Numismatic

1881-S Morgan Dollar XF

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The 1881 Morgan silver dollar stands as a classic example of late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, this coin bears the 'S' mint mark, indicating its origin from a facility renowned for producing exceptionally sharp strikes. Containing 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver within its 90 percent silver composition, this issue was part of a total mintage of 12,760,000 pieces for that year. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin presents a left-facing profile of Liberty on the obverse. She wears a Phrygian cap, which is adorned with a band displaying the word 'LIBERTY'. The reverse of the coin showcases a bald eagle with its wings spread wide, clutching an olive branch of peace in one talon and a cluster of arrows of strength in the other. This iconic design was minted regularly from 1878 to 1904, with a final brief appearance in 1921. Preserved in Extra Fine condition, this specimen allows observers to appreciate the fine details of Morgan's engraving. From the individual leaves in the wreath to the feathers of the eagle, the design captures the spirit of an era when silver coinage was central to daily commerce in the United States.