1878-S Morgan Silver Dollar — San Francisco Mint

1878-S Morgan Silver Dollar — San Francisco Mint

Own a classic piece of American numismatic history with this 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollar, struck at the San Francisco Mint during the inaugural year of the legendary Morgan Dollar series.

First introduced in 1878, the Morgan Silver Dollar became one of the most recognizable and widely collected coins in United States history. The original series was produced from 1878 through 1904 and again in 1921, spanning an era of westward expansion, industrial growth, and significant economic change.

Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin features an iconic portrait of Lady Liberty and a majestic American eagle, creating one of the most celebrated designs in American silver coinage.

The obverse displays a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with agricultural elements and a headband inscribed LIBERTY. Thirteen stars surround the portrait, representing the original American colonies, alongside the inscriptions E PLURIBUS UNUM and the date 1878.

The reverse features an American eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows. A decorative wreath surrounds the lower portion of the design, while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and ONE DOLLAR complete the reverse.

The 1878-S Morgan Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint, an important branch mint established in 1854 to serve the rapidly expanding economy of the American West following the California Gold Rush.

As a first-year issue, the 1878-S holds particular historical significance. The Morgan Dollar was introduced under the Bland–Allison Act of 1878, which required the federal government to purchase silver for coinage and helped establish the Morgan Dollar as a major component of American monetary history.

With an original mintage of 9,774,000 business strikes, the 1878-S remains a popular choice among collectors seeking an early Morgan Dollar from the San Francisco Mint.

Struck in 90% silver, this historic coin contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, combining precious-metal content with the enduring appeal of classic American coinage.

Whether collected as part of a Morgan Dollar date-and-mint-mark set, a first-year coin collection, or a broader United States silver dollar collection, the 1878-S Morgan Dollar offers a tangible connection to America's monetary history.

Product Details

• Denomination: One Dollar ($1.00 USD)

• Year: 1878

• Mint: San Francisco (S Mint Mark)

• Series: Morgan Silver Dollar (1878–1904, 1921)

• Original Mintage: 9,774,000 business strikes

• Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

• Weight: 26.73 grams

• Diameter: 38.1 mm

• Actual Silver Weight (ASW): 0.7734 Troy Ounces

• Designer: George T. Morgan

• Obverse: Left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap

• Reverse: American eagle with outstretched wings, olive branch, and arrows

• Mint Mark Location: Reverse, beneath the wreath and above the letters DO in DOLLAR

• Edge: Reeded

• Condition: See product photographs for the exact coin offered

• Quantity: One individual coin

Please Note: This listing is for one specific 1878-S