The Morgan Silver Dollar is a $1 dollar coin that was minted from 1878 to 1904, and then again in 1921. It is named after its designer, George T. Morgan, and is one of the most popular and widely collected U.S. Mint coins.
George (Charles) T. Morgan was a British engraver who became the U.S. Mint’s Assistant Engraver in 1876. During his tenure at the U.S. Mint he was involved with or directly responsible for creating a variety of popular coin designs for half dollars including the Columbian Exposition half dollar, quarters and a variety of pattern coins and medals.
The value of Morgan Silver Dollars is not just in the silver they contain but also in their numismatic or collector value, which can be much higher. Rarity, demand, and historical importance greatly affect their market price.
The condition of the coin significantly influences its value. Certain years and mint marks (like the Carson City mint) and coins that are in better condition are more rare and sought after and thus more valuable to collectors.
Each Morgan Silver Dollar contains approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of silver. While the market price of silver affects its intrinsic value, the collector value often far exceeds the silver value.