The Morgan dollar, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, featured the profile of George T. Morgan’s design of Lady Liberty. Later, the Peace dollar, minted from 1921 to 1928 and again in 1934 and 1935, presented a different image of Liberty designed by Anthony de Francisci. These depictions, while symbolic representations and not portraits of actual individuals, provided a recognizable human element to the coinage. The Morgan dollar is particularly notable for its association with the American Old West.
Numismatic interest in these coins arises from their historical context, artistic merit, and the variations found within the series. Different mint marks, die varieties, and conditions can significantly affect their value. The Morgan dollar’s production coincided with a period of significant economic change in the United States, including the transition from bimetallism to the gold standard. The Peace dollar, on the other hand, reflects the sentiment of the nation following World War I. Studying these coins offers insights into the artistic trends, economic policies, and historical events of their respective eras.