One of the most valuable coins that are widely collected in U.S. history are the Morgan Silver Dollar. (Why?) Its beautiful design and remarkable historical significance make it a desired collector’s item.
Having released in 1878, it was struck for more than four decades before ending in 1921. However, 99% of them circulated and were used for day-to-day trade, and only a few left used for daily transactions remained in pristine condition and are valuable today.
How much is your Morgan Silver dollar worth?
The value can vary based on the year it was minted, condition, and rarity. Now let''s discuss how to determine the Morgan Silver Dollar value and how to utilize the following Morgan Silver Dollar value chart in an efficient manner.
Key Takeaways:
One of the most valuable coins that are widely collected in U.S. history are the Morgan Silver Dollar. (Why?) Its beautiful design and remarkable historical significance make it a desired collector’s item.
Having released in 1878, it was struck for more than four decades before ending in 1921. However, 99% of them circulated and were used for day-to-day trade, and only a few left used for daily transactions remained in pristine condition and are valuable today.
How much is your Morgan Silver dollar worth?
The value can vary based on the year it was minted, condition, and rarity. Now let''s discuss how to determine the Morgan Silver Dollar value and how to utilize the following Morgan Silver Dollar value chart in an efficient manner.
Key Takeaways:
The Morgan Silver Dollar value ranges from $80 to as high as $20,000, which varies based on mintmark, condition, and rarity.
Mintmarks Matter: CC (Carson City) coins are the rarest, while Philadelphia coins have no mintmark.
Minted from 1878 to 1921, the Morgan Silver dollars are treasured by collectors for their rich history and beauty.
The Story Behind the Iconic Design
In 1878, the Bland-Allison Act was formulated to spur the creation of a new silver dollar; a design competition was conducted between Morgan and Charles Barber. Morgan''s design was accepted; it featured Miss Liberty modeled by Anna Willess Williams, a local schoolteacher with a perfectly sculpted profile.
Did you know?
As George T. Morgan came to America, he brought along the fine ideas that would shape a new era in U.S. coin-making.
Though Morgan wished the teacher to remain nameless, this was not to be, for her identity became public, adding to the intrigue of the coin''s story. The Morgan Silver Dollar stood out for its representation of a real American woman, which allows collectors to be attached to its design even today.
Morgan Silver Dollar Value Chart (Spot Your Treasure)
The Morgan Silver Dollar value chart is a concise and perfect tool to identify what one coin is worth based on the mint year, mint mark, and condition.
Year
Mint Mark
Good (G-4)
Extremely Fine (EF- 40)
Uncirculated (MS- 60)
1878
None
$35
$55
$75
1881
CC
$180
$300
$600
1893
S
$2,500
$4,000
$6,000
9121
D
$30
$45
$65
Here it goes: a rare date such as 1893-S is extremely valuable compared to an ordinary year such as 1921. Use this Morgan dollar value chart to determine whether or not you possess a collector''s treasure!
Essential Tips For Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars (Start Here)
There is more to Morgan Silver Dollars than just a hobby; it is noticing design changes that differentiate each coin. Despite using the same design from 1878 to 1921, subtle reverse modifications set apart four designs that every collector should know about.
Most Important Design and Key Dates to Recognize
1878 - 8 Tail Feathers (Reverse Type A): The first version was quickly updated.
1878 - 7 Tail Feathers (Reverse Type B): The fix is now a more familiar design.
1879 - Slanted Arrow Feather (Reverse Type C): Known for its slanted arrows on the design.
1921 - Parallel Arrow Feather (Reverse Type D): The final version featured parallel arrows.
Knowing these differences will help spot rare finds and thus increase the "valuation" of one''s collection!
Unique and Highly Collectible Morgan Dollars You Shouldn’t Miss!
These include the rare corners and certain flaws in mintage that are referred to as VAMs. Agreed, these are more visible under a magnifying glass, but some of them can also be detected by the naked eye, making them all the more precious in the eyes of collectors.
Top VAM Varieties to Look For:
1888-O "Scarface": This reference is made to a raised line on Lady Liberty''s cheek due to a die crack.
1888-O "Hot Lips": A double die makes Liberty''s lips appear to overlap.
1878-S "Funky Feather": The eagle''s wing feathers look as though they have a rough-grain texture.
A coin''s attribution and proof-like (PL) finish stand to enhance its worth significantly!
Mint Marks On the Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan Silver Dollars'' values were struck at five facilities of the U.S. Mint, and depending on the mintmark, their values can be decided.
Here are the various mintmarks on the Morgan Silver Dollar:
No Mintmark: P (Philadelphia Mint)
The largest U.S. Mint, the Philadelphia Mint, produced the largest quantity of Morgan Dollars in 1878–1904 and in 1921. The 1895 Morgan Dollar is quite rare, having only 880 proof strikes and no known business strikes.
No mintmark appears on coins from the Philadelphia facility of the US Mint. , indicating high mintage and more common availability.
D (Denver Mint)
Denver Mint produced Morgan Dollars only in 1921, and since then, they never made them again. The 1921-D Morgan Dollar was produced after a 17-year hiatus, after a large melting of Morgans under the 1918 Pittman Act. With a mintage of 20.3 million, they are not rare since they have a high mintage.
O (New Orleans Mint)
The New Orleans Mint minted Morgan Dollars between 1879–1904 but remained open sporadically because of policy and economic fluctuations. Some of the New Orleans Morgans have slumped strikes because of worn dies and reduced striking pressure. The 1904-O Morgan Dollar was the last year of production prior to the eventual closure of the mint in 1909.
S (San Francisco Mint)
They were produced at the San Francisco Mint from 1878–1904 and in 1921 and are famous for having crisp, high-grade strikes. The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is one of the most rare, only 100,000 were produced. The 1921-S Morgan was among the last to be minted before the change to the Peace Dollar.
CC (Carson City Mint)
Carson City Mint produced Morgan Dollars 1878-1885 and 1889-1893, and small mintages have rendered them extremely popular among collectors. It was founded because of the Comstock Lode silver boom. The 1889-CC Morgan is one to remember, and a mere 350,000 were made, with the mint closing down for good in 1893.
With no mint marks, you know that your coin came from Philadelphia, which is more often than not why coins struck at that location are not considered so rare value-wise either. Minted Carson City (CC) or San Francisco (S) coins will be the most sought after!
Locating the Mintmark on a Morgan Dollar (Actually Quite Easy)
Upon examining the coin, check for the mintmark, usually located on the backside of the coin near the bottom of the design. Coins minted in Carson City (CC) are especially sought after since they originate from the legendary Comstock Lode.
Conclusion
Thinking of collecting the Morgan Silver Dollars? You’re not alone. Morgan Silver Dollars Are More Than Just Coins—They’re History. With their intricate designs, their value gets even better.
Rare CC mintmarks and varieties, such as Scarface, have these coins commanding attention. Want to know the real secret? Understanding the Morgan silver dollar value can turn an ordinary find into a collector’s gem. So, whether you’re a newbie or a pro, these coins are worth the hunt.
If you are passionate about collecting, BOLD Precious Metals is your trusted source for Morgan Silver Dollars, Peace Dollars, and American Silver Eagles—get yours today!
