1878 Morgan Dollar Skull “Hobo Coin” Novelty Token-Skeleton Liberty Design

Modern novelty hobo-style Morgan Dollar token patterned after the famous 1878 U.S. Morgan silver dollar. The obverse replaces the traditional portrait of Liberty with a dramatic skeletal/skull version of Lady Liberty, while retaining Morgan-inspired elements including the date 1878, stars and the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

The reverse closely follows the classic Morgan Dollar layout, featuring an American eagle with outstretched wings, wreath, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”

Despite the convincing aged finish and Morgan Dollar appearance, this is not an original 1878 U.S. Morgan Dollar that was subsequently hand-carved. It is a modern reproduction/novelty token manufactured with the skull design already incorporated. Identical 1878 “Lady Liberty Skull” pieces are currently marketed as modern hobo coins at about 38 mm in diameter and roughly 22–25 grams. 

The antiqued silver-tone finish gives the piece an attractive circulated appearance, with darkened recessed areas emphasizing the skull, hair, lettering and eagle. The example shown remains in very good overall condition with strong detail throughout.

These have become popular as conversation pieces and with collectors of hobo-style coins, skull imagery, exonumia and unusual Americana.