1881 Silver Dollar Value

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USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar is Worth $35 in Average Condition and can be Worth $61 to $415 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Proof Coins can be Worth $3,068 or more. Coin Value Price Chart for Trade Dollars $1. Lookup Coin values for Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Brilliant Uncirculated & Proof conditions and MS grade. How much Trade Dollars are worth. Coins for sale for Trade type Dollars items. Get the best deals on 1881 O Morgan Dollar when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Free shipping on many items. 1881 O Morgan 90% Silver Dollar Ungraded You Decide the Value Nice Coin. 0 bids Ending Feb 8 at 7:46AM PST 4d 9h.

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90


Currently your 1880 Morgan silver dollar value is $25.44 . However this is just a minimum value representing how much a circulated-worn 1880 dollar is worth.

With its large silver content as a start and collector demand for the Carson City issue your coin has the potential for much higher value. Of the four mints that produced silver dollars in 1880, those struck at Carson City are scarce today. Add in the huge popularity of these coins and the prices are well above average.

Additionally, referring to the image to the right, its 'uncirculated' condition stands out as far better than most surviving 1880 Morgan silver dollars. Absence of wear, bright colorful toned luster and lack of contact marks sets this coin apart. As a collectible it is a nice example and the type collectors seek.

Judge condition and mintmarks closely. Varying degrees of wear determine condition with values listed on the chart below. Also, mintmarks identify the mint that produced your silver dollar and are valued separately. Both are covered in detail further down the page.

Mintmarks do make a difference in value. As collectors assemble sets, most include examples from each of the four mints that produced silver dollars in 1880. Identified by mintmarks located on the reverse side of the coin, these different mints are 'S' San Francisco, 'O' New Orleans and 'CC' Carson City mint. The Philadelphia mint did not place a mintmark on 1880 silver dollars.

1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Values
Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Uncirculated
1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Values Updated 2/8/2021
1880 $25.44 $27.01 $29.58 $56.13
1880 CC $98 $129 $185 $333
1880 O $27.01 $28.24 $31.15 $89.84
1880 S $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74

Top Condition Finds Top Values

Largest of US coins, silver dollars when mixed with others are heavy enough to quickly inflict deep marks and cuts onto each other. Unfortunately as part of the minting and storage process these Morgan dollars were placed into canvas bags with 1000 other silver dollars. Easy to imagine the stacking, handling and transporting of bags resulted in a multitude of abrasions.

Surviving today without marks from a thousand coins per bag is rare for an 1880 silver dollar. One such rarity was sold by David Lawrence Rare Coin Auctions. Still retaining original bright luster, surfaces with the lightest of minimal bumps and bruises, the coin pictured attracted serious attention. Bidding continued until $402 was necessary for one collector to add a gem condition dollar to their collection.

Review again the above grading images, even if your coin is circulated, condition is an important part of overall 1880 Morgan silver dollar value.

Discover Highest 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Value

The degree of wear (hopefully none at all) is a little hard to gauge but is one step that needs attention. Following the lead of collectors, examine the condition of your 1880 dollar closely. As you compare your coin to the images, a close match of its condition becomes apparent. This process determines the 'grade' and using the above chart identifies an accurate value of your 1880 silver dollar.

Uncirculated: Highest 1880 Morgan silver dollar value is reserved for 'Uncirculated' examples or also known as Mint State. Coins in this 'brand new' condition are the highlights of collections. The minting process imparts a delicate frosty luster to the surface of coins. When titled, light on an uncirculated coin reflects in bright bands uninterrupted from rim to rim. Confirm your coin is uncirculated by examining Liberty's cheek and chin area, any wear across these high points shows as a break in luster.

1881 Silver Dollar Value Chart

Extremely Fine: As silver dollars begin to show slight wear their condition is graded as extremely fine. Noticeable within the hair above Liberty's forehead and behind her neck, flattening is evident. Wear and loss of roundness also shows atop the folds of her cap. Your coin in this condition is still very sharp and crisp.

