Numismatic

1878-S Morgan Dollar MS-65 NGC

---

The year 1878 marked the debut of a legendary United States silver coin series. Minted in San Francisco, this particular specimen is preserved in a high grade, certified as Mint State 65 (MS-65). Containing 0.77344 ounces of silver with a purity of 0.900, the coin represents the beginning of a production run that spanned from 1878 to 1904, with a brief revival in 1921 to address a national shortage of silver dollars. Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse of the coin showcases a profile of Liberty adorned with a Phrygian cap. A band in her hair displays the word 'LIBERTY'. Surrounding her portrait are thirteen stars, the year of issue (1878), and the Latin motto 'E Pluribus Unum'. This side of the coin serves as a classic representation of American numismatic art. The reverse side presents a bald eagle with its wings spread, clutching both an olive branch and a bundle of arrows to symbolize peace and strength. The inscriptions 'United States of America' and 'One Dollar' encircle the eagle, while the motto 'In God We Trust' is positioned above it. Beneath the wreath, the 'S' mintmark indicates its origin at the San Francisco Mint, one of five locations to produce this celebrated series alongside Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, and Carson City.