The Morgan Silver Dollar
In 1878, the United States began producing a new silver coin that would later become one of the most recognized coins in American history — the Morgan Dollar. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the coin was created during a time when silver mining was booming across the American West.
The front of the coin featured Lady Liberty wearing a crown decorated with cotton and wheat, symbols of American agriculture and unity. Around her portrait were thirteen stars representing the original colonies, along with the motto:
“E PLURIBUS UNUM”
meaning
“Out of many, one.”
Morgan chose to give Liberty a more American appearance rather than copying older European-style designs. The portrait was believed to be modeled after Anna Willess Williams, a schoolteacher from Philadelphia.
The reverse of the coin displayed a bald eagle with its wings spread wide. In its claws, the eagle held arrows and an olive branch, symbols of strength and peace. Around the design appeared the inscriptions:
“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”
“ONE DOLLAR”
and
“IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The Morgan Dollar was made from 90 percent silver and was produced at several U.S. Mint locations, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, Carson City, and later Denver. Coins from Carson City became especially famous because of their connection to Nevada silver mines and the American frontier.
The coin was created after the U.S. government agreed to purchase large amounts of silver from western mining companies. As a result, millions of Morgan Dollars were struck between 1878 and 1904, with one final year of production in 1921.
Over time, the Morgan Dollar became more than just money. It came to represent the growth of the United States during the late 1800s — a period of railroads, mining towns, western expansion, and industrial change. Today, collectors value Morgan Dollars for their large silver design, historical importance, and strong connection to the American West.