Fine: Moderate wear and moderate loss of detail reduces Morgan silver dollars to the fine grade. Although wear is apparent, major design elements of her cap and hair curls remain bold and recognizable. However those original fine details are lost and replaced by flat areas.

Good: If your 1880 silver dollar has endured extensive wear it is described as 'good' condition. Despite a large loss of detail Liberty's portrait is clearly separate of the field. A few lines of hair curls show behind the base of her neck. Although heavily worn some folds to the cap are visible. A once protective rim is now all but gone and close to merging with the lettering.

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Morgan Silver Dollar Value
1878 to 1921

1878

1885

1892

1899

1879

1886

1893

1900

1880

1887

1894

1901

1881

1888

1895

1902

1882

1889

1896

1903

1883

1890

1897

1904

1884

1891

1898

1921

Every collector admires these large silver coins, every collector wants one. Their popularity is immense. Worth over $24.55 each because of silver content alone. Check your coins with the grading images and value charts. Find a rare date, mintmark or a better condition coin and Morgan silver dollar values start climbing.

No surprise here, the large size and classic designs insure Silver Dollars are one of the favorites with collectors. Each series is covered in detail, with values listed for all dates and mintmarks, including more on your 1880 Morgan silver dollar value. Compare your coins to images in the sections 'How to grade Silver Dollars' and accurately discover how much your old dollars are worth.

Coin Values Discovery finds.. 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Value and..

It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and descriptions uncovers the common to rare coin values found in your box of old coins.

Minimum Silver Value - A Good Place to Start

Many of your old US silver coin values are tied closely to the price of silver. Silver dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars are all heavy with 90% silver and worth many times their face value. With today's high value of silver your old coins are becoming surprisingly valuable. Today's Minimum Silver Coin Values

Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90


Popular and always in demand, minimum Morgan silver dollar values begin at $24.55 for a heavily worn example. Many date and mintmark combination are worth well above minimum value. A step by step approach identities key dates, mintmarks, and helps judge collector quality condition.

Steps Leading to Value:

  • Step 1: Date and Mintmark Variety - Many dates are common, many are scarce to rare, mintmarks are also identified.
  • Step 2: Grading Condition - Higher value follows higher condition. Images, video, and descriptions help narrow grade range.
  • Step 3: Special Qualities - Collector quality is highly prized. Separate coins trading at silver value from higher demand examples.

Collected today by date and mintmark, collectors form sets including each year and mint. Each combination is valued separately because of availability, many are highly valued. Further judgement of condition and surface preservation is needed to narrow how much a Morgan silver dollar is worth. Step 1 follows the value chart.

