The absence of a date on a Morgan silver dollar invariably indicates damage or alteration. These coins, originally minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, always bore a date signifying the year of production. The removal of this date, typically through intentional abrasion or wear, diminishes numismatic value and hinders authentication efforts.
The date is crucial for identifying the mint of origin and the specific variety of the coin. Without it, determining rarity, historical significance, and potential value becomes significantly more challenging. This lack of a date impacts its collectibility and its usefulness in understanding the coin’s production history and economic context.