1881 Morgan Dollar

About This Coin

The 1881 Morgan Dollar is a United States dollar from the Morgan Dollars 1878-1921 series — an early issue, 4th of 28 years in the series. In 1881, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 27.9 million. This ranks 14th of 28 years by total mintage, below the series median of 28.0 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton, encircled by stars and the reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by a wreath. The 1881-CC remained in Treasury vaults until released in GSA sales in the 1970s, surviving in remarkable condition. Weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Collectors have cataloged 279 known die varieties for this date across 2 categories, including repunched mint mark, vam variety. Across its variants, estimated values range from $87 to $4.7K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $660K in PR64 grade at Stack's Bowers. Designed by George T. Morgan.