Description
1904 and Prior AKA Pre 1921 VG+ Silver Morgan Dollar
These Pre 1921 VG+ Morgan Silver Dollars are a great choice if you are looking for a Pre 1921 Morgan Dollar from over 100+ years old at a great price.
The Silver Morgan Dollar History
In 1878 the Bland-Allison Act called for the government to purchase large amounts of silver in order to remedy the disarray present in the silver market. In an attempt to rectify the situation, the government was to convert the newly purchased metal into silver dollars; and with the contribution of designer George T. Morgan, the Morgan Silver Dollar was born.
Morgan Dollars were minted every year starting in 1878 and ending temporarily in 1904. The mintage of the Morgan Dollar returned for a final run in 1921. The earlier minted Morgan Dollars would sport Mint Marks from the Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco mints. The 1921 Morgan Dollars, however, would begin production at the Denver mint. Proof-like coins, which are coins with mirror-like surfaces, would be sprinkled about for the duration of its production years, which today demand higher premiums from serious collectors. Though Morgan Dollars were typically minted in large quantities, there are some dates with significantly lower mintages, as well as dates that saw heavy circulation, thereby making them conditional rarities today.
Coin Specs
Value | 1 US Dollar |
Mass | 26.73G (412 1/2gr) |
Diameter | 38.1 mm (1.5 in) |
Thickness | 2.4 mm |
Edge | Reeded |
Years of Minting | 1878-1904, 1921 |
Composition | 90% Silver 10% Copper |
Mints | Philadelphia Carson City San Francisco New Orleans Denver |
Design | Liberty |
Designer | George T Morgan |
Date | 1878 |
Rev Design | Eagle Clasping arrow and olive branch |
Continued History of the Morgan Dollar
Although coin mintage is often used to determine rarity, the number of Morgan Dollars minted alone does not solely determine value. Some issues that were made in higher quantities were largely impacted by melting, therefore their survival rates dropped. Similarly, some issues that were minted in smaller numbers would be preserved in hoards and not see circulation until years later. Naturally, when these hoards of Morgan Dollars were eventually released, supply increased, and their rarity would take a hit.
To achieve a complete basic set of Morgan Dollars by date and mint mark would be a 97 coin task, and should be noted as quite an accomplishment. Below are the Dates, mint marks, and mintages of all the circulation strike Morgan Dollars.