Morgan Silver Dollar Values
1878 to 1921
Condition of Coin
DateGoodFineExtremely
Fine
Mint
State
Morgan Silver Dollar Values 2/8/2021
1878 8TF $34.96 $39.67 $42.58 $166
1878 7/8TF $32.95 $34.96 $39.67 $148
1878 7TF $28.24 $34.96 $37.09 $73.19
1878 CC $67 $98 $118 $272
1878 S $28.24 $29.58 $37.09 $66.53
1879 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $56.13
1879 CC $95 $148 $878 $3,482
1879 O $28.24 $29.58 $34.96 $89.84
1879 S $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $53.08
1880 $25.44 $27.01 $29.58 $56.13
1880 CC $98 $129 $185 $333
1880 O $27.01 $28.24 $31.15 $89.84
1880 S $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1881 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $53.08
1881 CC $194 $232 $261 $330
1881 O $27.01 $27.01 $29.58 $51.74
1881 S $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1882 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $53.08
1882 CC $67 $71 $115 $153
1882 O $27.01 $27.01 $29.58 $53.08
1882 S $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $53.08
1883 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1883 CC $62 $73 $94 $154
1883 O $27.01 $28.24 $31.15 $51.74
1883 S $25.44 $29.58 $39.67 $732
1884 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1884 CC $60 $76 $103 $159
1884 O $27.01 $27.01 $29.58 $51.74
1884 S $25.44 $29.58 $51.10 Rare
1885 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1885 CC $322 $348 $395 $408
1885 O $27.01 $27.01 $29.58 $51.74
1885 S $25.44 $29.58 $51.10 $179
1886 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1886 O $27.01 $28.24 $39.67 $691
1886 S $37.09 $51.10 $76 $227
1887 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1887 O $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $73.19
1887 S $25.44 $29.58 $34.96 $96
1888 $25.44 $27.01 $29.58 $53.08
1888 O $27.01 $28.24 $29.58 $56.13
1888 S $45 $57 $87 $202
1889 $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $51.74
1889 CC $346 $494 $1,925 Rare
1889 O $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $168
1889 S $34.96 $51.10 $53 $159
1890 $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $53.08
1890 CC $61 $76 $99 $351
1890 O $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $79.27
1890 S $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $66.53
1891 $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $66.53
1891 CC $66 $90 $136 $415
1891 O $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $144
1891 S $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $73.19
1892 $31.15 $32.95 $42.58 $216
1892 CC $98 $129 $293 $1,117
1892 O $25.44 $31.15 $37.09 $203
1892 S $29.58 $37.09 $150 Rare
1893 $114 $127 $259 $762
1893 CC $154 $262 $821 $3,238
1893 O $121 $168 $353 $2,687
1893 S $1,612 $2,610 $5,220 Rare
1894 $372 $460 $584 $2,053
1894 O $34.96 $42.58 $68 $1,236
1894 S $39.67 $51.10 $154 $595
1895 O $127 $157 $372 Rare
1895 S $139 $282 $662 $3,027
1896 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1896 O $31.15 $32.95 $39.67 $1,034
1896 S $31.15 $32.95 $190 $1,831
1897 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1897 O $25.44 $29.58 $39.67 $692
1897 S $25.44 $29.58 $32.95 $66.53
1898 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1898 O $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1898 S $28.24 $32.95 $42.58 $214
1899 $40 $81 $82 $159
1899 O $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1899 S $31.15 $32.95 $51.10 $297
1900 $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1900 O $25.44 $25.44 $28.24 $51.74
1900 S $28.24 $32.95 $42.58 $183
1901 $28.24 $34.96 $62 $2,660
1901 O $27.01 $28.24 $29.58 $51.74
1901 S $29.58 $32.95 $51.10 $376
1902 $27.01 $31.15 $37.09 $56.13
1902 O $27.01 $27.01 $29.58 $53.08
1902 S $51.10 $70 $125 $228
1903 $32.95 $37.09 $39.67 $73.19
1903 O $241 $277 $292 $310
1903 S $51.10 $82 $211 $4,178
1904 $28.24 $31.15 $37.09 $89.84
1904 O $27.01 $31.15 $34.96 $53.08
1904 S $31.15 $37.09 $241 $2,671
1921 $24.55 $25.44 $28.24 $45.19
1921 D $24.55 $25.44 $28.24 $49.49
1921 S $24.55 $25.44 $28.24 $49.49

The above are wholesale Morgan Silver Dollar Values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling.

Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs.

1881 silver dollar value book value

Although these are wholesale Morgan silver dollar values, realize your coins are very popular and in strong demand.

Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Variety are Identified

One of the features of the Morgan dollar is the fine detail throughout the design. Liberty is adorned with a Liberty cap and band with 'Liberty' inscribed. Above the band are wheat heads with easily recognizable grains and leaves. Cotton bolls and cotton leaves within the design, are also well detailed. A standing eagle on the reverse with wings upright is a strong symbol of national pride and National bird. A preference for peace is represented by an olive branch and ability to defend is noted by the eagle holding three arrows.

Mints and Mintmarks of the Morgan Silver Dollar Series

Morgan silver dollars enjoy a large following of collectors. Sets of the coins typically include each date and mintmark variety. Five mints were involved in production of the series over the years 1878 to 1921. Each mint variety is valued by demand on supplies and condition of the coin. Mintmarks were used by the branch mints to indicate their production, and are key to Morgan silver dollar values.

