Description
The Morgan Silver Dollar: A Classic American Coin
The Morgan Silver Dollar, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, stands as a pillar of American numismatics. Its blend of historical depth, precious metal content, and design appeal has captivated collectors and investors for generations.
Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin showcases a striking image of Lady Liberty on the obverse, paired with a majestic eagle on the reverse—symbols of a confident and industrious nation. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, each coin weighs 26.73 grams and spans 38.1 mm in diameter, making it substantial both in hand and in value.
A Window into America’s Industrial Age
Beyond their silver content, Morgan Dollars are rich with historical narrative. Minted in Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, Denver, and San Francisco, these coins echo the regional dynamics of America’s expanding economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The wide variety of dates and mintmarks makes Morgan Dollars especially appealing to collectors. Some pursue full date-and-mintmark sets, while others focus on condition rarities, errors, or varieties known as VAMs (named after Leroy Van Allen and A. George Mallis, who cataloged them).
Morgan VAMs, Top 100 & Hot 50 Varieties
Many Morgan Dollar enthusiasts dive deep into VAM collecting, which involves identifying small design differences—like doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, or misplaced digits—that occurred during the minting process. Certain Morgan VAMs have risen to special prominence through popular sets like the Top 100 and Hot 50, which highlight the most sought-after and dramatic varieties.
Chasing these specific Morgan VAMs adds both challenge and thrill to Morgan Dollar collecting. Coins that exhibit these traits often carry significant premiums and are proudly displayed by those who specialize in variety attribution.
The Appeal of ANACS Soapbox Holders
Another layer of collecting appeal lies in the holders themselves. Among the most respected vintage slabs in the hobby are the early-generation ANACS Soapbox holders. Issued during the late 1970s and early 1980s, these holders are nicknamed “Soapboxes” because of their wide, flat label area that resembles a classic soapbox shape.
ANACS was the first third-party grading service in the U.S., and its Soapbox holders were among the earliest attempts to authenticate and grade coins in a standardized format. These holders predate the plastic slabs used by today’s major grading companies like PCGS and NGC.
Collectors now view ANACS Soapbox holders as part of numismatic history. Coins housed in them, particularly Morgan Dollars with VAM attributions or that are listed in the Top 100/Hot 50, are especially prized. They represent not only a collectible coin but also an early era of professional grading.
Rare Coins with NumisMaverick
Looking to add significant pieces to your collection? Explore the curated offerings at NumisMaverick. We specialize in rare U.S. coinage—from Morgan and Peace Dollars to Liberty nickels and early coppers—with a focus on quality, eye appeal, and historical relevance.
Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a collector with a passion for vintage slabs and certified varieties, our inventory includes handpicked coins that align with both collecting and investment goals. If you’re searching for Morgan Dollars in classic ANACS Soapbox holders or chasing specific VAMs, we’re here to help you find them.
Morgan Dollar Silver Coin Specs
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
|---|---|
| Years | 1878-1921 |
| Value | 1 Dollar (1 USD) |
| Currency | Dollar (1785-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) (.100 copper) |
| Weight | 26.73 g |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Thickness | 2.40 mm |
| Shape | Round |
Interested in Buying?
If you see a coin that catches your eye or want to inquire about what we currently have in stock, we’d love to hear from you. Because our inventory changes frequently and we do not run a traditional e-commerce cart system, we encourage direct contact for the most up-to-date information.
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