Sally James
Sally James is a student and a history lover — her special interest is coinage, specifically from the United States. In her blog, she shares her experience in collecting and research. Here you will find detailed info on particular coins, historical and collecting data for numismatists and just enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more stories from the past!
Connect with me:
Morgan Silver Dollar Coins
Few coins capture the spirit of American history and craftsmanship quite like the US Morgan Silver Dollar. Minted from 1878 to 1904, and once more in 1921, this iconic coin has become a cornerstone of U.S. numismatics. Designed by British engraver George T. Morgan, the coin’s obverse features a bold rendition of Lady Liberty, while its reverse showcases a regal eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch—symbols of strength and peace.
What sets this coin apart isn’t just its eye-catching design or hefty Morgan dollar silver content. It’s the story embedded in every date, mint mark, and surface blemish—a story collectors are eager to decode. Whether you stumbled upon one in your grandfather’s keepsake box or you’re actively building a world-class collection, knowing how much are morgan silver dollars worth is essential.
Top 20 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars (1878–1921)
This coinage series is renowned for its beauty, history, and the extraordinary Morgan silver dollar prices for its rarest issues. Below you will find the top 20 Morgan silver dollar value chart, with an explanation of what makes each coin so exceptional. Morgan silver dollars value in this list reflect the highest auction prices realized for top-grade examples, but even lower-grade coins from these dates can command significant premiums.
The following list spotlights the most valuable Morgan silver dollar examples ever minted, showcasing the wide range of values collectors encounter:
| Rank | Coin | Grade | Value | Why It’s Valuable |
| 1 | The $25M Dollar | MS-70 | $25,000,000 | Possibly flawless—unmatched rarity & quality |
| 2 | 1893-S | MS-67 | $5,000,000 | Lowest mintage, ultra-scarce in high grade |
| 3 | 1889-CC | MS-68 | $4,500,000 | Rare Carson City issue in top condition |
| 4 | 1895 Proof Only | PR-69 | $3,500,000 | “King of Morgans,” only 880 struck |
| 5 | 1884-S | MS-68 | $3,000,000 | High-grade survivors nearly nonexistent |
| 6 | 1892-S | MS-67 | $2,750,000 | Rare above MS-65 |
| 7 | 1886-O | MS-67 | $2,500,000 | Weak strikes + low survivability |
| 8 | 1901 | MS-65+ | $587,500 | Scarce in mint state |
| 9 | 1895-O | MS-65 | $575,000 | Rare New Orleans issue in top condition |
| 10 | 1893-CC | MS-65 | $500,000+ | Last year for Carson City, low mintage |
| 11 | 1883-S | MS-67 | $475,000+ | Rare in gem grade |
| 12 | 1880-O | MS-67 | $400,000+ | Rare in mint state due to weak strikes |
| 13 | 1887-O | MS-67 | $375,000+ | New Orleans rarity in pristine shape |
| 14 | 1896-S | MS-67 | $350,000+ | Low-mintage San Francisco piece |
| 15 | 1894 Proof Only | PR-67 | $300,000+ | Extremely limited mintage |
| 16 | 1899 Proof Only | PR-67 | $275,000+ | Proof rarity |
| 17 | 1879-CC | MS-66+ | $290,000 | Early Carson City issue |
| 18 | 1885-CC | MS-68 | $250,000+ | Common in low grade, rare in high |
| 19 | 1897-O | MS-67 | $225,000+ | Few high-grade survivors |
| 20 | 1891-CC | MS-68 | $200,000+ | Coveted Carson City mint piece |
The $25 Million Morgan Silver Dollar (MS-70)
- Value: $25,000,000
- A rumored perfect specimen graded MS-70—the theoretical ceiling for Morgan silver dollars for sale. If authenticated, it represents absolute perfection and unmatched rarity, justifying its legendary valuation.
1893-S (MS-67)
- Value: $5,000,000
- With a mere 100,000 minted and only a handful in mint state, this Morgan silver dollar for sale is the ultimate “key date” in the series. Its scarcity in high grade drives immense demand among advanced collectors.
