1889 Morgan Silver Dollar — Bill Tilghman, Legendary Lawman of the Old West
Step back into the era of the American Old West with this 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar featuring the story and likeness of legendary lawman Bill Tilghman.
This historic Morgan dollar dates to 1889, a fascinating period in American history when the American frontier was rapidly changing and towns, railroads, settlers, and lawmen were shaping the developing West. The 1889 Morgan dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The Philadelphia Mint produced 21,726,000 Morgan dollars in 1889.
The Story of Bill Tilghman
William Matthew "Bill" Tilghman Jr. (1854–1924) became one of the notable lawmen of the American frontier. Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, he moved with his family to Kansas and became involved in the rugged life of the frontier at an early age. His career included buffalo hunting, scouting, ranching, and law enforcement.
Tilghman served as a lawman in Dodge City and later became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in Oklahoma Territory. Along with fellow lawmen Heck Thomas and Chris Madsen, he became associated with the group later known as Oklahoma's "Three Guardsmen," who worked to bring law and order to the territory.
His life continued well beyond the classic frontier years. Tilghman eventually entered politics and was involved in filmmaking, including a film about Oklahoma outlaws in which he participated as both director and actor. His remarkable life came to an end in 1924 when he was serving as marshal of Cromwell, Oklahoma.
The Morgan Dollar
The Morgan dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and became one of America's most recognizable silver coins. The 1889 example in this presentation is an authentic period Morgan dollar and contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of silver.
Coin: 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar
Metal: 90% Silver / 10% Copper
Silver Content: Approximately 0.7734 troy oz.
Mint: Philadelphia (no mint mark)
Condition: Ungraded / Uncertified — Very Good condition based on visual inspection
Presentation: Original historical Western-themed card and sleeve
Coin Holder: Coin remains vacuum sealed in the original presentation card
A Piece of the Old West
What makes this collectible particularly interesting is the combination of an actual 19th-century American silver dollar with the story of a real figure from the American frontier.
The Morgan dollar was circulating during the very era in which Bill Tilghman was building his reputation as a frontier lawman. While the coin itself does not have a direct historical connection to Tilghman, bringing the two together creates a memorable collectible celebrating both American coinage and the history of the Old West.
The coin remains sealed in its original presentation card and sleeve. The original presentation has been preserved rather than opened or altered.
Please note: This Morgan dollar has not been professionally graded or encapsulated by a third-party grading service. The condition stated above is an informal description based on visual examination. The photographs provided should be considered part of the condition description and show the actual item being offered.
A wonderful collectible for Morgan dollar enthusiasts, Old West history collectors, Western Americana enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the stories behind America's historic silver coinage.
Condition: Circulated — ungraded; see photographs.
