Roger Burdette: First 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollars Struck

The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic coins in American numismatic history. Introduced in 1878, the coin symbolizes a transformative era of the U.S. Mint and American silver coinage. While much has been written about the Morgan Dollar series, the first 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollars struck at the San Francisco Mint hold a special place in this legacy. Recent research by respected numismatic historian Roger Burdette sheds light on the production of these early coins, offering collectors and enthusiasts new insights into their history.

The Morgan Dollar Era Begins

The Morgan Silver Dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, was introduced following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. This legislation mandated the U.S. government to purchase large quantities of silver and strike them into coins, effectively stabilizing the silver market and increasing circulation of silver dollars. The coin features a striking design: Lady Liberty on the obverse, with a detailed eagle holding arrows and an olive branch on the reverse.

While the series began with production at the Philadelphia Mint in March 1878, the San Francisco Mint began striking Morgan Dollars later that year. These early coins have always drawn attention from collectors for their quality and historical importance, but much of their production process remained mysterious—until Burdette’s research.

Burdette’s Insights on the First 1878-S Morgan Dollars

Roger Burdette, a prolific numismatic researcher and author, is known for his meticulous work in uncovering forgotten details about U.S. coinage. Through his investigation into archival documents, mint records, and historical correspondence, Burdette has pieced together the story of the first 1878-S Morgan Dollars.

According to Burdette, the San Francisco Mint received its working dies for the Morgan Dollar design in the spring of 1878, shortly after the Philadelphia Mint began production. These dies were prepared using the first master hubs created by George T. Morgan himself. The San Francisco Mint was renowned for its superior craftsmanship and consistently struck some of the best-quality coins in the Morgan Dollar series.

Why the First 1878-S Morgan Dollars Matter

The 1878-S Morgan Silver Dollars are prized among collectors for several reasons:

1. Historical Significance: As part of the first production of Morgan Dollars outside Philadelphia, these coins represent the expansion of U.S. silver dollar production to the West Coast.
2. High Quality: Early strikes from the San Francisco Mint are known for their sharp details and strong strikes, making them visually stunning additions to any collection.
3. Low Population: While millions of Morgan Dollars were minted over the years, the earliest strikes from 1878-S are scarce, adding to their desirability.

Collecting the 1878-S Morgan Dollar

For collectors, owning a first-year 1878-S Morgan Dollar offers both a connection to history and a tangible piece of numismatic artistry. Coins from this initial production are distinguishable by their distinct die characteristics and strong strikes. Burdette’s findings have encouraged collectors to reexamine these coins, particularly those with prooflike surfaces or other striking anomalies that may indicate their status as early strikes.

Conclusion

Burdette’s work not only enriches our understanding of the 1878-S Morgan Dollar but also underscores the importance of meticulous research in numismatics. His efforts help collectors and historians appreciate the complexity of coin production during the late 19th century. By uncovering the stories behind these coins, Burdette ensures their legacy endures for future generations.

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