The Morgan Silver Dollar holds a significant place in American numismatic history, having been minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. Here’s a detailed overview of its history and mintage:

The Morgan Silver Dollar was introduced as a result of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver and convert it into silver dollars. The design for the coin was created by George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver working for the U.S. Mint.

The obverse (front) of the Morgan Dollar features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, wearing a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom, and with flowing hair. The reverse (back) of the coin depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, holding arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing strength and peace.

The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted at several U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), New Orleans (O), Denver (D – for the 1921 issue), and Carson City (CC). The Carson City Mint produced Morgans intermittently between 1878 and 1893, with lower mintages compared to other facilities, making CC-minted coins particularly sought after by collectors.

The production of Morgan Dollars ceased in 1904 due to a depletion of silver reserves caused by the Pittman Act of 1918. However, a final mintage of Morgan Dollars occurred in 1921 as a result of the resumption of silver dollar coinage due to the passage of the Pittman Act.