Numismatic

1889 Morgan Dollar BU (VAM-5A, Pitted Rev, Hit List-40)

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The 1889 Morgan silver dollar stands as a classic representative of America's historic coinage, minted in Philadelphia with a silver purity of 90 percent, containing 0.7734 troy ounces of precious metal. This specific coin is a Brilliant Uncirculated example of the VAM-5A variety, a highly sought-after designation included on the famous Hit List-40. What makes this particular variety so compelling to study is a distinct texture of pitting that appears around the letter D in the word Dollar on the reverse side, a physical fingerprint left behind by a damaged or deteriorating coin die. On the obverse, the design presents a profile of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap. Her hair band is inscribed with the word Liberty, while the outer border features the Latin motto E Pluribus Unum, thirteen stars representing the original colonies, and the 1889 year of issue. Because it was struck at the main Philadelphia mint, no mint mark is present on the coin. The reverse displays a bald eagle with its wings spread, grasping a bundle of arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Surrounding this central image are the inscriptions United States of America, One Dollar, and the motto In God We Trust. As part of a legendary series that circulated actively in American commerce for about 80 years, this VAM-5A variety offers a fascinating glimpse into the minute variations that make individual coin dies so unique to explore.