Morgan Dollar (1878-1921)

Gold	$3,875.69
Silver	$49.46
Platinum	$1,434.70
Palladium	$976.61

The Morgan Dollar, struck 1878 to 1904 and in 1921, is a large 90% silver coin and one of the most collected United States silver dollars.

Obverse (Front) Design

A left-facing head of Liberty wearing a cap and a crown of wheat and cotton, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above, thirteen stars around the border and the date below.

Reverse (Back) Design

An eagle with wings spread, holding an olive branch and arrows, with a wreath below and IN GOD WE TRUST above.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1878–1921

Denomination

1 Dollar

Designer / Engraver

George T. Morgan

Mints

Philadelphia, New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), Denver (D, 1921 only)

Composition

90% silver, 10% copper

Precious Metal Content

About 0.7734 troy oz of pure silver

Weight

26.73 g

Diameter

38.1 mm

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The Morgan Dollar was authorized by the Bland–Allison Act of 1878, which required the Treasury to buy large amounts of silver and turn it into silver dollars. It was designed by George T. Morgan, an English-born engraver who joined the U.S. Mint in 1876.

Morgan dollars were struck at Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and Carson City, and Denver added a single year in 1921. Production stopped after 1904 when the supply of silver bullion ran low. After the Pittman Act of 1918 led to the melting of more than 270 million silver dollars, the design was brought back for one more year in 1921.

Today the Morgan Dollar is one of the most popular coins to collect. Its size, its silver content and the history of the Carson City mint all add to its appeal.

Collecting Tips

Carson City (CC) coins and low-mintage dates sell for much more than common dates.
Avoid coins that have been cleaned, which leaves dull, scratched surfaces.
Look closely at the cheek and hair for wear, which is how grade is judged.
Buy certified coins for higher-priced dates and grades.

Photographs by Grade

Frequently Asked Questions about the Morgan Dollar (1878-1921)

How much silver is in a Morgan dollar?

Each coin contains about 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, because it weighs 26.73 grams and is 90% silver.

Which Morgan dollars are the most valuable?

Carson City (CC) coins, low-mintage dates such as 1893-S, and coins in high mint-state grades are usually the most valuable.

When were Morgan dollars made?

From 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921.

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