1889-CC (MS-68)
- Value: $4,500,000
- Carson City Morgan silver dollar mint mark is prized for low mintages and historical significance. This date had fewer than 350,000 struck, and most of CC Morgan silver dollar samples are well-worn, making high-grade survivors extraordinarily rare.
1895, King of Morgans (Proof, PR-69)
- Value: $3,500,000
- Only 880 proofs were minted, and no circulation strikes exist. Known as the “King of Morgans,” this proof-only issue is an exceptional, almost the rarest morgan silver dollar ever found.
1884-S (MS-68)
- Value: $3,000,000
- Despite a mintage over 3 million, almost all entered circulation. Finding one in gem condition is nearly impossible, making the value of Morgan silver dollars of this kind really high.
1892-S (MS-67)
- Value: $2,750,000
- Scarce in all conditions, and nearly extinct in mint state. High-grade examples like this MS-67 are treasured due to their rarity and condition sensitivity.
1886-O (MS-67)
- Value: $2,500,000
- A common coin in circulated condition, but nearly impossible to locate with strong strike and luster. The few pristine examples are notoriously valuable Morgan silver dollars worth hundreds of thousands.
1901-O (MS-65+)
- Value: $587,500
- Not rare in worn condition, but remarkably hard to find in mint state due to poor striking and storage. An underrated sleeper among top-value coins.
1895-O (MS-65)
- Value: $575,000
- Low mintage and poor survival rate in higher grades make this New Orleans govmint Morgan silver dollars issue a major prize for registry set builders.
1893-CC (MS-65)
- Value: $500,000+
- The final Morgan struck in Carson City. With low production and dwindling survivors, high-grade pieces are highly collectible and show astronomically high Morgan silver dollar values.
1883-S (MS-67)
- Value: $475,000+
- Although not scarce in lower grades, gem examples are astonishingly rare. Collectors prize it for its deceptive difficulty.
1880-O (MS-67)
- Value: $400,000+
- The New Orleans Mint from this era often suffered from weak strikes. Top-grade uncirculated Morgan silver dollars, actual survivors are extremely limited and valuable.
1887-O (MS-67)
- Value: $375,000+
- Another New Orleans issue plagued by poor production quality. Few coins escaped circulation and the elements to retain high grades and show high silver Morgan dollar value on auctions.
1896-S (MS-67)
- Value: $350,000+
- With modest mintage, solid Morgan silver dollar silver content and limited high-grade survivors, the 1896-S is rarely seen in MS-67, earning it a place on high-end want lists.
1894 (Proof)
- Value: $300,000+
- Like the 1895, this is a proof-only issue. With tiny production numbers and minimal availability in the market, it holds significant prestige.
1899 (Proof)
- Value: $275,000+
- Often overshadowed by the 1895, but still very rare and sought after in top proof grades. Appeals strongly to those building complete proof sets.
1879-CC (MS-66+)
- Value: $290,000
- An early Carson City strike with multiple reverse varieties. Known for limited distribution and intense collector interest in high-grade specimens.
1885-CC (MS-68)
- Value: $250,000+
- More common in lower grades due to GSA hoard releases, but MS-68 examples are exceptionally rare and command huge premiums.
1897-O (MS-67)
- Value: $225,000+
- A true standout among New Orleans coins. The 1897-O had a large mintage, but nearly all were heavily circulated, making gem examples nearly mythical.
1891-CC (MS-68)
- Value: $200,000+
- One of the finest Carson City issues available. Although 1891-CC is not the rarest date, its popularity and gem-grade rarity keep it among the most valuable.
These coins represent the pinnacle of US collecting and how much is a Morgan silver dollar worth today. Their values are driven by a combination of low mintages, survival rates, condition, and collector demand. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these treasures, or want to check your own Morgans, consider using the Coin ID Scanner app for instant identification and up-to-date market values.
