The Morgan silver dollar is a United States one-dollar coin named after its designer, United States Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan. The coin was minted for an extended period from 1878 to 1904, again in 1921, and its production was revived in 2021 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its last original year of issue.
The design of the coin is highly detailed. The obverse, or front, features a profile portrait representing Lady Liberty. She is depicted wearing a cap, flora, and a crown inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." This central image is encircled by thirteen stars, the phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and the date of issuance. The reverse of the coin displays a heraldic eagle with its wings outstretched, holding an olive branch and arrows, which traditionally symbolize peace and military preparedness. If present, the coin's mint mark is located on the reverse side above the "o" in the word "Dollar."
The coin's existence is rooted in the legislative changes of the late 19th century. It was the first standard silver dollar minted following the passage of the Coinage Act of 1873, which had ceased the free coining of silver. The subsequent Bland–Allison Act required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a set amount of silver bullion monthly and strike it into dollar coins, leading directly to the creation of the Morgan dollar. In terms of its physical specifications, the Morgan dollar has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters, a weight of 26.73 grams, and is composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
