1896 Dollar Appraisal

1896 Morgan Dollar

The item is identified as an 1896 Morgan Dollar, a silver dollar coin issued by the United States Mint. It features a portrait of Lady Liberty in profile on the obverse (front) side, facing left. Lady Liberty's hair is intricately detailed, and she wears a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat and cotton stalks, symbolizing agricultural prosperity. The word "LIBERTY" is clearly inscribed on the band of her cap. Above her head, encircling the rim of the coin, is the motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Thirteen stars are arranged around the lower half of the coin, representing the original thirteen colonies. Below Liberty's portrait, the year "1896" is prominently displayed. The coin has a reeded edge, visible along its circumference. The material appears to be silver, consistent with Morgan Dollars, which were primarily composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin exhibits a natural patina, suggesting its age. There are some signs of wear consistent with circulation, such as minor scratches and softening of the highest points of the design, particularly on Lady Liberty's hair and facial features, although the details remain largely clear. No significant damage like large dents or deep gouges is immediately apparent. The overall condition suggests a Fine to Very Fine grade, showing moderate wear but still retaining considerable detail. There are no visible mint marks in the provided image, which would indicate standard Philadelphia mintage, but a more detailed inspection would be required to confirm this or identify other potential mint marks (e.g., 'S' for San Francisco, 'O' for New Orleans). The craftsmanship is characteristic of late 19th-century US coinage, reflecting a high level of detail for mass-produced currency of the era. The design is a classic example of American numismatic artistry from the period.