Morgan Silver Dollar

Brief Description

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by thirteen stars and the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'. The year '1879' is displayed below Liberty's bust. The coin has a reeded edge.

Historical Significance

The Morgan Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. It was a product of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a certain amount of silver each month and coin it into dollars. These coins played a significant role in the American economy, particularly in the western expansion and during times of economic fluctuation. They are named after their designer, George T. Morgan.

Estimated Value

The value of an 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar can range from approximately $30 for common circulated conditions up to thousands of dollars for uncirculated or rare varieties (e.g., specific mint marks, die varieties). Without knowing the mint mark and condition, a precise value is difficult to determine, but a typical circulated 1879 example from a common mint mark might be in the $30-$100 range.

Care Instructions

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can cause damage or discoloration over time. Store the coin in a stable environment, ideally in inert holders such as flips made of Mylar, archival-quality coin slabs, or albums. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can significantly decrease its numismatic value. If cleaning is absolutely necessary (e.g., for conservation reasons), it should only be performed by a professional conservator.

Created At: 2025-11-13T21:15:58.863940