1891 Morgan Silver Dollar Value: Grading, Varieties & Market Prices

Posted on October 01, 2024 by BOLD Precious Metals

Did you know reclaimed trade dollar bullion was used to produce a large portion of the 1891 Morgan Silver Dollar coins and 1891-O Morgan Dollars? The 1891 Morgan Silver Dollar Value shows its continuing effect on numismatics as well as its timeless appeal.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Treasury Department released a large number of coins featuring the 1891 Morgan Dollar that were previously minted. One of the most prevalent dates in the Morgan Dollar series is said to be the 1891 Morgan Silver Dollar. It was said to be so common that there must have been tons of them in every Philadelphia bank.

To find out more about the 1891 Morgan Silver Dollar value, keep reading.

Types and Varieties of the 1891 Silver Dollar

The US Treasury Department and banks that backed paper money with Morgan silver dollars kept a large number of them in canvas bags. As a result, a large number of the specimens that still exist today have surface flaws like bag marks that show they were moved between bank vaults. Some coins feature exquisite toning that raises the 1891 Morgan silver dollar value.

A new set of coin dies has proof-like surfaces on the first few strikes, which significantly raise the coin's value. Furthermore, collectors like uncirculated samples that grade MS-64 and higher, as they are quite valuable.

1891 (Philadelphia)

The Philadelphia mint operation struck Proof coins in addition to business strike quality coins for general circulation. Throughout the year, 650 proof coins were made in total. Take caution when handling altered or fake 1891 Morgan silver dollar-proof coins. Make sure the coin dealer you choose to purchase your proof coin is credible.

Mintage: 8,693,556

Circulated: $20.00

Uncirculated: $120.00

1891-CC (Carson City, Nevada)

Despite the fact that Carson City did not make any Proof coins, certain coins with frosted devices and mirrored fields may resemble proof coins. Price guides list these as DMPL (Deep Mirrored Proof Like).

Mintage: 1,618,000

Circulated: $90.00

Uncirculated: $650.00

1891-O (New Orleans, Louisiana)

The second-highest circulation striking Morgan silver dollar coins of 1891 were produced by the New Orleans mint. Regretfully, the majority of the coin struck lacked sufficient pressure to reveal the coin's finer characteristics.

Mintage: 7,954,529

Circulated: $20.00

Uncirculated: $300.00

1891-S (San Francisco, California)

A little more than 5 million coins were minted at the San Francisco mint. The majority of these coins had the finer details and were skillfully struck, as one would anticipate from a coin made with care.

Mintage: 5,296,000

Circulated: $20.00

Uncirculated: $100.00

Grading the 1891 Silver Dollar

One can never be sure of a coin's condition, especially if it is one hundred years old or older. These coins will almost certainly have significant wear and tear due to their prolonged circulation. Although there are a few well-preserved coins, circulation has caused deterioration to the great bulk of these coins.

For most people, sending a coin to be graded by a professional institution is the best approach to have its condition assessed. Since this is an expensive procedure that not everyone can afford, we have listed the various coin grades along with their attributes below.

Uncirculated: Uncirculated coins are those that have never been on the open market, according to the grade assigned to them. You will see that the coin's general texture and even its original sheen have held up over time as a result of this. These are by far the most sought-after Morgan Silver Dollars among collectors.
Extremely Fine: Coins with this grade have only been in circulation for a short while. These coins have managed to elude most signs of wear and tear despite being in circulation. Having said that, it shouldn't be too difficult to detect some minor surface scratches.
Fine: The grade "fine" designates coins that have been in circulation for a long time but may not have sustained any significant deterioration. The exchange of hands will cause the surfaces of these coins to slightly smooth out, and you might even notice a light coating of scratches. Overall, the condition of these coins is respectable.
Good: A coin with a Good grade indicates that it has likely sustained significant damage while in circulation. There isn't a single kind of damage that these coins endure—from severe scratches to surface chipping. Needless to say, these items are a wonderful complement to any collection, but they have undoubtedly seen better days.

Current Market Value of the 1891 Silver Dollar

Finding an exact price point for coins that are as old as the Morgan Silver Dollar from 1891 seems much harder than it is. The type of Morgan you own is the first factor you need to consider when setting a price. Given that up to four distinct varieties of Morgan silver dollars were manufactured each year, the particular sort you possess will influence the asking price. Second, the sum you are requested to pay will obviously depend on the state of your Morgan. The chart below tries to provide you with a better understanding of the Morgan Silver Dollar value based on its type and condition.

Date	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1891 Morgan Dollar	N/A	N/A	$40	$45
1891 Morgan Dollar (CC)	N/A	N/A	$140	$190
1891 Morgan Dollar (O)	N/A	N/A	$40	$55
1891 Morgan Dollar (S)	N/A	N/A	$40	$45

Conclusion

The 1891 Morgan Silver Dollar is more than just a piece of old currency; it's a treasure trove of history, craftsmanship, and value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, understanding the different varieties and conditions of these coins can help you make informed decisions. Remember, while the market prices can fluctuate, the thrill of owning a piece of American history remains priceless. So, whether you’ve got a well-worn piece or a pristine, uncirculated coin, cherish it—because the 1891 Morgan Silver Dollar value may keep increasing as per condition and has a unique story to tell!