San Francisco Silver from the Days of the Wild West

I have always been fascinated by the history of the United States old west. It was a place where fortunes could be made and gave people the chance to find a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, much of what we now see of the old west is highly romanticized by movies and television. The real west was dangerous, smelly, violent, where you had to constantly be on the lookout for peril. That's why most people flocked to the safety of bigger cities, but even there disease was a constant threat.

However, progress was made throughout the latter 1800's and the west was won. Eventually, the outlaws and violence were contained. Many of the remnants of the era live on in the coinage produced in that time period. Today I'm sharing a Morgan silver dollar that is from 1880 and was minted in San Francisco, California. This one isn't exactly shiny and new, but that's really part of why I like it. Have a look:

About the coin:

From numista.com

What I like about this particular Morgan dollar is that it's so well used. It's one that I don't mind picking up with my hands because I'm not going to damage the surface or decrease the value in doing so. It's nice to have a coin that is 146 years old and actually hold it in your hand. I really makes you think about all of the hands it has passed through over the years and what it was spent on as well. Coming from the San Francisco Mint it was probably circulated in the US wild west, maybe even some famous lawmen or outlaws carried it!

Today this coin isn't worth much more than the silver value to be honest, you might get $78 and there is $65 worth of silver. It's still one I wouldn't part with however, as I am a sentimental sucker for Morgan dollars. I very rarely sell any of them! This one will undoubtedly become my son's problem to deal with, and he may well choose to sell it. But I hope not! Then again, silver might be worth over $500 some day, if that happens I would think he's crazy not to sell... Or at least not trade it for gold!

I have done several post with more information about Morgan dollars over the years, here's one of the more recent one's in you are interested in learning more about their design and history here.

That will do it for me today, I do hope you enjoyed seeing the Morgan for San Francisco. Hard to believe it's 146 years old! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below and as always, thank you for all of your support. It really is greatly appreciated. Have a great Wednesday everyone!

References:

https://en.numista.com/1492

Disclaimer

I am not a financial planner and this isn't financial advice. Please always do your own research before investing your money. You worked hard enough to earn it!

All pictures are mine unless otherwise indicated.