'CC' Mintmark: Carson City Mint Struck the Coin

Carson City Morgan dollars are both very popular with collectors and are the scarce mintmark variety. Minted in only 13 years of the series, the mint's total production was 13.8 million coins, lowest of all mints. Each Carson City dollar is a premium coin in all grades. Lowest coinage years 1881, 1885, and 1889 are very scarce. High condition examples are closely judged and graded.

Carson City mint used a 'CC' mintmark to identify its production. On the reverse under the bow tying the olive wreath a 'CC' mintmark is a Carson City silver dollar.

'S' Mintmark: San Francisco Mint Struck the Coin

San Francisco is the only mint that struck coins for circulation every year of the Morgan Dollar series. A complete date run of San Francisco variety dollars is a popular sub-collection. To complete the collection an 1893-S dollar is needed, the key high value coin to the series. 100,000 were minted, lowest mintage of any variety, all are highly sought.

San Francisco mint placed a small 'S' mintmark on coins. On the reverse, under the bow a 'S' mark confirms the San Francisco mint struck the coin.

'O' Mintmark: New Orleans Mint Struck the Coin

Dollar

New Orleans mint was also a great contributor to the Morgan dollar series. Striking coins in all but two years, its coinage total was second of the mints. Striking millions of silver dollars most years, just over 186 million coins were produced. Two dates standout as very scarce and valuable, 1893 a low of 300,000 coins minted and 1895 another unusually low 450,000 coined. Both are avidly sought and demand on the limited numbers show in premium values on the chart.

An 'O' mintmark was used by the New Orleans mint on its coinage. This mintmark is found on the reverse, below the ribbon tying the wreath.

'D' Mintmark: Denver Mint Struck the Coin

The Denver mint was called upon to strike silver dollars in one year of the series, 1921. Carson City and New Orleans mints were both closed and Denver contributed over 20 million 1921 silver dollars. These coins represent a unique one-year only variety with a strong demand. With the large supply, values are affordable, placing the coin on want lists of most collectors.

Denver mint used a 'D' mintmark to indicate its production. On the reverse under the ribbon tying the wreath, look for the 'D' mintmark of the Denver mint.

No Mintmark: Philadelphia Mint Struck the Coin

Philadelphia struck just over 305 million Morgan silver dollars of the total 657 million struck from all mints combined. These huge numbers are reflected in affordable values on the chart for most dates. Most years Philadelphia struck multi-million silver dollars, many years, tens of millions of coins. 1893, 1894, and 1899 are the scare issues matching low mintage years. Philadelphia issues are judge carefully to recognize high grade examples that break away from bullion value to collector premium values.

Philadelphia continued the trend of no mintmark on its coinage with the Morgan silver dollar series. In the space below the ribbons tying the bow, and just above the 'DO' of 'Dollar', no mintmark confirms the Philadelphia mint struck the coin.

Step 2: | Judging Condition | Identify Grade | Determine Value

These old dollars are inspected closely and evaluated for wear and overall condition. The process is known as 'Grading' a coin. The condition of a coin and the resulting grade have a large impact on Morgan silver dollar values.

Morgan Silver Dollar Values are Conditional

Compare your coins to the grading images below. Inspect both obverse and reverse to judge an overall condition. For the obverse; focus on the hair above the forehead, wear presents there first. On the reverse feather details wear quickly and are a key factor to grade.

A single light source such as a table/desk lamp is ideal to help cast a light brining out subtle details. Along with a magnifying glass to get in close and recognize finer details separating grades.

Mint State Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Absence of wear to the surface defines the Mint State grade. Minting of coins imparts a luster to the surface and is what gives a Morgan dollar its shine. Rotating and tilting under a light causes the luster to move across the surface. Any breaks in luster - due to wear - causes a dullness to the surface.

Judge Liberty's cheek, a mint state coin is lustrous across all areas.

Just above her forehead, fine strands of hair are high in relief. These waves of hair remain fully covered in the fine texture imparted during the minting process. All parts of the hair remain without dulling to the high points.

