The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most celebrated and widely collected coins in American history. Named after its designer, George T. Morgan, this dollar coin was minted from 1878 to 1904, and then again in 1921. The Morgan Dollar holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and historians alike for its iconic design, its role in American monetary history, and the stories of the Wild West and industrial era that it conjures.

### Design
- **Obverse:** The obverse features a profile portrait of Liberty, modeled after Anna Willess Williams, whom Morgan deemed to embody Liberty's features. The design includes the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the year of minting. Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with cotton and wheat, symbolizing America's agricultural heritage.
- **Reverse:** The reverse displays an eagle with outstretched wings holding an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and military readiness, respectively. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "ONE DOLLAR" encircle the eagle, along with a wreath.

### Specifications
- **Metal Content:** 90% silver, 10% copper.
- **Weight:** 26.73 grams.
- **Diameter:** 38.1 mm (1.5 inches).
- **Edge:** Reeded.

### Minting and Mint Marks
Morgan Dollars were produced at several U.S. Mints:
- Philadelphia (no mint mark)
- New Orleans (O)
- San Francisco (S)
- Carson City (CC)
- Denver (D, only in 1921)

Mint marks are located on the reverse, below the wreath and above the "DO" in "DOLLAR."

### Historical Context
The Morgan Dollar was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a specified amount of silver to be coined into dollars each month. It was part of the government's efforts to stabilize the silver market and support silver mining interests in the West.

### Collectibility and Value
- **Key Dates:** Some of the most sought-after Morgan Dollars by collectors include the 1893-S, known for its low mintage making it rare, the 1889-CC, 1895 (proof only), and the 1903-O, which was once considered rare until a hoard was discovered in the 1960s.
- **Condition:** The value of Morgan Dollars can vary significantly based on their condition (grade), mint mark, and rarity. Coins in uncirculated condition, especially those with proof-like (PL) or deep mirror proof-like (DMPL) surfaces, are highly prized.
- **GSA Hoard:** The discovery of millions of Morgan Dollars in the General Services Administration (GSA) hoard in the 1970s, particularly Carson City minted coins, revived interest in the series and led to a resurgence in collecting these silver dollars.

Morgan Silver Dollars encapsulate a vibrant chapter of American history, embodying the country’s values, industrial growth, and the legacy of the Wild West. Their popularity among collectors is not just because of their beauty and silver content, but also the rich stories and history that each coin represents.