1878-S Morgan Dollar MS-64 NGC

Product Details

This iconic 1878-S Morgan Dollar, a true piece of American history from the fabled San Francisco Mint, is certified MS-64 by NGC. It embodies westward expansion and a new monetary era,

In America in 1878, you find a nation rebuilding after the Civil War, brimming with ambition, and grappling with the "Silver Question." Out of this vibrant, dynamic era emerged the Morgan Dollar, a coin that wasn't just currency, but a powerful symbol of economic policy and national identity. The Bland-Allison Act mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase and coin vast quantities of silver, leading to the birth of this magnificent silver dollar, designed by the gifted George T. Morgan. This particular 1878-S issue captures the very beginning of the series, minted in a year that forever changed the landscape of American coinage.

The San Francisco Mint, proudly denoted by its "S" mint mark on the reverse, played a crucial role in producing these early Morgan Dollars. Known for its meticulous striking standards and attention to detail, the San Francisco facility often yielded coins celebrated for their exceptional luster and sharp features – and this MS-64 graded example, certified by NGC, is a testament to that legacy. Weighing 0.7734 troy ounces of .900 fine silver, with a diameter of 38.1 mm and a thickness of 3.1 mm, this one-dollar coin from 1878 isn't just metal; it's a tangible link to the industrious spirit of the American West.

George T. Morgan, an English-born engraver, poured his artistry into creating an enduring American emblem. On the obverse, Lady Liberty faces left, crowned with a Phrygian cap symbolizing freedom, intertwined with sprigs of wheat and cotton representing America's agricultural prosperity. Thirteen stars encircle her, recalling the original colonies, all framed by the inspiring motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Morgan's model for Liberty, Anna Willess Williams, imbued the design with a classical elegance that continues to captivate collectors today.

Flip the coin, and the reverse showcases a majestic bald eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch of peace and arrows of strength – a timeless representation of national resolve. Above it, "IN GOD WE TRUST" is inscribed, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "ONE DOLLAR" completing the design. With an original mintage of 9,774,000 from the San Francisco Mint, this 1878-S Morgan Dollar is more than just a historical artifact; it's an investment in the romance of American history and a foundational piece for any discerning numismatist who appreciates the artistry and storied past embedded in our nation's coinage.