Cotton leaves, blossoms, and wheat grains form a wreath above the hair and all fine edges of the design are without any signs of smoothing due to wear.

Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Delicate areas are inspected to identify absence of wear. Many small high relief points are part of the design of the eagle and leaves in the wreath, all are inspected.

Feathers on the Eagle's neck are centrally located, prone to first wear. Look close to confirm original mint luster and texture remains.

Tips of both wings on a mint state coin are rounded in profile with no flat spots, especially towards the ends.

Leaves in the wreath have fine edges and small contoured designs, forming high and low areas. All parts of the leaves are without any dulling and smooth spots.

Extremely Fine Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Wear has begun to smooth and flatten the very tops of design details. Most luster is gone.

Hair above Liberty's forehead is showing a few flat areas. Along the tops of the waves are areas where the fine lines have merged. Waves remain with a high profile.

Just in front of the ear, hair is raised and separated form cheek.

Cotton leaves are smooth along the edges but are well defined from the cap.

Reverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Light wear is causing small disconnected flat areas over the feathers and leaves.

Neck feathers are will defined. Flatness is on tops of feathers and little evidence of merging is noted.

Wing feathers are slightly flattened on upper edges only. Each feather is bold and separated form the next. View along the top edge of wings, feather detail show.

Social media star from Charlotte hits lottery jackpot. Mom thought it was a prank.. All leaves of the wreath are bold with central line detail. No merging of individual leaves, wear is confined to just upper edges.

Fine Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Flat areas are beginning to dominate the surface of a Morgan dollar in Fine grade.

Above Liberty's forehead many of the waves of hair are flat with only a few fine inner lines remaining. Hair directly above eye is well raised and separate of forehead.

Her ear is still bold in detail, however just above is a large flat area. Flatness continues towards the temple with hair blending with the cheek and temple.

Outlines of the two cotton blossoms and all leaves remain. Very faint but visible are the two lower cotton leaves.

1881 silver dollar cost

Reverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: A bold eagle remains on the reverse with most of the feather detail still clear.

Neck feathers are now smooth in the center from head to chest. Legs of the eagle are also smooth with only slight details to sides of legs.

1880 Silver Dollar Value Chart

Wing feathers are complete over most of both wings. Some blending of feather lines is seen on the left wing, confined towards the top.

Leaves of the wreath are well detailed, merging of edges is minimal. Lower leaves within the groups are very bold.

Good Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Once a silver dollar is worn to a mostly flat surface lacking detail to Liberty, a Good grade is assigned to its condition.

Some detail remains in the hair above the date. Liberty's portrait is well outline and somewhat bold from the field of the coin.

Lettering of the legend is complete and readable. Additionally, all stars are visible, raised above the field and separate of the rim.

Two cotton blossoms just below the letters of 'Liberty' are recognizable.

Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: All major designs on the reverse are recognizable. An eagle is complete, lettering is readable and the wreath remains boldly outlined.

Tips to the eagle's wing are outlined and free of the rim. The right wing is often just touching the rim.

Feather details remain visible on the lower parts of wings. Tail feathers are clearly defined.

Many of the leaves of the wreath are flattened into groups but the wreath is complete in outline, no merging with the field.

1881 Silver Dollar Value

Tops of lettering is free of the rim along most of the Legend. One or two slight connections of the letters to the rim are the result of striking weakness in the area. Note: Wide spread fading of the legend into the rim indicates a lower condition coin.

How to Video: Grading Morgan Silver Dollars

An accurate grade of silver dollars is needed to place an accurate value on the coin. How to grade Morgan silver dollars follows a process judging the surface of the coin, comparing it to the video, images and descriptions.


Step 3: | Special Qualities Enhancing Value

Coins falling in the $24.55 to $27.01 range on the above value chart are bullion quality silver dollars. These are priced and traded based on silver content of the coin. When minted Morgan dollars contain .773 ounces of silver. Quality of preservation is what separates most silver dollars from bullion to collector appeal and premium value.