A Brief History of the Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Dollar owes its existence to the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the U.S. Treasury to purchase large amounts of silver for coinage, essentially reviving the silver dollar after a five-year absence caused by the Coinage Act of 1873. Production began swiftly, and mints across the country—including Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), Carson City (CC), San Francisco (S), and later Denver (D)—participated in striking this historic coin.
The series paused in 1904 when silver reserves ran low, but the coin made a one-year comeback in 1921 before the Peace Dollar took its place. Today, it remains a favorite coin among both novice and advanced collectors, prized for its elegance, substantial silver weight of Morgan silver dollar (0.77344 troy ounces), and connection to American history.
What Determines the Value of a Morgan Silver Dollar?
Several key factors determine the value of a Morgan Silver Dollar. Understanding these will help you distinguish between a common $30 coin and a six-figure rarity.
1. Year and Mint Mark
The combination of mint mark and mint year can drastically change a coin’s value. For example, a common 1921 Morgan from Philadelphia might be worth around $30, while a high-grade 1893-S from San Francisco can fetch millions.
2. Condition (Grade)
The grading scale ranges from G-4 (Good) to MS-70 (Mint State Perfect). Higher-grade coins are exponentially more valuable, especially when certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC.
3. Rarity and Survival Rat
Mintage figures tell part of the story, but how many coins survived in pristine condition is what truly matters. Some coins with large mintages (e.g., 1884-S) are still rare in mint-state grades due to heavy circulation or poor storage.
4. Demand
Collector interest plays a significant role. Coins tied to historical events, rare errors, or from the Carson City Mint often enjoy heightened demand.
5. Silver Content
Each Morgan contains 90% silver and 10% copper, with nearly 0.774 troy ounces of pure silver. While the bullion value sets a base price, the numismatic value often far exceeds it. How much does a Morgan silver dollar weigh is 26,73 grams each — check it carefully to detect possible counterfeits. And how many Morgan silver dollars are in a pound? It is 14 or 15, depending on each sample’s condition.
While some Morgan Silver Dollars sell for thousands—or even millions—of dollars, most coins fall into a more modest range depending on condition, rarity, and market demand. Below is a quick-reference value chart to help you estimate your coin’s potential worth:
Morgan Silver Dollar Value Chart (General Market Range)
| Condition | Common Date Morgan ($) | Scarce/Rare Date Morgan ($) |
| Good (G-4) | $30–$40 | $100–$10,000+ |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $40–$60 | $200–$20,000+ |
| Extremely Fine (EF) | $50–$80 | $500–$30,000+ |
| About Uncirculated | $70–$100 | $800–$50,000+ |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $80–$150 | $1,000–$100,000+ |
| MS-65 and above | $150–$500+ | $5,000–$500,000+ |
📌 Tip: Values may vary based on silver spot price, auction performance, and collector demand. Always cross-reference with updated databases or professional appraisers.
How to Manually Identify and Value Your Morgan Silver Dollars
Even if you’re new to coin collecting, identifying where is mint mark on Morgan silver dollar, as well as the mint year and grade of a Morgan Dollar is simpler than it seems. Here’s how to begin:
1. Find the Date and Mint Mark
- Location: Where is the mint mark on a Morgan silver dollar? It is located on the reverse side, just beneath the wreath and above the “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR.”
- Mint Mark Key:
- No mark = Philadelphia
- CC = Carson City
- O = New Orleans
- S = San Francisco
- D = Denver (only in 1921)
2. Assess the Condition
Compare your coin against grading guides from PCGS or NGC. Key indicators include:
- High points of wear: Cheek of Liberty, eagle’s breast feathers
- Luster: Mint-state coins often reflect light in cartwheel patterns
- Contact marks: Bag marks or scratches can lower the grade
3. Evaluate Eye Appeal
How much silver in Morgan dollar is not the final price tag, many factors are also important. A coin’s overall visual impact (strike sharpness, toning, and surface preservation) can add or subtract from its price, even within the same grade.
4. Cross-Reference With Auction Data
Check recent auction results for your specific date/mint mark and condition. Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and eBay’s sold listings can offer real-time pricing cues.
