Morgan Silver Dollar

Few coins in numismatic history have experienced a transformation as dramatic as the Morgan Silver Dollar. Initially met with indifference upon its release, the coin has since risen to become one of the most beloved and collectible pieces in American coinage history.

The History of the Morgan Silver Dollar

The creation of the Morgan Silver Dollar in the late 1870s was driven more by political pressure than by public demand. Its predecessor, the silver dollar, had been legislated out of circulation just a few years prior, with little public outcry. However, the silver mining industry, flush with excess silver, pushed hard for the introduction of a new silver coin.

Their lobbying efforts culminated in the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which authorized the minting of the Morgan Silver Dollar and required the U.S. Treasury to purchase up to four million troy ounces of silver bullion monthly.

The coin’s design is credited to George T. Morgan, an English engraver whose work became iconic. However, rumors suggest the contest to select the coin’s design was rigged by Mint Director Henry P. Linderman, adding an intriguing layer of controversy to the coin’s history.

About the Morgan Silver Dollar

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Miss Liberty, while the reverse showcases an eagle. Interestingly, the eagle’s slender design earned the coin the nickname “buzzard dollar” among critics.

Shortly after production began, a notable change was made: the eagle’s tail feathers were reduced from eight to seven. Approximately 1,978 coins with the original eight feathers exist, making them slightly rarer.

Between 1878 and 1904, more than 500 million Morgan Silver Dollars were minted. Production resumed briefly in 1921 before the Morgan design was replaced by the Peace Silver Dollar.

From Indifference to Icon

For decades, the Morgan Silver Dollar was largely overlooked by collectors and the public alike. However, during the 1960s, rising silver prices reignited interest in the coin. Today, it enjoys widespread popularity among collectors, with particularly fine specimens commanding significant attention and value.

At Constitutional Gold Group, we are here to help you determine if the Morgan Silver Dollar is a worthy addition to your collection. Every coin purchased from us is guaranteed to arrive in exceptional condition, ensuring you receive a piece that meets your expectations and celebrates this historic coin’s enduring legacy.