One of the most collected and authentic original heirlooms from the “Old West” is the famed Carson City Silver Dollar. This historic coin, first minted in 1878 and made from 100% solid silver, is a valuable memento of an era in American history when pioneers were challenging the West. The silver in this dollar was mined from the rich Comstock Lode, discovered in the mountains near Carson City, Nevada. The Carson City Mint was established in 1870, and although it was in existence for a mere 24 years, it produced many coins that have endured as collectors’ items.

The obverse of the coin depicts Lady Liberty in full stride, cloaked in Old Glory, walking toward a new day. She carries branches of laurel and oak in her arms. The motto “In God We Trust” rests to the right of her calf. The reverse of the coin features an American bald eagle with wings spread proudly. It rests on a rocky crag with mountain pine sapling springing from it’s cracks.

Responsible for the design of the coin was Adolph A. Weinman, a German immigrant who studied under the tutelage of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, designer of the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold piece. Weinman’s initials can be found under the wing tip of the eagle on the reverse side of the coin.

The link to a historic period in our nation’s history makes these coins an authentic keepsake that represents the heritage of the American Frontier.