Morgan Silver Dollar

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1921

Denomination: One Dollar ($1 USD)

Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (0.77344 oz pure silver)

Morgan Silver Dollar

Brief Description

A large silver coin featuring a profile portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

Historical Significance

The Morgan Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904 and briefly returned for one final year in 1921. It was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act and symbolizes the westward expansion and the silver mining boom of the late 19th century. The 1921 issue used slightly different, shallower Hub designs compared to earlier years.

Estimated Value

$30-$45 in circulated condition; $50-$100+ in higher Mint State grades.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this significantly reduces numismatic value. Handle only by the edges and store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe capsule.

Mint Mark

None (Philadelphia Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

High mintage (44,690,000 for Philadelphia); very common in all grades including Mint State.

Weight & Diameter

26.73 grams / 38.1 mm

Edge

Reeded

Apparent Grade

Very Fine to Extremely Fine (VF/XF). Shows moderate wear on Liberty's hair above the ear and on the eagle's breast feathers. Surfaces appear somewhat dull with minor rim nicks.

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with 'LIBERTY' inscribed on a band, surrounded by 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 13 stars, and the date 1921. Designed by George T. Morgan.

Reverse (Back)

An eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch and arrows, encircled by a wreath. Legends include 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and 'ONE DOLLAR'.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition (grade), silver spot price, and absence of cleaning. While 1921 is the most common year, high uncirculated grades (MS-65+) command premiums.

Similar Coins

Peace Dollar (also minted in 1921 but features a different design), 1921-S or 1921-D Morgan (identified by an 'S' or 'D' mint mark on the reverse).

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Weight should be exactly 26.73g (slight loss for wear); check for non-magnetic properties. Watch for 'mushy' details or casting bubbles in counterfeits.

Notable Varieties & Errors

VAM varieties (die marriages), such as the 'Pitted Rear Wing' or various die breaks/cracks common to the 1921 production.

Created At: 2026-06-21T23:13:28.259055