The Smart Way to Identify How Much Silver in a Morgan Silver Dollar: Coin ID Scanner App
In today’s fast-moving numismatic market, technology has made coin evaluation more accessible than ever. The Coin ID Scanner app is an essential tool for both beginners and advanced collectors, offering real-time coin identification and pricing with just a photo.
Why Use Coin ID Scanner?
| Feature | Description |
| Instant Coin Recognition | AI-powered tech scans your coin photo and identifies year, mint mark, and variety. |
| Real-Time Market Pricing | Get up-to-date value estimates based on current auctions and dealer trends. |
| Error Detection | Automatically flags possible die cracks, doubling, and other error features. |
| Coin Database | Access detailed information on over 150,000 U.S. and global coins. |
| Educational Insights | Who is on the Morgan silver dollar? Who designed it? What does a Morgan silver dollar weigh? How many Morgan silver dollars does it take to make a pound? These and other questions are easily answered with the help of the Coin ID Scanner. |
| Collection Management | Organize your entire collection digitally, including images and current pricing. |
How to Use Coin ID Scanner for Morgan Silver Dollars
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Take a clear photo of your coin (front and back).
- The app analyzes the coin, identifies key details (year, mint, errors).
- You’ll receive an instant price range and options to save it in your digital collection.
Tips for Collectors and Investors
While how much silver in a Morgan dollar makes them valuable, the true appeal lies in their collectibility and scarcity. As the numismatic market continues to grow—and as fewer high-grade examples remain in circulation—top-tier Morgan Dollars are likely to appreciate steadily over time.
Investment Advantages:
- Tangible Asset: Physical ownership adds portfolio diversification, especially during inflationary periods.
- Scarcity Increases Price: Coins in MS-65+ condition or with low mintage totals are becoming harder to find.
- Global Appeal: These coins are internationally recognized, expanding their collector base and resale potential.
Strategies for Investors:
- Focus on Grade and Rarity: A single rare date in high grade can outperform multiple average coins.
- Use Authentication Services: Certified coins from NGC or PCGS carry greater trust and resale power.
- Monitor the Market: Use apps like Coin ID Scanner to track price trends, rarity indexes, and auction updates.
Also you should learn how many Morgan silver dollars in a pound are — it is always from 14 to 17, depending on what is the weight of a Morgan silver dollar and each coin’s condition. When investing, you can buy them by pounds from GovMint as well.
When and How to Sell
Knowing the best place to buy Morgan silver dollars, as well as Morgan silver dollar value by year can maximize your return and turn your hobby into an investment.
- Watch Silver Prices: Always remember how much silver is in a Morgan silver dollar. If bullion prices spike, common-date samples may fetch higher premiums simply due to the rising Morgan silver dollar melt value.
- Target Collector Markets: Rare coins do best in specialized auctions or dealer networks, not general resale platforms. In such places, professionals know what is the value of a Morgan silver dollar for different mintages and years, ensuring that you get the best experience.
- Use Coin ID Scanner for Valuation: Instantly compare current offers, demand levels, and retail/resale price gaps. Use this instrument to check eBay Morgan silver dollars, as the popular platform can be filled with counterfeits. Check the Coin ID Scanner for recognition of fake Morgan silver dollar weight and visual signs of a forgery.
The importance of this coin is far more than the melt value of Morgan silver dollar—it’s a symbol of American resilience, artistry, and monetary history. With values ranging from a few dozen to millions of dollars, it offers an incredible entry point for newcomers and a rewarding challenge for seasoned numismatists.
And now, with powerful tools like the Coin ID Scanner app, professional online consultations and auctions, anyone can:
- Instantly identify what are Morgan silver dollars worth
- Find out how much silver is in a Morgan dollar
- Receive accurate value ranges in seconds
- Track their entire coin collection with ease
- Buy Morgan silver dollars by the pound
If you’re in it for the history, the hunt, or the profit, the answer to ‘what is a morgan silver dollar worth?’ is always ‘it might be more than you think’, whether you are talking about large sums of money or historical importance.