Krugerrand Silver Coin

The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the coin became a staple of American currency and remains highly popular among collectors and investors.

Design and Specifications

• Obverse (front): Features a profile of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolizing agricultural unity. The word 'LIBERTY' is inscribed on the headband, and the date appears below.
• Reverse (back): Depicts a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. The motto 'In God We Trust' is inscribed above the eagle.
• Weight: 26.73 grams
• Silver Content: 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver
• Fineness: 90% silver (0.900 fineness)

Mint Marks and Varieties

The Morgan Dollar was minted at several U.S. Mints, with mint marks indicating the place of origin. The mint mark is located on the reverse, just above the 'DO' in 'DOLLAR':

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): Often produced in large quantities, Philadelphia mintages are generally more common.
• New Orleans ('O'): Coins from the New Orleans Mint are popular, with some years being more scarce than others.
• San Francisco ('S'): Known for high-quality strikes, San Francisco mintages are appreciated by collectors.
• Carson City ('CC'): Extremely desirable due to their limited production and historical significance related to the Comstock Lode.
• Denver ('D'): Minted only in 1921, making Denver Morgans unique to that year.

Collectible Varieties

• '7 Tail Feathers' (1878): The original design featured 8 tail feathers on the eagle, but was quickly changed to 7, making the 8-feather variety a collectible rarity.
• 'Reverse of 1879' (1879): A design modification that collectors seek out, especially on Philadelphia and San Francisco coins.

Common Dates vs. Rare Dates

Many Philadelphia-minted coins, especially from 1921, are common due to high production numbers, making them accessible for new collectors and often traded for their silver content.

Rare Dates and Varieties

Carson City ('CC') coins are particularly rare and valuable, with the 1889-CC being one of the most sought after due to its low mintage. Other key dates include the 1893-S, which is rare in all conditions, and the 1884-S, prized in higher grades.

Various Grades and Values

The value of Morgan Silver Dollars depends on their condition (grade), rarity, and mint mark. Here is a general estimate of the value based on grades for common-date coins (such as 1921 Philadelphia):

• Good (G): $25-40
• Fine (F): $30-50
• Extremely Fine (XF): $50-75
• About Uncirculated (AU): $75-120
• Brilliant Uncirculated (BU/MS): $120-250

Rare mint marks and key dates can command prices well into the thousands for coins in higher grades.

The Morgan Silver Dollar is an essential piece of American numismatic history. Coins from the Carson City Mint, along with key dates like the 1893-S, are highly prized by collectors and often fetch premium prices. Common-date coins are more affordable and popular among silver investors. The coin's value significantly increases with better grades and more desirable mint marks.

1 oz Krugerrand Silver Coin Auctions