1896 Morgan Dollar

About This Coin

The 1896 Morgan Dollar is a United States dollar from the Morgan Dollars 1878-1921 series — 19th of 28 years in the series. In 1896, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans Mints with a combined mintage of 19.9 million. This ranks 10th of 28 years by total mintage, below the series median of 28.3 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by stars and the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 105 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including typical die clash, vam variety. Struck one year after the 1895 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $87 to $200K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $720K in MS69 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by George T. Morgan.