Numismatic

1897 Morgan Dollar BU

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The 1897 Morgan silver dollar stands as a classic example of late nineteenth-century American coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this issue carries no mint mark, a traditional feature of the nation's primary minting facility. Out of a total mintage of 2,822,000 pieces, this particular specimen survives in brilliant uncirculated condition, preserving the original luster and sharp details of its design just as it looked when it left the coining press. On the obverse, the profile of Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap. Her hair band is inscribed with the word 'Liberty' and she is framed by thirteen stars, the date 1897, and the patriotic motto 'E Pluribus Unum'. Each coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver with a purity of 90 percent. The reverse displays a powerful bald eagle with outspread wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons. This central image is encircled by the inscriptions 'United States of America' and 'One Dollar', with the national motto 'In God We Trust' positioned directly above the eagle's head.