1878 Morgan Dollar

About This Coin

The 1878 Morgan Dollar is a United States dollar from the Morgan Dollars 1878-1921 series. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by stars, while the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. Designed by George T. Morgan. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, with a reeded edge. The Morgan Dollar is the most widely collected U.S. coin series. Designed by British-born George T. Morgan, who used Philadelphia schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams as his model for Liberty, the coin was produced under the Bland-Allison Act's mandate to purchase and coin silver. Hundreds of millions were produced, many stored in Treasury vaults for decades in canvas bags of 1,000 coins. Key dates include the 1893-S (mintage 100,000), 1889-CC, 1895 (proof only), and 1903-O. Carson City Mint issues carry premium prices. The GSA Treasury hoard releases of the 1970s reinvigorated the market.