1881-S $1 Morgan Dollar NGC MS67

Introduction

The 1881-S $1 Morgan Dollar is a classic San Francisco Mint silver coin from one of the most widely collected series in American numismatics. Designed by U.S. Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan, the Morgan Dollar debuted in 1878 and became an enduring symbol of late 19th-century American coinage. This 1881-S Morgan Dollar is graded NGC MS67, representing a Superb Gem Uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation and exceptional overall preservation.

History

The Morgan Dollar was introduced in 1878 following passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver for conversion into silver dollars. The series was named for its designer, George T. Morgan, and was produced at several U.S. Mint facilities during its original run from 1878 through 1904, with additional issues struck in 1921.

The San Francisco Mint struck 12,760,000 Morgan Dollars in 1881. The 1881-S is particularly well known among collectors for its generally strong strikes and attractive luster, qualities associated with many Morgan Dollars produced at San Francisco during this period. While the issue is readily encountered in lower Mint State grades, exceptionally well-preserved examples become progressively more desirable at advanced levels of the grading scale.

Design

The obverse features George T. Morgan's left-facing portrait of Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with agricultural elements and a headband inscribed LIBERTY. E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above, thirteen stars surround the lower portion of the design, and the date 1881 appears below.

The reverse depicts a bald eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch and arrows. A wreath surrounds the lower portion of the eagle, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and ONE DOLLAR complete the design. The S mintmark appears below the wreath and identifies the coin as a product of the San Francisco Mint.