Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World

If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?