Design of Morgan Dollar
The coin is named after its designer, United States Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan. Morgan came to the United States from London to work at the Mint in Philadelphia. Although he was a beautiful engraver, there was not a position available at the Royal Mint in London for the 30-year-old.
Morgan decided to depict an American woman on the obverse, instead of the typical Greek profile that was currently seen on coins. Anna Willess Williams, a young women and teacher in Philadelphia, modeled for the portrait. After sitting for Morgan five times, he declared that her profile was the most perfect that he had ever seen. Referred to as "Liberty" on the coin, she is portrayed as a goddess, her cap adorned with two stalks of wheat and two cotton blossoms as a nod to America's agricultural heritage.
On the reverse was a depiction of an eagle with its wings outstretched on the reverse. The eagle holds an olive branch - which symbolizes peace - and it perches atop a bundle of arrows, a symbol of war. The idea behind this image is that, although the U.S. is a peace-loving nation, she will always defend her borders against attack.
History of Morgan Silver Dollar (pre - 1921)
The Morgan Silver Dollar, also called the Morgan Dollar, was a United States dollar coin minted from 1878 to 1904, and then again in 1921. It was the first standard silver dollar minted since production of the previous design, the Seated Liberty Dollar, ceased due to the passage of the Coinage Act of 1873, which also ended the free coining of silver.
Morgan Silver Dollars Today
The Morgan Dollar continues to be one of the most popular coins today for a variety of reasons. Although it is not a particularly rare coin, it is crafted with beautiful and intricate detail and offers a rich historic value. In addition, the Morgan Dollar is composed of 90% silver. In fact, collectors can use the coin as currency even now, as the Morgan Dollar's value will never drop below a dollar.
Why Invest in Morgan Silver Dollar Coins?
These are troubled times and silver has historically been the ultimate hedge against economic volatility and crisis. IRA accounts are traditionally dependent upon a select group of stocks, bond and/or mutual funds which are inextricably linked to the economy. And when the economy suffers, the value of many IRA accounts begins to plunge.
Precious Metal, including gold and silver, on the other hand has outperformed the Dow by over 300% over the past decade which begs the question ... why wouldn't you protect a portion of your retirement and secure your accumulated savings by adding Morgan Dollar silver coins?
For centuries, investors and collectors have owned physical metal, including the Morgan Silver Dollar coin, for a variety of reasons. Silver is:
- Considered a potential hedge against inflation and an eroding dollar
- Internationally recognized as a monetary and financial asset
- Able to be passed on to future generations of children and grandchildren
- Setting records - some experts believe gold may see new highs in the future