ANS LONG TABLE: ERIC BROTHERS ON THE MORGAN DOLLAR

Eric Brothers Presents Morgan Dollar Research

Numismatic author Eric Brothers recently made a video presentation on the Morgan Dollar. It was produced as part of the American Numismatic Society's Long Table series of lectures. His talk can be found on YouTube under the title, "Long Table 247. The Morgan Dollar: An Artistic Failure." This presentation is based on his article in Numismatic News, ""Pelican Bat of the Wilderness": Creation and Reception of the Morgan Dollar" (September 9, 2025).

The Morgan dollar is arguably the most popular collectible United States coin. However, the artistry of this silver dollar was severely criticized upon its debut in 1878. This criticism continued well into the 20th century. Employing primary sources, Brothers discusses the critical reception that the Morgan dollar received. Among the criticism Morgan's dollar received was published in the Carson City Morning Appeal (April 17, 1878): "Great disgust was expressed at the general appearance of the [design]. All that has been said as to the wretched workmanship of the Philadelphia dollar, will be equally true of the Carson dollar …. The [reverse design] represents the same wide, flat, pelican-bat of the wilderness …."

Brothers has been a numismatic author for over twenty years. His work has been published in Palm Beach Coin News, Coins, Numismatic News, CDN Greysheet Monthly, and The Numismatist. He currently writes for ANS Magazine, Financial History, CDN Greysheet Monthly, and Numismatic News. Brothers is also a freelance numismatic copywriter.

To watch the complete video, see:
Long Table 247. The Morgan Dollar: An Artistic Failure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLeT4GvkBQ8)

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