Morgan Silver Dollar

United States · 1879

A classic United States silver dollar featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, with visible circulation wear and natural toning.

Country: United States
Year: 1879
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 17, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A classic United States silver dollar featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, with visible circulation wear and natural toning.

Historical significance

Minted pursuant to the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, the Morgan Dollar represents a period of heavy silver mining in the American West and the monetization of silver following the Comstock Lode discovery.

Obverse (front)

Profile portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, encircled by thirteen stars, the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and the year 1879 at the bottom. Designed by George T. Morgan.

Reverse (back)

A heraldic bald eagle with wings outstretched, grasping arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a laurel wreath, the inscription 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR'. Designed by George T. Morgan.

Estimated value

$30-$50 in circulated condition, $60-$200+ in uncirculated MS-60 to MS-63 grades depending on mint mark.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of desirable mint marks (e.g., CC for Carson City), striking errors, and absence of harsh cleaning or scratches.

Grade assessment

About Very Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU) with noticeable wear on Liberty's hair curls and the eagle's breast feathers, alongside original dark silver toning.

Mintage & rarity

14,806,000 minted at Philadelphia in 1879; common date.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight (should be 26.73g), diameter, and thickness. Perform the ping test for silver resonance and inspect for modern counterfeit casting bubbles or incorrect magnetic properties (genuine Morgan dollars are non-magnetic).

Notable varieties & errors

Various 1879 die varieties including doubled dies on the reverse and repunched mint marks (if applicable to branch mints), though Philadelphia issues are generally straightforward.

Similar coins

Peace Dollar, Trade Dollar, and modern American Silver Eagle bullion coins.

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges wearing clean cotton gloves. Never clean, wash, or polish the coin, as this permanently destroys collector value. Store in archival-safe, PVC-free holders in a stable, low-humidity environment.