Coin Description: 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar

morgan-dollar-silver

Coin Description: 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar (Obverse)

General Overview

  • The image shows the obverse (front) side of a Morgan Silver Dollar, minted in 1878, which is the first year of issue for this coin series.

  • This coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighs approximately 26.73 grams, and has a diameter of 38.1 mm.

  • The coin has visible wear, consistent with circulated condition, and displays a natural gray tone from age and handling.

Obverse Design Details

The design on this side of the coin was created by George T. Morgan, for whom the coin is named.

1. Central Portrait

  • The central figure is a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty.

  • Liberty wears a Phrygian cap (a symbol of freedom), adorned with:

    • A band inscribed with the word “LIBERTY” (clearly visible).

    • Agricultural elements: cotton bolls and wheat, symbolizing America’s agricultural strength and unity between North and South.

  • The hair is rendered in wavy curls, though some fine detail is worn down from circulation.

2. Inscriptions and Legends

  • The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top edge, which means “Out of many, one.”

    • It is punctuated by 13 stars along the lower half of the coin, representing the original 13 colonies.

  • At the bottom center of the coin is the date “1878”, which is the inaugural year for the Morgan Dollar.

    • The date is bold and fully legible, with some surface wear around it.

3. Edge and Rim

  • The rim has a raised, denticled border (small repeating tooth-like pattern), typical of coins of this period.

  • The edge of the coin is reeded (not visible in this image, but standard for Morgan Dollars).

Condition and Surface Details

  • The coin shows considerable wear, particularly across Liberty’s cheek, jawline, and hair. This suggests it was in circulation for some time.

  • There are darkened areas and spotting, likely from oxidation and handling over time.

  • Despite the wear, all major design elements remain identifiable, including the “LIBERTY” band and agricultural symbols in the headdress.

Historical Context

  • The 1878 Morgan Dollar was the first coin produced under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. government to purchase silver and coin it into silver dollars.

  • It is one of the most heavily minted coins in U.S. history.