The Morgan dollar is a United States one-dollar coin named after its designer, United States Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan. The coin was minted primarily from 1878 to 1904 and again for a single year in 1921, with production resuming in 2021. Composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper, it holds significant historical importance as a symbol of the nation's westward expansion and industrial development during the late 19th century.
The coin's design is distinct. The obverse, or front, features a profile portrait of Lady Liberty, modeled by Anna Willess Williams, who is depicted wearing a cap and flora with a crown inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appears above her head. The reverse of the coin displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows, which represent peace and defense, respectively. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed above the eagle. If a mint mark is present, it can be found on the reverse side above the "o" in the word "Dollar."
The creation of the Morgan dollar was a result of specific legislation. It was the first standard silver dollar to be produced following the Coinage Act of 1873, which had effectively ended the free coining of silver. The Bland–Allison Act subsequently required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a specified amount of silver from the market and coin it into dollars, leading to the Morgan dollar's introduction in 1878. Production ceased in 1904 when the silver bullion reserves acquired under the act were depleted. The coin was briefly revived in 1921 under the authority of the Pittman Act of 1918, which authorized the melting and recoining of millions of silver dollars. Later that same year, its design was replaced by the Peace dollar.
