The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most popular and recognizable coins in American history. While many collectors are familiar with the coin itself, fewer know the story of the man behind its name.
The Morgan Dollar is named after George T. Morgan, the artist who designed the coin. His work helped create one of the most enduring symbols in American numismatics and a coin that remains highly sought after by collectors today.
Who Was George T. Morgan?
George Thomas Morgan was born in Birmingham, England, in 1845.
From a young age, Morgan showed artistic talent and pursued a career in engraving and design. He studied at the Birmingham School of Art and later worked for a prominent engraving firm in London.
His skills eventually caught the attention of officials at the United States Mint, who were seeking talented artists to improve American coin designs.
In 1876, Morgan moved to the United States and began working as an assistant engraver at the United States Mint in Philadelphia.
Why Was a New Silver Dollar Needed?
In the late 1870s, the United States government authorized the production of a new silver dollar through the Bland-Allison Act.
The law required the government to purchase large quantities of silver and convert it into coinage.
As plans for the new silver dollar moved forward, Morgan was tasked with creating a fresh design that would represent the nation.
The result would become one of the most famous coins ever produced by the United States Mint.
How Did Morgan Design the Dollar?
Rather than using an idealized image of Liberty, Morgan wanted a design based on a real American woman.
He selected Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher, as the model for Lady Liberty.
Morgan believed that using a real person would create a more natural and distinctly American appearance.
The obverse of the coin features Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap and crown, while the reverse displays a bald eagle with outstretched wings.
The design debuted in 1878.
Why Did the Coin Become Known as the Morgan Dollar?
Officially, the coin was simply a silver dollar.
Over time, collectors and historians began referring to it as the Morgan Dollar to distinguish it from other silver dollars produced by the United States Mint.
The name honored George T. Morgan's role as the coin's designer.
Today, the nickname is used almost universally by collectors, dealers, and grading services.
When Were Morgan Dollars Produced?
Morgan Dollars were struck from 1878 through 1904.
Production resumed briefly in 1921 before the design was replaced by the Peace Dollar later that same year.
Because of their long production run, Morgan Dollars were minted at several facilities, including:
- Philadelphia
- New Orleans
- Carson City
- San Francisco
- Denver
Each mint produced coins with its own characteristics, and some dates and mint marks are significantly rarer than others.
Why Are Morgan Dollars So Popular?
Morgan Dollars remain popular for several reasons:
- Historic connection to the American West
- Large silver content
- Beautiful Liberty and eagle designs
- Wide variety of dates and mint marks
- Strong collector demand
Many collectors consider the Morgan Dollar to be one of the most iconic coins ever produced by the United States Mint.
What Happened to George T. Morgan?
Morgan continued working for the United States Mint throughout his career.
In 1917, he became the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, a position he held until his retirement in 1925.
His contributions to American coinage extended beyond the Morgan Dollar, but it remains the work for which he is best remembered.
More than a century after its introduction, the Morgan Dollar continues to be collected and admired by enthusiasts around the world.
While the coin was not officially named after its designer, collectors adopted the name to honor George T. Morgan and distinguish the coin from other silver dollars. Today, the Morgan Dollar stands as a lasting tribute to both American history and the artist who created it.
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