Morgan Silver Dollar

United States of America · 1886

A classic American silver dollar featuring a profile of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1886
Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (.7734 oz pure silver)

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 May 31, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A classic American silver dollar featuring a profile of Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

Historical significance

Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, this series was minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. It represents the massive silver production from the Comstock Lode and the era of Western expansion.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with 'LIBERTY' on the band, with cotton and wheat in her hair. Legend: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and date 1886. 13 stars surround the border.

Reverse (back)

Heralic eagle with wings spread, clutching an olive branch and arrows. Surrounded by a laurel wreath. Legend: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and 'ONE DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$35-$50 in circulated grades, $60-$120 in Mint State (MS-60 to MS-63), significantly higher for MS-65 and above.

What drives this coin's value

Mint state/lustrous condition, presence of 'mirror-like' proof-like surfaces, and the specific mint mark (this Philadelphia issue is common).

Grade assessment

Appears to be in 'About Uncirculated' to 'Mint State' condition (AU-58 to MS-62). High points like the hair above the ear and eagle's chest feathers show original luster with some light surface bag marks.

Mintage & rarity

19,963,000 (Common date for the series)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Verify weight (26.73g) and diameter; check for 'pitting' or mushy details common in cast counterfeits. Use a magnet; silver is non-magnetic.

Notable varieties & errors

VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) varieties, such as doubled dies or specific date positionings, though none are immediately visible from these photos.

Similar coins

Peace Silver Dollar (1921-1935), which has a more modern art-deco design; and modern American Silver Eagles (1986-present).

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free holder (like the 2x2 cardboard flip pictured) to avoid chemical damage. Never clean the coin, as it destroys the numismatic value and surface luster.