Dollar

Although these are wholesale Morgan silver dollar values, realize your coins are very popular and in strong demand.

Step 1: | Date and Mintmark Variety are Identified

One of the features of the Morgan dollar is the fine detail throughout the design. Liberty is adorned with a Liberty cap and band with 'Liberty' inscribed. Above the band are wheat heads with easily recognizable grains and leaves. Cotton bolls and cotton leaves within the design, are also well detailed. A standing eagle on the reverse with wings upright is a strong symbol of national pride and National bird. A preference for peace is represented by an olive branch and ability to defend is noted by the eagle holding three arrows.

Mints and Mintmarks of the Morgan Silver Dollar Series

Morgan silver dollars enjoy a large following of collectors. Sets of the coins typically include each date and mintmark variety. Five mints were involved in production of the series over the years 1878 to 1921. Each mint variety is valued by demand on supplies and condition of the coin. Mintmarks were used by the branch mints to indicate their production, and are key to Morgan silver dollar values.

'CC' Mintmark: Carson City Mint Struck the Coin

Carson City Morgan dollars are both very popular with collectors and are the scarce mintmark variety. Minted in only 13 years of the series, the mint's total production was 13.8 million coins, lowest of all mints. Each Carson City dollar is a premium coin in all grades. Lowest coinage years 1881, 1885, and 1889 are very scarce. High condition examples are closely judged and graded.

Carson City mint used a 'CC' mintmark to identify its production. On the reverse under the bow tying the olive wreath a 'CC' mintmark is a Carson City silver dollar.

'S' Mintmark: San Francisco Mint Struck the Coin

San Francisco is the only mint that struck coins for circulation every year of the Morgan Dollar series. A complete date run of San Francisco variety dollars is a popular sub-collection. To complete the collection an 1893-S dollar is needed, the key high value coin to the series. 100,000 were minted, lowest mintage of any variety, all are highly sought.

San Francisco mint placed a small 'S' mintmark on coins. On the reverse, under the bow a 'S' mark confirms the San Francisco mint struck the coin.

'O' Mintmark: New Orleans Mint Struck the Coin

New Orleans mint was also a great contributor to the Morgan dollar series. Striking coins in all but two years, its coinage total was second of the mints. Striking millions of silver dollars most years, just over 186 million coins were produced. Two dates standout as very scarce and valuable, 1893 a low of 300,000 coins minted and 1895 another unusually low 450,000 coined. Both are avidly sought and demand on the limited numbers show in premium values on the chart.

An 'O' mintmark was used by the New Orleans mint on its coinage. This mintmark is found on the reverse, below the ribbon tying the wreath.

'D' Mintmark: Denver Mint Struck the Coin

The Denver mint was called upon to strike silver dollars in one year of the series, 1921. Carson City and New Orleans mints were both closed and Denver contributed over 20 million 1921 silver dollars. These coins represent a unique one-year only variety with a strong demand. With the large supply, values are affordable, placing the coin on want lists of most collectors.

Denver mint used a 'D' mintmark to indicate its production. On the reverse under the ribbon tying the wreath, look for the 'D' mintmark of the Denver mint.

No Mintmark: Philadelphia Mint Struck the Coin

Philadelphia struck just over 305 million Morgan silver dollars of the total 657 million struck from all mints combined. These huge numbers are reflected in affordable values on the chart for most dates. Most years Philadelphia struck multi-million silver dollars, many years, tens of millions of coins. 1893, 1894, and 1899 are the scare issues matching low mintage years. Philadelphia issues are judge carefully to recognize high grade examples that break away from bullion value to collector premium values.

Philadelphia continued the trend of no mintmark on its coinage with the Morgan silver dollar series. In the space below the ribbons tying the bow, and just above the 'DO' of 'Dollar', no mintmark confirms the Philadelphia mint struck the coin.

Step 2: | Judging Condition | Identify Grade | Determine Value

These old dollars are inspected closely and evaluated for wear and overall condition. The process is known as 'Grading' a coin. The condition of a coin and the resulting grade have a large impact on Morgan silver dollar values.

