Morgan Silver Dollar

Many investors and collectors around the world appreciate the unmistakable, distinguished beauty of the Morgan Silver Dollar. These exquisitely crafted coins contain an alloy of 90% silver and 10% copper, and were minted from 1878 to 1904, and again for one more year in 1921. They get their name from their designer, George T. Morgan, who was a British engraver appointed by Mint Director Henry P. Linderman. The Mint Director ordered Morgan to redesign the obverse side of the new dollars to portray a profiled bust of Lady Liberty, as opposed to the full figure representation in use at the time. The model used for the subsequent profile image of Lady Liberty facing left was a Philadelphia schoolteacher named Anna Willess Williams. Her hair is fashioned in a bun, with loose flowing locks draping down her neck. Her head is also adorned with a symbolic, ceremonial band. The reverse side of the Morgan Silver Dollar depicts an American bald eagle, with spread wings, looking to his right. He is perched on an olive branch, and is enwreathed in wheat.

The somewhat tapered design of the eagle's wings was viewed by some critics to make the eagle look "scrawny" in appearance, hence its' nickname "buzzard dollar." An interesting note on the Morgan Silver Dollar is that the original design on the eagle's tail contained eight feathers. Linderman ordered the design to be changed to have only seven tail feathers, which is why some 1878 coins have seven feathers, while others have eight. Still, others show seven feathers over eight, which is the scarcest of the three varieties, even though all three varieties of this coin are relatively common.

If you would like to purchase Morgan Silver Dollar coins from North America's premier exchange, speak to one of our friendly experts today by calling 1-800-300-0715 and begin your investment on the right foot. Also, if you would like additional information about investing in precious metals, simply click here to receive your free "2010 Insider's Guide To Gold And Silver Investing."