Smithsonian's Hidden Gem Have you ever pondered the mysteries concealed within the Smithsonian's vaults? Imagined the historical treasures that might be tucked away there? Well, your curiosity ends here because the Smithsonian's researchers have made a remarkable discovery of great numismatic significance!

The Unveiling of a Precious Find After a quiet 40-year slumber in the Smithsonian's vaults, it was finally unveiled – George T. Morgan's personal sketchbook! George T. Morgan, a former U.S. Mint Chief Engraver, achieved legendary status as the designer of the iconic Morgan Silver Dollars from the American Wild West era.

A Monumental Historical Artifact The Smithsonian staff was well aware of the sketchbook's existence, but the revelation of its contents left them astounded. This sketchbook, a historical treasure trove, contained entries that began before Morgan's journey from England to the United States in 1876 and extended several years into his tenure at the United States Mint. The historical significance of this newfound piece of Morgan's legacy cannot be overstated, and it has patiently awaited its moment to be shared with numismatists worldwide.

The Almost-Forgotten Design Among Morgan's entries lay several original designs, previously unseen by the numismatic world. However, one page, tucked away in the middle of the sketchbook, immediately caught researchers' attention. Page 31 held a sketch that piqued their curiosity – a design for a new U.S. Trade Dollar, which was minted between 1873 and 1885.

Morgan's Vision of Global Influence In contrast to U.S. Silver Dollars, trade dollars were specifically crafted for circulation in foreign lands, particularly in Asia. During that era, foreign commerce mainly relied on European coinage, and introducing an American coin into that market was seen as a means to bolster the United States' financial influence overseas.

The Untapped Legacy of Morgan's First Dollars Considering the age of Morgan's sketchbook, it's evident that if his design had been realized and minted, these coins would have surfaced sometime in the 1880s. This would not only have expanded the reach of American currency worldwide but also granted them the historical distinction of being Morgan's First Dollars!

A Fresh Morgan Design for Your Collection Upon the rediscovery of this remarkable design, immediate plans were set in motion to share this piece of American history with numismatists. The obvious solution? To provide collectors with a tangible piece of history that they can hold and add to their collections. For history and coin enthusiasts, the allure of physically possessing a genuine piece of numismatic history is undeniable. These proofs have been christened as Morgan's First Dollars, and the exceptional result of minting Morgan's historic design is nothing short of awe-inspiring!