1887 Morgan Dollar NGC MS67

The 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar is a classic example of late 19th century American coinage and one of the most widely recognized designs in the history of U.S. numismatics. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, this coin carries no mintmark and represents the heart of the Morgan Dollar series. Certified by NGC as MS67, this particular example is a superb gem that offers both outstanding preservation and remarkable eye appeal, making it a prize for advanced collectors.

The Morgan Dollar was first introduced in 1878 following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver for coinage. Designed by George T. Morgan, an engraver at the U.S. Mint, the series quickly became one of the most iconic in American coinage history. The 1887 issue came at a time when the Philadelphia Mint was producing millions of silver dollars each year to meet the requirements of the law. Though many coins were stored in Treasury vaults and later released, very few have survived in the lofty grade of MS67.

The obverse of the coin features Morgan’s celebrated portrait of Liberty, modeled after Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher. Her profile is shown wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, symbolic of America’s agricultural strength. The word LIBERTY appears on her headband, while the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM and thirteen stars encircle the design along with the date, 1887. The reverse presents an eagle with outstretched wings holding arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing both strength and peace. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR surround the design, with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.

While millions of Morgan Dollars were struck in 1887, the vast majority do not survive in pristine condition. Many were released into circulation where they acquired heavy wear, while others were stored in bags that left them with abrasions and contact marks. Finding an example that has not only avoided circulation but also avoided the heavy bag marks typical of the series is a true rarity. This NGC-certified MS67 specimen represents the absolute pinnacle of quality available to collectors.

At the MS67 level, the coin is a superb gem, boasting sharp strikes, exceptional luster, and virtually flawless surfaces. Liberty’s portrait is well defined, with full detail in the hair and cap, while the eagle on the reverse shows strong feather definition. The fields are remarkably clean, free from the distractions that so often plague Morgan Dollars. The satiny luster enhances the beauty of the design, reflecting light evenly across the coin’s surfaces. Very few 1887 Morgans have been graded this high, placing this piece firmly in the upper echelon of survivors.

Collectors value the 1887 Morgan Dollar in MS67 not only for its rarity in top condition but also for what it represents. It is a coin that embodies the economic and political forces of the late 19th century, when silver played a central role in national monetary policy. It is also a coin that showcases the artistry of George T. Morgan, whose design has endured as one of the most beloved in U.S. coinage. For many, owning a gem Morgan Dollar is a way of holding a tangible piece of American history that has been preserved in near-perfect form.

In summary, the 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar NGC MS67 is an exceptional numismatic treasure. With its superb preservation, radiant luster, and iconic design, it offers a combination of beauty, history, and rarity that appeals to both advanced collectors and investors seeking quality. As one of the finest known examples of this issue, it represents the very best of what the Morgan Dollar series has to offer.