Obverse

Reverse

One Dollar

Morgan Silver Dollar

United States · 1879

A classic US silver dollar featuring a profile of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1879
Denomination: One Dollar
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 September 8, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A classic US silver dollar featuring a profile of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted pursuant to the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase massive amounts of silver and coin it into dollars.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap with cotton and wheat accents, surrounded by 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 13 stars, and the year '1879'.

Reverse (back)

A heraldic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, surrounded by a wreath, 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and 'ONE DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$30-$50 circulated, $60-$200 in Mint State grades

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of rare mint marks or varieties, and overall eye appeal.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS), showing light high-point wear or minor bag marks.

Mintage & rarity

14,806,000 minted in Philadelphia for 1879, common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight (26.73g), diameter (38.1mm), use a ping test for the characteristic silver ring, and check for counterfeit magnetic properties.

Notable varieties & errors

Reverse of 1878 vs. Reverse of 1879, doubled die varieties, and proof-only issues.

Similar coins

Peace Dollar, Seated Liberty Dollar

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only with clean cotton gloves. Store in a PVC-free coin flip, capsule, or professional slab in a climate-controlled environment. Never clean the coin.

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