Is the Morgan Dollar Going Back?
You may have wondered: Is the Morgan dollar going back? What’s the story behind it? Here are some facts. First, what is the Morgan dollar? It was created by an engraver named George T. Morgan in 1847 to represent the development of the industrial revolution in America. It also represented the westward expansion of the country during the nineteenth century. Now, that coin is considered a national treasure. This is a good time to start collecting Morgan dollars as collectibles.
Morgan Silver Dollars were produced with four major reverse varieties, but you can also find smaller variations in the coins. The first-year Philadelphia Morgan silver dollars are struck with die varieties that feature a slight difference in the reverse design. Collecting the first-year tail feather variety can be a challenging task, but it can be an educational experience as well. The reverse of 1878 is the most common of the four varieties. It has an average strike and several bag marks. Uncirculated examples are limited to the lower Mint State grades.
In the early 1960s, the Treasury found a large number of Morgan dollars stored in vaults. As a result, individuals began buying them at face value and withdrawing them from circulation. When the Mint stopped exchanging silver certificates for silver coins, it sold them through the General Services Administration. Today, you can purchase a Morgan dollar reverse in order to commemorate the old San Francisco Mint building. The design is still the most common type of Morgan dollar.
The design of the Morgan dollar reverse is based on a session that Morgan had with a Philadelphia schoolteacher. Williams’ design was originally intended for the half dollar. The Mint Superintendent later decided to use this design for the Morgan dollar coin. The coin was minted at five different branches of the U.S. Mint. The Denver Mint opened in 1906, and the CC-C and “O-D” are both derived from the same coin.
The eagle on the obverse of the Morgan Dollar is a symbol of peace. The eagle clutches an arrow in its beak. The eagle is also surrounded by three arrows. Moreover, the word “IN GOD WE TRUST” is stamped on both sides of the coin, and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are written around the head of the eagle.
The design of the Morgan Dollar reverse may be a source of confusion. The hair of Lady Liberty may not strike up fully. In fact, this lack of detail can be confused with wear caused by circulation. The highest points of the design on the Morgan Dollar are barely legible, and the rim blends into the lettering. A coin with these defects should be examined by a professional and in a public location. The grading standards of these coins depend on the mint marks and condition of the coin.
One of the most beautiful Morgan dollar varieties is the 1878 version. It features the reverse of 1879 and is 90% silver. The obverse is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and the reverse is a reflection of the unhappy public of the time. The 1878 Morgan dollar has seven tailfeathers and is the highest graded coin in the DMPL category. The coin has a CAC sticker and deep mirrored reflectivity in its fields. As a result, the design is well preserved, and the coin has a great deal of eye appeal.
The Morgan Dollar reverse is not only a unique design, but it also has a unique story. Morgan was the 7th chief engraver of the U.S. Mint, and he was recruited from the Royal Mint. His first design for the Morgan Dollar portrayed Lady Liberty looking left, wearing a Phrygian cap. Morgan never confirmed the identity of Lady Liberty, but she is widely believed to be an American woman, Anna W. Williams.
In addition to the historical significance of the Morgan Dollar, the reverse side of the coin is also a valuable investment. A Morgan Dollar minted between 1878 and 1921 is one of the most common and collectible silver coins in the world. Its design was created by British immigrant George Morgan, who would later become the Seventh Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The Morgan dollar was struck at five different locations.