The Morgan Silver Dollar, which was minted between 1878 and 1921, has always been a favorite of collectors and investors. The coin’s long history, combined with yearly mintages and different conditions, forms a major part of its demand and market value. This guide clarifies certain elements that affect the valuation of Morgan Silver Dollars, as well as provides a fairly expansive value chart for the key date and mint mark combinations.
Factors Influencing Morgan Silver Dollar Values:
Some of the factors determining the fate of any Morgan Silver Dollar coin are:
- Date and Mint Mark: Coins of certain years and mints, especially those produced in smaller numbers, are always rarer and thus more valuable.
- Condition (Grade): The state of preservation is important. Coins are graded from Good (G-4) to Mint State (MS-65 and above). The higher the grade, the more premium price it fetches.
- Mintage Numbers: Lower mintage usually means scarcer, therefore more expensive.
- Historical Significance: Coins that have a connection to a striking historical event, or those that carry a unique story, might have an added premium.
Here is a value chart of select Morgan Silver Dollars showing values approximately according to their condition. Please note that actual market values can vary depending on demand and other factors.
| Year | Mint Mark | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-60) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1878 | CC | $113 | $153 | $174 | $318 |
| 1879 | CC | $182 | $345 | $1,671 | $4,798 |
| 1880 | CC | $226 | $280 | $301 | $350 |
| 1881 | CC | $420 | $399 | $500 | $440 |
| 1885 | CC | $550 | $600 | $700 | $1,200 |
| 1889 | CC | $1,000 | $2,500 | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| 1893 | S | $2,000 | $5,000 | $20,000 | $100,000 |
| 1895 | (Proof Only) | N/A | N/A | N/A | $50,000 |
Morgan Silver Dollars of Interest:
- 1889-CC Morgan Dollar: Struck at the Carson City Mint, this coin had a low mintage of approximately 350,000. High-grade specimens, especially MS65 or higher, can realize prices in excess of $660,000.
- 1893-S Morgan Dollar: With an estimated mintage of 100,000 coins, it is one of the rarest in the series. Their uncirculated coins trade for prices exceeding $100,000.
- 1895 Morgan Dollar: The so-called “King of Morgan Dollars”, all productions were by the Philadelphia Mint, and the few coins available are now avidly sought by collectors.
Collector and Investment Advice:
- Authenticate Coins: Due to the high worth of some Morgan Dollars, counterfeits are prevalent. Make sure your coins get graded by a reputable service such as PCGS or NGC.
- Preserve Condition: Coins should be stored in a controlled environment free from contaminants; protective holders should be used to guard against human handling.
- Stay Updated: Check price guides and market analysis frequently in order to be informed when buying or selling.
- Historical Context: Awareness of the historical setting for certain coins helps the understanding of the rarities and possibly some increase in values.
Morgan silver dollars are one of the most desired coins in all of numismatics, and they often transact for many times their face value-for example-those minted in rare years or in exceptional condition. Whether you are a collector or just a silver coin enthusiast, it is crucial to know the factors that define value: rarity, year, mint mark, and condition-before you appraise your valuable collection.
Prices on the 1889-CC, 1893-S, and 1895 Proof Morgan Silver Dollars could go beyond $100,000 and are therefore quite popular among collectors. You should do a proper appraisal on any Morgan Silver Dollars you have and get a professional appraisal for evaluation and authenticity as well.
Staying on top will make sure you are reading and knowing what things to be aware of in such situations so that you may make more informed choices and possibly discover how really precious these past coins are.
FAQS:
What are the worth of a Morgan Silver Dollar?
Morgan Silver Dollar prices are determined based on various criteria such as year, mint mark, condition, and rarity. Some Morgan Dollars may only be valued at a few dollars, while others such as the 1893-S and 1889-CC could be valued for over $100,000 in great condition.
Which Morgan Silver Dollars are worth money?
Some of the most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars include the 1893-S, 1889-CC, 1895 Proof, and 1894-O. These coins are considered rare due to low mintage numbers and subsequent demand by collectors.