Numismatic

1881-S Morgan Dollar MS-63 NGC

---

The 1881 silver dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint stands as a remarkable example of late nineteenth-century American coinage. This specific piece has been certified as Mint State 63, preserving the intricate details of its production over a century ago. Composed of 90 percent silver, the coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal, measuring a substantial 38.1 millimeters in diameter and 3.1 millimeters in thickness. On the obverse, George T. Morgan's design presents the left-facing profile of Lady Liberty. She wears a Phrygian cap adorned with agricultural symbols of cotton and wheat, representing the nation's diverse harvest. The year 1881 is clearly visible at the base of the portrait. The reverse side showcases a majestic bald eagle with wings spread wide, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and defense. The S mint mark beneath the wreath identifies its origin from the West Coast facility, which produced a total of 12,760,000 of these dollars under the legislative authority of the 1878 Bland-Allison Act.