Morgan Silver Dollar

United States · 1898

A classic US silver dollar featuring Liberty in profile on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, with an attractive toned surface.

Country: United States
Year: 1898
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 25, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A classic US silver dollar featuring Liberty in profile on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, with an attractive toned surface.

Historical significance

Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, this coin was minted pursuant to the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, reflecting the booming silver mining industry of the American West during the late 19th century.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, encircled by the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', thirteen stars, and the year 1898.

Reverse (back)

A heraldic eagle with wings outstretched, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons, surrounded by a laurel wreath, with 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and 'ONE DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$35-$50 in circulated condition, $100-$300+ in Mint State grades depending on eye appeal and toning.

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade/condition, presence of mint marks (CC is rarer for some years), original luster, and appealing natural toning.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU-58 to MS-60 range based on slight friction on high points but strong details and luster)

Mintage & rarity

Philadelphia mintage for 1898 was 5,884,000; considered common in circulated grades, but conditional rarity applies in high Mint State.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight (26.73g), diameter (38.1mm), and use the ping test or specific gravity test. Counterfeits from China often use base metal alloys and weigh incorrectly.

Notable varieties & errors

VAM varieties (die marriages) are heavily collected by specialists, though most common date varieties carry modest premiums unless they are top-tier conditional rarities.

Similar coins

Peace Dollar (1921-1935), which has a modern art-style Liberty and rayed sunburst reverse.

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges wearing cotton gloves. Never clean, wash, or polish the coin, as this destroys its numismatic value. Store in archival-safe, PVC-free holders or flips.