The Morgan Silver Dollar, struck between 1878 and 1904 and once again in 1921, remains a prized piece for collectors worldwide. With its stunning design by George T. Morgan and unique historical significance, certain Morgan Silver Dollars have reached extraordinary values.
Coins from specific years, mints, or conditions can even command prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars! Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars and explore what makes each so special.
Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan Silver Dollars are not just any old coins; they’re a big part of American history. Minted during a transformative period in the U.S., these coins reflect the country’s expansion and its booming economy.
Today, collectors worldwide seek them out, especially rare specimens that have survived in good condition over the years. Each coin’s value is influenced by its mint year, mint mark, and grade.
Below, we explore the top ten most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars and discover why these particular coins are worth so much.
Top 10 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars
Here’s a list of the most sought-after Morgan Silver Dollars, along with their unique qualities, values, and other fascinating details.
1. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 100,000
Value: $5,200 – $500,000 (depending on grade)
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is one of the rarest coins in the series, struck at the San Francisco Mint with only 100,000 ever produced. Due to its low mintage, collectors prize this coin highly. Even worn examples are worth thousands, while top-condition specimens can sell for as much as $500,000.
2. 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 350,000
Value: $1,000 – $300,000
The 1889-CC (Carson City Mint) Morgan Dollar is another rare find. Released into circulation soon after minting, very few high-quality examples remain today. A pristine MS65 specimen can fetch over $300,000, while even circulated coins start around $1,000.
3. 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar Proof
Mintage: 880
Value: $17,000 – $80,000
Often called the “King of the Morgan Dollars,” the 1895 Morgan Proof Dollar is one of the rarest in the collection, with only 880 proofs minted. This coin’s rarity and beauty make it highly coveted, with lower-grade examples worth around $17,000 and the best-preserved ones fetching $80,000.
4. 1894 Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 110,000
Value: $1,000 – $50,000
The 1894 Morgan Dollar was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, with only 110,000 coins produced. This coin’s scarcity has led to high demand among collectors. Uncirculated pieces can sell for up to $50,000, while circulated versions still command significant prices.
5. 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 3 million
Value: $42 – $750,000
The 1884-S Morgan Dollar is especially rare in high grades despite its large original mintage. Few remain in top condition today, with one of the finest examples, known as the “Wonder Coin,” selling for $750,000 at auction. Even more worn examples hold value, typically ranging from $42 to $75.
6. 1886-O Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 10 million
Value: $42 – $130,000
The 1886-O Morgan Dollar, struck at the New Orleans Mint, had an impressive original mintage. However, its low-quality minting means very few coins have survived in excellent condition. In MS65 grade, this coin is worth up to $130,000, with circulated versions ranging between $42 and $75.
7. 1901-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 1.2 million
Value: $85 – $120,000
Though more common in circulated form, finding a 1901-S Morgan Dollar in higher grades is rare and valuable. Circulated versions are worth around $85, while well-preserved coins in top condition can reach $120,000 or more.
8. 1885-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 228,000
Value: $440 – $130,000
With only 228,000 coins minted at Carson City, the 1885-CC Morgan Dollar remains one of the rarest from this mint. Thanks to its limited circulation, it’s sought after in any condition, with lower-grade coins around $440 and pristine examples up to $130,000.
9. 1883-O Morgan Silver Dollar (Proof)
Mintage: Unknown, very limited
Value: Up to $270,000
The 1883-O Morgan Proof Dollar is a true rarity as a presentation piece rather than a circulation coin. One example sold for an impressive $270,000, marking it as a collector’s dream piece.
10. 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar
Mintage: 300,000
Value: $300 – $775
The 1893-O Morgan Dollar from the New Orleans Mint had a modest mintage of 300,000, making it a valuable coin even in lower conditions. Worn examples can cost around $300, while higher-grade specimens may sell for up to $775.
Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars
| Rank | Year | Mint | Mintage | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1893-S | San Francisco | 100,000 | $5,200 – $500,000 |
| 2 | 1889-CC | Carson City | 350,000 | $1,000 – $300,000 |
| 3 | 1895 Proof | Philadelphia | 880 | $17,000 – $80,000 |
| 4 | 1894 | Philadelphia | 110,000 | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| 5 | 1884-S | San Francisco | 3 million | $42 – $750,000 |
| 6 | 1886-O | New Orleans | 10 million | $42 – $130,000 |
| 7 | 1901-S | San Francisco | 1.2 million | $85 – $120,000 |
| 8 | 1885-CC | Carson City | 228,000 | $440 – $130,000 |
| 9 | 1883-O Proof | New Orleans | Unknown | Up to $270,000 |
| 10 | 1893-O | New Orleans | 300,000 | $300 – $775 |
Morgan Silver Dollars are an enduring part of American history, beloved by collectors and investors alike. From the rare 1893-S to the iconic 1895 Proof, these coins symbolize a rich heritage and a worthwhile investment.
Owning a Morgan Silver Dollar can be a fascinating gateway into the world of numismatics, where every coin tells its unique story.
FAQs
1. What makes a Morgan Silver Dollar valuable?
- Rarity, mint year, mint mark, and overall condition influence a Morgan Silver Dollar’s value. Coins with lower mintages or in near-mint condition are generally more valuable.
2. Why is the 1895 Morgan Dollar called the “King of the Morgans”?
- The 1895 Proof Morgan Dollar is considered extremely rare due to its low mintage of only 880 proofs, making it one of the most sought-after coins.
3. How do I determine my Morgan Dollar’s value?
- Coin values are best determined by consulting coin graders or visiting numismatic marketplaces to get professional evaluations based on the coin’s mint, year, and condition.
4. Are all Carson City Morgan Dollars valuable?
- Many Carson City (CC) Morgans are valuable, especially in top conditions, because of their limited mintage and historical significance.
5. Where can I sell Morgan Silver Dollars?
- Selling through reputable coin dealers, online marketplaces, or at coin shows are good options to get a fair value for Morgan Silver Dollars.
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