Morgan Silver Dollar Values are Conditional

Compare your coins to the grading images below. Inspect both obverse and reverse to judge an overall condition. For the obverse; focus on the hair above the forehead, wear presents there first. On the reverse feather details wear quickly and are a key factor to grade.

A single light source such as a table/desk lamp is ideal to help cast a light brining out subtle details. Along with a magnifying glass to get in close and recognize finer details separating grades.

Mint State Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Absence of wear to the surface defines the Mint State grade. Minting of coins imparts a luster to the surface and is what gives a Morgan dollar its shine. Rotating and tilting under a light causes the luster to move across the surface. Any breaks in luster - due to wear - causes a dullness to the surface.

Judge Liberty's cheek, a mint state coin is lustrous across all areas.

Just above her forehead, fine strands of hair are high in relief. These waves of hair remain fully covered in the fine texture imparted during the minting process. All parts of the hair remain without dulling to the high points.

Cotton leaves, blossoms, and wheat grains form a wreath above the hair and all fine edges of the design are without any signs of smoothing due to wear.

Reverse: Features Identifying Mint State Grade: Delicate areas are inspected to identify absence of wear. Many small high relief points are part of the design of the eagle and leaves in the wreath, all are inspected.

Feathers on the Eagle's neck are centrally located, prone to first wear. Look close to confirm original mint luster and texture remains.

Tips of both wings on a mint state coin are rounded in profile with no flat spots, especially towards the ends.

Leaves in the wreath have fine edges and small contoured designs, forming high and low areas. All parts of the leaves are without any dulling and smooth spots.

Extremely Fine Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Wear has begun to smooth and flatten the very tops of design details. Most luster is gone.

Hair above Liberty's forehead is showing a few flat areas. Along the tops of the waves are areas where the fine lines have merged. Waves remain with a high profile.

Just in front of the ear, hair is raised and separated form cheek.

Cotton leaves are smooth along the edges but are well defined from the cap.

Reverse: Features Identifying Extremely Fine Grade: Light wear is causing small disconnected flat areas over the feathers and leaves.

Neck feathers are will defined. Flatness is on tops of feathers and little evidence of merging is noted.

Wing feathers are slightly flattened on upper edges only. Each feather is bold and separated form the next. View along the top edge of wings, feather detail show.

Social media star from Charlotte hits lottery jackpot. Mom thought it was a prank.. All leaves of the wreath are bold with central line detail. No merging of individual leaves, wear is confined to just upper edges.

Fine Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: Flat areas are beginning to dominate the surface of a Morgan dollar in Fine grade.

Above Liberty's forehead many of the waves of hair are flat with only a few fine inner lines remaining. Hair directly above eye is well raised and separate of forehead.

Her ear is still bold in detail, however just above is a large flat area. Flatness continues towards the temple with hair blending with the cheek and temple.

Outlines of the two cotton blossoms and all leaves remain. Very faint but visible are the two lower cotton leaves.

Reverse: Features Identifying the Fine Grade: A bold eagle remains on the reverse with most of the feather detail still clear.

Neck feathers are now smooth in the center from head to chest. Legs of the eagle are also smooth with only slight details to sides of legs.

1880 Silver Dollar Value Chart

Wing feathers are complete over most of both wings. Some blending of feather lines is seen on the left wing, confined towards the top.

Leaves of the wreath are well detailed, merging of edges is minimal. Lower leaves within the groups are very bold.

Good Grade: Morgan Silver Dollar

Obverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: Once a silver dollar is worn to a mostly flat surface lacking detail to Liberty, a Good grade is assigned to its condition.

Some detail remains in the hair above the date. Liberty's portrait is well outline and somewhat bold from the field of the coin.

Lettering of the legend is complete and readable. Additionally, all stars are visible, raised above the field and separate of the rim.

Two cotton blossoms just below the letters of 'Liberty' are recognizable.

Reverse: Features Identifying the Good Grade: All major designs on the reverse are recognizable. An eagle is complete, lettering is readable and the wreath remains boldly outlined.

