Morgan Silver Dollar

United States · 1879

A classic United States silver dollar featuring a left-facing profile of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, with natural toning and circulation wear.

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 a left-facing profile of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, with natural toning and circulation wear.

Historical significance

Named after its designer George T. Morgan, the Morgan Dollar was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act and minted to absorb huge amounts of silver newly discovered in the American West.

Obverse (front)

Profile portrait of Liberty facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton blossoms and a coronet inscribed 'LIBERTY'. Surrounded by thirteen stars, the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and the year 1879.

Reverse (back)

A heraldic bald eagle with wings spread, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, encircled by a laurel wreath. Above the eagle is the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST', with the legends 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$35-$60 circulated, $100-$300+ in uncirculated grades

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, eye appeal, natural toning, and presence of rare mint marks or notable die varieties.

Grade assessment

About Very Fine (VF-20 to VF-30) based on moderate wear on Liberty's hairlines and the eagle's breast feathers.

Mintage & rarity

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

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (should be 26.73g), diameter, and magnetic properties (silver is non-magnetic). Watch out for counterfeit cast pieces or modern base metal replicas.

Notable varieties & errors

Various die varieties including 1879-CC reverse of 1878 and 1879 doubled die obverse errors.

Similar coins

Peace Silver Dollar, Trade Dollar

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry environment using PVC-free coin holders or flips. Never clean, wash, or polish the coin.