The cessation of mintage for circulating silver dollars in the United States occurred at different times depending on the specific type of coin considered. While various dollar coins containing silver were produced at different points, the end of general circulation for coins composed primarily of the precious metal can be traced to specific legislative and economic factors. The Morgan dollar, a widely recognized example, ceased production for general circulation in 1904.
The historical significance of this event lies in the changing economic landscape of the nation. The rising price of silver, coupled with the desire to stabilize the currency and control the money supply, led to the discontinuation of widespread silver dollar production. This transition marked a shift away from specie-backed currency and towards a more fiat-based system, ultimately impacting the value and perception of American money.