Numismatic

1878-1904 Morgan Dollars MS-65 NGC

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Introduced in 1878, the Morgan Silver Dollar stands as one of the most celebrated coins in American history. This specific era of production spans from 1878 to 1904, showcasing a design that captured the spirit of a growing nation. Each coin is struck from 90 percent pure silver, containing 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal with a diameter of 38.1 mm and a thickness of 3.1 mm. On the obverse side, George T. Morgan placed a refined left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, who was modeled by Anna Willess Williams. This side is framed by the classic Latin motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, alongside the year the coin was struck. The reverse displays an eagle with its wings spread wide, holding an olive branch and arrows. Inscribed on this side are the phrases UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, and IN GOD WE TRUST. Keen observers can also locate the designer's initial, a small letter M, subtly integrated into the reverse design. Depending on where they were minted, these dollars carry different mint marks representing facilities in Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, or Carson City. The survival of these coins in high grades like Mint State 65 (MS-65) is particularly remarkable when considering their history. Following the passage of the Pittman Act in 1918, more than 270 million of these silver dollars were melted down, making well-preserved survivors a fascinating window into the past.