1881 Morgan Dollar PCGS MS66 - 1881 Morgan $1 PCGS MS66. In Superb Gem condition, this 1881 Morgan Dollar is tied for the second finest known at both PCGS and NGC. The coin shows satiny mint luster radiating on both sides. This is a boldly struck piece with full details on Libertys hair above the ear and on the eagles breast feathers. As expected for a coin in this condition, the surfaces are original and extremely clean with virtually no abrasion marks or other distractions. It is a sweetheart of a piece to enjoy.

George T. Morgan was born on January 4, 1845 in Birmingham, England. Morgan attended the Birmingham Art School and won a scholarship to the South Kensington Art School. He worked as an assistant under the Wyons at the British Royal Mint. In 1876 Morgan immigrated to the United States and was hired as an assistant to William Barber at the United States Mint. Morgan reported directly to Mint Director Henry R. Linderman, whose office was moved to Washington D.C. in 1873, no doubt upsetting Engraver Barber and his son, Assistant Engraver, Charles Barber. Morgan was involved in the production of pattern coins from 1877 until his death in 1925. He designed varieties of the 1877 half dollar, the Schoolgirl dollar of 1879, and the Shield Earring coins of 1882. He became the seventh Chief Engraver in 1917 with the death of Charles E. Barber. Today, Morgan is most known for his design of the Morgan Dollar of 1878 to 1921. A recently found, although never released design was for the $100 Gold Union. 

By some standards his career was a disappointment. He was an Assistant Engraver for over forty years and during that time designed only one regular issued United States coin, the famous Morgan Dollar. In 1917 Charles Barber died. Morgan, at age 72, finally became Chief Engraver.

Morgans design for the dollar shows a close head of Liberty in profile facing left. She wears a headband inscribed LIBERTY. In her hair are cotton, corn, wheat, and tobacco. She wears a modified Phrygian cap and is surrounded with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, thirteen stars (seven left and six right), and the date. The reverse shows an eagle with wings raised looking left. In its talons are arrows and olive branch, symbols of preparedness and peace. A wreath is below and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST is above. Except for the eagles wing tips, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR circumscribe the design.

At PCGS only 3 1881 Morgan dollar have been certified finer than the present piece. Similarly, at NGC only 4 have achieved a higher grade.