Morgan Silver Dollar
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1885
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)
Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (0.77344 oz pure silver)
Brief Description
A large silver coin featuring a profile of Liberty and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.
Historical Significance
The Morgan Dollar is one of the most famous American coins, named after its designer George T. Morgan. It was minted largely due to the Bland-Allison Act and represents the height of silver mining in the American West.
Estimated Value
$30-$45 in Very Good to Fine condition; $55-$75 in About Uncirculated; $90+ in Mint State grades.
Care Instructions
Store in PVC-free flips or capsules. Do not clean or polish, as this significantly reduces numismatic value. Handle only by the edges.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; total mintage of 17,787,000 for the Philadelphia issue.
Weight & Diameter
26.73 grams / 38.1 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Good to Very Good (heavily worn, Liberty's hair and the eagle's breast feathers are smooth).
Obverse (Front)
Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with the word 'LIBERTY' in her hairband, surrounded by 13 stars and the date 1885. Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above.
Reverse (Back)
An eagle with wings spread, clutching an olive branch and arrows. Surrounded by a wreath and the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'. Motto 'In God We Trust' above eagle.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition (grade), mint mark (CC or S are generally more valuable), and eye appeal.
Similar Coins
Peace Silver Dollar (often confused by non-collectors, but Peace Dollars have a more modern design and different eagle)
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check weight (26.73g), diameter, and magnetism (it should not be magnetic). Look for sharp details in the denticles and lettering.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1885-O and 1885-S are the primary mint mark varieties; various VAM (die variety) types exist.
Created At: 2026-05-01T23:54:53.799794