Morgan Silver Dollar

Background

The Morgan Silver Coin, a treasured relic of American coinage history, traces its origin to the late 19th century. Minted in 1878-1904, and later in 1921 and 2021, it showcases the side profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse, both skillfully depicted by George T. Morgan. This classical coin, consisting of 90% silver and 10% copper, held a significant place in American coinage history as the first standard silver dollar minted under the Coinage Act of 1873. The revival of the Morgan Silver Coin by the U.S. Mint in 2021, this time as a collectible with 99.9% silver content, adds a modern chapter to its rich history.

Details

• Manufacturer: US Mint
• Minting Location: USA
• Denominations: US$1
• Content: 0.773 oz. (1878-1904, 1921); 0.858 oz. (2021)
• Purity: 90% (1878-1904, 1921); 99.9% (2021-present)
• Weight: 26.73 g
• Thickness: 2.4 mm
• Diameter: 38.1 mm
• IRA-Eligibility: Eligible

Origin

• The Morgan Silver Coin was the first standard silver dollar minted since the passage of the Coinage Act of 1873 that ended the era of free silver coining.
• The obverse of the coin features a portrayal of Lady Liberty, with George T. Morgan crafting the design after an American woman named Anna Willess Williams.
• On the reverse side, the coin depicts an eagle with outstretched wings holding a sheaf of arrows and an olive branch, a timeless symbol of the United States.