Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
A fascinating four-coin grouping of historic United States 90% silver dollars, bridging two of the nation's most iconic numismatic eras. The set features a first-year-of-issue 1878 Morgan dollar, a final-year 1921 Morgan dollar, and two Peace dollars dated 1922 and 1928.
Story
Congress passed the Bland-Allison Act in 1878, forcing the U.S. Treasury to buy massive amounts of Western silver and strike it into these heavy, satisfying cartwheels. They became the literal bedrock of the American West, jingling in the pockets of cowboys, railroad barons, and saloon keepers alike.
Maker / Origin
The Morgan dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, a talented English engraver who used an American schoolteacher, Anna Willess Williams, as his model for Liberty. The Peace dollar was designed by Anthony de Francisci, an Italian-American sculptor who used his wife Teresa as his model, capturing her wind-blown hair to symbolize a fresh, hopeful post-WWI era.
Condition & Value
The coins show honest circulation wear consistent with their age, with some moderate surface toning, minor scratches, and localized discoloration on the 1922 Peace dollar. The 1878 Morgan dollar retains quite sharp details on Liberty's hair and the eagle's breast feathers, suggesting a higher grade.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.