Morgan Dollars 1878-1921

About This Series

Authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878 to absorb western silver, George T. Morgan's dollar became the most widely collected American coin series. The obverse Liberty, modeled after schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams, wears a Phrygian cap with wheat and cotton, while the heraldic eagle reverse clutches olive branch and arrows. Struck in .900 fine silver at 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm across five mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D, 1921 only). Carson City issues command strong premiums evoking the Comstock Lode era. Production was interrupted 1905-1920 after the Pittman Act melted approximately 270 million dollars, before a 1921 revival preceded the Peace dollar. Treasury vault releases in the 1960s-1970s dramatically altered the market with bags of uncirculated coins. Key dates include the 1893-S (100,000 mintage), 1889-CC, and 1895 proof-only Philadelphia. VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) variety collectors pursue over 5,000 documented die combinations.

Series Information