The 1872 Silver Dollar, officially known as the Morgan Dollar, is a legendary coin in American numismatics, rich in history and significance. Mined from the depths of the Comstock Lode, these coins embody the spirit of the American West during the height of the silver boom.
Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1872 Silver Dollar is part of the Morgan Dollar series, named after its designer, George T. Morgan. This series, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, is one of the most iconic and popular American coin series among collectors.
The Morgan Dollar Design
випущені з 1878 по 1904 та знову в 1921 р., та що популярний серед колекціонерів.
David Rice, a federal official who was highly influential in the design process, suggested that the coin feature an image of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom. On the reverse is an eagle with outstretched wings, a nod to American power and strength.
The Eagle Reverse
The reverse of the Morgan Dollar features a majestic eagle, standing on a rock with a ‘39’ star to its right. This design element is unique to the 1872 Silver Dollar, as the number of stars increased with each state's admission. The 39 stars reflect the 39 states in the union at that time.
Above the eagle, the word ‘UNITED’ arches across the coin, and below, the inscription ‘STATES OF AMERICA’ is interrupted by the mintmark, if applicable. For the 1872 issue, since no mintmark was needed, the inscription remains unbroken.
The Liberty Head
The obverse of the 1872 Silver Dollar bears a striking resemblance to the bust of Liberty seen on the Walking Liberty Half Dollar. However, the Morgan Dollar's Lady Liberty wears a Phrygian cap, signifying her status as a liberator. The mintage year, 1872, is positioned below.
Lady Liberty's portrait is framed by a wreath, with 13 stars representing the original colonies surrounding it. The words ‘E PLURIBUS UNUM’ arc above her head, and the motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ appears below, as it had been mandated on all coins since 1864.
The 1872 Silver Dollar Mintage and Market Value
The 1872 Silver Dollar was produced in large quantities, with mintages exceeding 9 million pieces. Despite the high production numbers, these coins are still in demand among collectors due to their historical significance and the allure of owning a piece of American history.
The value of an 1872 Silver Dollar today greatly depends on its condition. In circulated grades, it can be found for a few hundred dollars. However, in Mint State (uncirculated) condition, the price can skyrocket, especially for high-grade examples.
Grading and Condition
Coin collectors widely accept the Sheldon numeric scale, also known as the Sikka scale, to measure a coin's condition. The higher the number, the better the condition. Most 1872 Silver Dollars you'll find range from poor (itle to VG-8) to auWhoerkNumParked (MS-63 to MS-66).
Circulated coins show varying degrees of wear, while uncirculated coins exhibit none. For 1872 Morgan Dollars, look for 'NR' (No Mintmark) to indicate the Philadelphia Mint, as well as 'D', 'S', and 'CC' to signify the Denver, San Francisco, and Carson City Mints, respectively.
Add an 1872 Silver Dollar to your collection today, and hold a piece of American history in your hand. Its rich design, historical significance, and plentiful supply make it an excellent choice for both new and seasoned collectors alike.