Morgan Silver Dollars

Obverse of 1878 American Morgan Type Silver Dollars in Presentation Case

USA

Reverse of 1878 American Morgan Type Silver Dollars in Presentation Case

In the 1850s, a vast load of silver ore, which later became known as the Comstock Lode, was discovered in Nevada. The vastness of the lode was such that it managed to single-handedly depress world silver prices. In 1878, The Bland-Allison act was passed, compelling the US Government to purchase silver and turn it into coin, in order to boost silver prices. Morgan Silver Dollars, first issued that year, were minted in considerable quantities as a result. As with the British Sovereign, the Morgan Dollar is known for its many varieties and mintmarks, known as 'VAMs' (named for Van Allen and Mallis, who conducted extensive research into Morgan variations in the 1960s). Of which, the most well known (and often referred to as the 'King of the Vams') is the '7 over 8 tail feathers' variety shown in the centre of the display case.
Also notable is the Carson City Mintmark variety, produced in a branch of the US Mint opened in Carson City, Nevada to mint coins using metal from the Comstock Lode more cost-effectively. The 'Wild West' associations of this mint, coupled with the comparative scarcity of its issues makes coins with this mintmark much sought after.

The Famous Wild West Silver Dollars
The American silver dollars issued between 1878 and 1921 were designed by George T. Morgan, a former pupil of the Wyon's at the Royal Mint in London, and for this reason they are usually known as "Morgan" dollars. They are also known by their alternative name of "Liberty Head" dollars.

Designs
As shown in our photograph, the obverse is a beautifully detailed engraving of the head of Liberty, with the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the date. The reverse features an eagle, its wings spread, arrows and a laurel branch in its talons, within a wreath, with the inscriptions:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ONE DOLLAR
IN GOD WE TRUST

Mintmarks
Morgan dollars were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco and Carson City mints. Philadelphia coins do not carry a mintmark, the other mintmarks are to be found below the wreath on the reverse of the coins.
O = New Orleans
S = San Francisco
CC = Carson City

Specifications of Morgan Silver Dollars

Diameter	38.1 mms
Weight	26.73 grams
Silver Alloy	.900
Silver Content	0.7735

Notes to Table
Face Value = Denomination in American Dollars.
Weight = Standard weight in grams.
Silver Content = Fine silver content in troy ounces.
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.

Prices & Availability
Please contact us prior to ordering for current prices and availability.
Prices quoted in dollars may be out of date due to currency fluctuations.

Date	Grade	Availability	Price £	Price $
1878	Uncirculated	Sold	£495	$ask

The PCGS website seems to suggest that these coins are worth approximately $820, or £560, which means our price of £495 could well be a bargain.

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