1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar XF

The Morgan Silver Dollar -- One of America's Favorite Collector Coins

There's no doubt about it. Morgan Silver Dollars are among the most sought-after collector coins in America. For generations, their big size, hefty silver content and vintage 19th century design have secured their place at the top of the collecting pyramid.

The coins feature a portrait of Miss Liberty on the obverse and a spread-winged eagle on the reverse.

Struck from Comstock Lode Silver

The coin was made possible by the discovery of the Comstock Lode silver deposit in Nevada in the 1850s. With all the new silver available, congress authorized the largest striking of Silver Dollars ever in U.S. History. The new coin, designed by mint engraver George T. Morgan, quickly became known as the Morgan Silver Dollar. They were struck in 90% Comstock Lode silver and hundreds of millions were minted between 1878 and 1921. These big silver coins become part and parcel of the Wild, Wild West, with gamblers stacking them high on poker tables and outlaws robbing trains and banks to get them.

Millions Melted

But just as millions were minted, so were millions melted in during World Wars I and II. Coins that were once common became scarce, and collectors begin vying with each other to secure the highest quality examples.

Because of their immense popularity, Morgan Silver Dollars have become harder and harder to find over the years.

Big Hefty Silver Dollars, Struck at Five Different Mints

Each Morgan Silver Dollar is struck in 26.73 grams of silver and is 38.1 mm in diameter. The coins have a reeded edge. The coins were struck at Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, Denver and San Francisco Mints.

1881-S Morgan Silver Dollar

When the very first Morgan Silver Dollars were released from the San Francisco Mint, folks were shocked at the stunning quality of the coins. Because silver dollars are so big and difficult to strike, often the details in the middle of the coins are lacking. But they were almost always sharp on Morgans from the San Francisco Mint. These 1881-S Morgans are no exception. They are almost universally recognized among aficionados as the highest quality Morgans struck anywhere and in any year. This example is circulated, but still retains much of its original detail. A real prize for every Morgan Silver Dollar enthusiast!

This example is in Extremely Fine (XF) condition, showing all of the hair lines strong on Miss Liberty. The feathers on the eagle's breast are all plain with slight wear on the breast and wing tips.

Your Morgan Silver Dollar comes in a numismatic flip and includes a certificate of authenticity.