Tips to the eagle's wing are outlined and free of the rim. The right wing is often just touching the rim.

Feather details remain visible on the lower parts of wings. Tail feathers are clearly defined.

Many of the leaves of the wreath are flattened into groups but the wreath is complete in outline, no merging with the field.

Tops of lettering is free of the rim along most of the Legend. One or two slight connections of the letters to the rim are the result of striking weakness in the area. Note: Wide spread fading of the legend into the rim indicates a lower condition coin.

How to Video: Grading Morgan Silver Dollars

An accurate grade of silver dollars is needed to place an accurate value on the coin. How to grade Morgan silver dollars follows a process judging the surface of the coin, comparing it to the video, images and descriptions.


Step 3: | Special Qualities Enhancing Value

Coins falling in the $24.55 to $27.01 range on the above value chart are bullion quality silver dollars. These are priced and traded based on silver content of the coin. When minted Morgan dollars contain .773 ounces of silver. Quality of preservation is what separates most silver dollars from bullion to collector appeal and premium value.

A few key elements are easily recognized to help judge a premium collector Morgan dollar. Date and mintmark quickly determine base value. Next, aesthetics often decide value. Aesthetics and eye appeal are the evaluation of surface qualities and overall 'look' of the coin.

Both of the imaged coins are Extremely Fine grade, the technical amount of wear to the surface. Differences in the appearance and eye appeal are now judged. Many collectors favor the soft grey-tan toning over the dark, mottled colors of the second dollar. Aesthetics now determine marketability of the dark coin, often lessening its appeal.

Also, easily to recognize are eye distracting marks. If a mark, scratch, or rim bruise is noticeable, it immediately lowers eye appeal.

Placing yourself in the eye of a collector, both examples are the same date, mintmark, and grade. Looking closely at the chest of the eagle, on the second coin a noticeable deep mark is clearly visible. Marks of this type are the deciding factor in eye appeal to collectors. Recognizing coins with outstanding aesthetics separates bullion from collector quality.

References

US Mint. 1948 US Mint Annual Report. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/339
US Mint. Catalogue of Coins of the United States. https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/554591
US Mint. Symbols on Our Coins https://www.usmint.gov/learn/history/us-circulating-coins

Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles

Date by Date
In Depth Morgan Silver Dollar Value
1878 to 1921

1878

1885

1892

1899

1879

1886

1893

1900

1880

1887

1894

1901

1881

1888

1895

1902

1882

1889

1896

1903

1883

1890

1897

1904

1884

1891

1898

1921

Professional evaluation of many dates within the Morgan dollar series is important because of potential high value. If your coin is listed with a large value jump from one grade to the next, having the coin graded by a service leads to certainty of value.

Professional Coin Grading Services and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation are the top two services and both authenticate and grade your coin. Each place the coin in a special holder improving marketability. Coin Grading Services gives an insight to these services.

A step by step method combined with the coin value online guide identifies how to value a coin collection. Discover how much your box of old coins is worth.

Coin values spanning 140 years. Discover the many rare dates, mintmarks and varieties. Next, 'Grading' Images to evaluate the condition of your coins and find the true value of your silver dollars. From early dollars in 1794 to the Liberty Seated variety 1840-1873. Next the ever popular Morgan Dollar to the Peace Dollars ending in 1935.

Many of your old US silver coin values are tied closely to the price of silver. Pre 1965 silver dimes, quarters, half dollars and silver dollars are all heavy with 90% silver and worth many times their face value. With today's high value of silver; $26.90 per ounce as of 2/8/2021 your old silver dollars are becoming surprisingly valuable.

Selling coins for the highest price is achieved with planning. Research and organize well, value your coins accurately, and then finding and selling to the right buyer equals excellent results.

Coin Values Discovery finds Morgan Silver Dollar Values and..

All old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and a step by step procedure uncovers how much your box of old coins is worth.

Print the Coin Values Worksheet to list your Morgan silver dollars and record their values. Should you decide to sell.. use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.





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