The Difference Between Dollars: Morgan vs Peace
Morgan Dollars
Named for its designer U.S. Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan, the Morgan Dollar was minted by the United States from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. These coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper with a reeded edge and are known for their value, design, and beauty.
These silver coins are the most common 19th-century U.S. coinage and hold historical significance as part of America’s development westward. In the early 1960s, large quantities of uncirculated Morgan Dollars were found in Treasury vaults and largely sold to individuals, including some issues that were once thought to be rare.
Obverse
The obverse of the Morgan Dollar features a Head of Liberty facing left with E Pluribus Unum (in caps), the mint year, and 13 stars encircling it. The word Liberty is stamped into the headpiece of the Head of Liberty and features various plants.
Reverse
The reverse of the coin features an eagle with wings outstretched and clasping arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Between the eagle’s wings are the words “in God we trust,” and a laurel wreath cups the eagle’s body. Around the outer edge of the reverse design are the words United States of America One Dollar.
Peace Dollars
The peace dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, was a dollar coin minted by the U.S. from 1921 to 1928. Like the Morgan Dollar, these coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper with a reeded edge. The U.S. Mint created a new silver dollar design memorializing the peace that followed the First World War.
The initial design included a broken sword, but the public thought it was illustrative of defeat, so the coin’s design was modified to remove it. 3000,000 Peace Dollars bearing a 1964 date were minted in 1965, but these were never issued, and it’s rumored that the entire run was melted down.
Obverse
The obverse of the Peace Dollar features the head and neck of the Goddess of Liberty facing left with a crown atop her head. The word Liberty and the mint year are featured around the upper and lower edges of the obverse, respectively. The words In God We Trust are also featured split to the sides of the neck of the Goddess of Liberty.
Reverse
The reverse of the coin depicts a bald eagle perched on a rock with the legend Peace and has an olive branch clutched in its talons. The words United States of America and E Pluribus Unum arc around the top. The words One Dollar are split to either side of the eagle, and rays are depicted coming from the lower right side of the design.