1921 Morgan $1 NGC MS63
The Morgan Dollar is an out-of-the-box coin, cherished by collectors for its distinctive qualities.
This coin is notable for its substantial size, almost approaching the dimensions of a palm, and its remarkable weight. One might ponder if its generous proportions were a result of the abundant silver available during its era.
During this time, the Comstock silver lode in Nevada was yielding an astonishing one million dollars' worth of silver on a weekly basis. This extraordinary abundance created a pressing concern: the risk of Nevada's economy collapsing without a market for this surplus silver.
In the grand tradition of American political maneuvering, lobbyists swiftly swung into action. They successfully lobbied the government to mandate that the U.S. Treasury purchase between two to four million dollars' worth of silver each month, transforming it into silver coinage.
George T. Morgan, a talented engraver at the Mint, took on the task of designing this new silver dollar. His design featured the profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. What set his work apart was his choice to portray Liberty as an American woman, a departure from the conventional Greek-style depictions. Additionally, he drew inspiration from natural studies of the bald eagle, incorporating this into his creation. The transformation of America's silver dollar coinage, a change long overdue, was finally realized.
This coin is notable for its substantial size, almost approaching the dimensions of a palm, and its remarkable weight. One might ponder if its generous proportions were a result of the abundant silver available during its era.
During this time, the Comstock silver lode in Nevada was yielding an astonishing one million dollars' worth of silver on a weekly basis. This extraordinary abundance created a pressing concern: the risk of Nevada's economy collapsing without a market for this surplus silver.
In the grand tradition of American political maneuvering, lobbyists swiftly swung into action. They successfully lobbied the government to mandate that the U.S. Treasury purchase between two to four million dollars' worth of silver each month, transforming it into silver coinage.
George T. Morgan, a talented engraver at the Mint, took on the task of designing this new silver dollar. His design featured the profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. What set his work apart was his choice to portray Liberty as an American woman, a departure from the conventional Greek-style depictions. Additionally, he drew inspiration from natural studies of the bald eagle, incorporating this into his creation. The transformation of America's silver dollar coinage, a change long overdue, was finally realized.