10 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars

The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic and sought-after coins in American numismatics. Minted in San Francisco, this coin represents a pivotal year in U.S. history, marked by economic turmoil and the Panic of 1893. As a result, the production of silver dollars was drastically reduced, making the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar particularly rare. 🪙

Key identifying features of this coin include the distinctive mintmark “S” located on the reverse beneath the wreath and above the “DO” in DOLLAR. The obverse features Lady Liberty in profile, adorned with a Phrygian cap and surrounded by 13 stars, representing the original colonies. Typical grade ranges for this coin are Good (G4) to Mint State (MS), with prices soaring from tens of thousands in lower grades to well over a million dollars for pristine, uncirculated examples. 💰

While the 1893-S generally lacks significant varieties or errors, its rarity and desirability make it a cornerstone of any high-end collection. Collectors should be wary of counterfeit examples, which are unfortunately common due to the coin’s high value.

The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins among collectors due to its historical significance and rarity. Minted at the Carson City Mint, which was renowned for its short production runs and limited mintages, the 1889-CC is a standout in the Morgan Dollar series. Its allure is amplified by its position as the rarest Carson City Morgan, with only about 350,000 coins originally struck. This scarcity has inevitably led to high demand and significant value in the numismatic community.

Key identifying features of the 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar include its distinct “CC” mintmark, located on the reverse below the wreath. The coin’s design, crafted by George T. Morgan, features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. Collectors should note the sharpness of details, especially in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, when assessing the coin’s grade.

Typical grade ranges for the 1889-CC vary from Very Fine (VF) to Mint State (MS), with values stretching from tens of thousands to over $300,000 for higher-grade examples. While no major varieties or errors are widely recognized, any unique characteristics can further enhance a coin’s desirability.

The 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar holds a significant place in numismatic history due to its limited mintage and its challenging condition in the marketplace. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this coin is part of the Morgan Dollar series, which was minted from 1878 to 1904 and then again in 1921. The 1895-O is particularly notable because of its low production of just 450,000 coins, making it one of the more elusive issues for collectors. 🪙

Key identifying features of the 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar include the classic Liberty head design by George T. Morgan on the obverse, with the mintmark “O” located on the reverse below the eagle’s tail feathers. Collectors should carefully examine the coin’s condition, as many examples suffer from weak strikes and surface abrasions, common issues with New Orleans mintages of the time. 🔍

Typically, the 1895-O is found in grades ranging from Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (XF), with values varying significantly based on condition. Coins in Mint State (MS) grades are scarce and can command prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. 💰 While there are no widely recognized varieties or errors specific to this date, the coin’s quality can vary significantly, emphasizing the importance of grading. 🏆

The 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar Proof is often hailed as the “King of Morgan Dollars,” primarily due to its unique historical significance and scarcity. Despite the Philadelphia Mint’s reported mintage of 12,000 coins, no circulation strikes have been confirmed, making the proof versions the only known survivors. As a result, this coin holds a special place in both numismatic history and collectors’ hearts. 🪙

Identifying an 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar Proof involves examining several key features. Look for the sharp, mirrored fields typical of proof coins and well-defined design elements, including Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. The coin’s surface should exhibit a high degree of contrast between the frosted devices and the polished fields.

In terms of grade and value, the 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar Proof typically appears in grades ranging from PR-63 to PR-67. Prices can soar well beyond $50,000, depending on the grade, with PR-67 examples reaching into six figures. 💰

While there are no significant varieties or errors associated with this coin, its rarity makes each specimen a unique treasure. Collectors should seek coins with original surfaces and minimal signs of cleaning or alteration, as these factors greatly influence value.

The 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a remarkable and sought-after piece in the world of numismatics, celebrated for its historical significance and rarity. Minted in San Francisco, this coin represents a period in American history when silver was abundant, yet the production of certain coins was quite limited. With only 1.2 million pieces originally minted, surviving examples in higher grades are particularly scarce. 🪙

Key identifying features of the 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar include the iconic Liberty head on the obverse and the majestic eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse, characteristic of the Morgan series. The mint mark ‘S’ is located beneath the wreath on the reverse side, indicating its San Francisco origin.

The typical grade range for this coin spans from VG-8 (Very Good) to MS-65 (Mint State), with values skyrocketing in higher grades. In circulated conditions, the 1892-S can fetch from $1,000 to over $20,000, while pristine uncirculated examples can command prices well into six figures. 💰

While there are no major varieties or errors known for this particular year and mint, the overall scarcity, especially in higher conditions, makes it a centerpiece for any serious Morgan Dollar collection.

The 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a notable coin in the numismatic world due to its historical significance and relative scarcity in higher grades. Minted at the San Francisco Mint, this coin represents a period of prolific silver dollar production in the United States. However, most of these coins were released into circulation or melted down, making high-grade examples exceedingly rare and highly sought after by collectors. 🪙

Key identifying features of the 1884-S Morgan include the “S” mintmark on the reverse beneath the wreath, characteristic of the San Francisco Mint. The obverse is adorned with Lady Liberty’s profile, while the reverse showcases a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings. These design elements are consistent with other Morgan Dollars, but the mintmark is crucial for identification. 🔍

In terms of grade, circulated examples of the 1884-S are relatively common, but uncirculated examples, particularly in MS65 or higher, can reach values upwards of $300,000 or more. Most examples are found in lower grades, such as VG or F. The scarcity of high-grade coins is due to the aforementioned melting and circulation of the majority of the mintage. 💰

The 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar does not have any widely recognized varieties or errors, which simplifies the collecting process. However, collectors should be aware of counterfeit coins due to the coin’s high value in top grades.

The 1893-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is a notable entry in the series, celebrated for its historical significance and relative scarcity. Struck at the Carson City Mint, this coin is among the last Morgans produced there, as the mint ceased operations soon after in 1893. The 1893-CC is especially prized by collectors due to its lower mintage compared to other Morgan dollars, with only 677,000 pieces minted.

Key identifying features of the 1893-CC include its distinct “CC” mint mark located on the reverse, beneath the wreath and above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.” When assessing these coins, collectors should be aware that many circulated heavily, making high-grade examples rare and valuable. In terms of grading, most 1893-CC Morgans range from Very Fine (VF) to About Uncirculated (AU), with values starting in the low thousands and escalating to tens of thousands of dollars for Mint State (MS) specimens. 💰

While the 1893-CC Morgan lacks significant varieties or errors, its allure lies in its rarity and connection to the storied Carson City Mint. Collectors should be cautious of counterfeits, as the coin’s value makes it a target for forgery.

The 1896-S Morgan Silver Dollar is a notable piece in the numismatic world, primarily due to its low mintage and historical context. Struck at the San Francisco Mint, it represents the bustling era of silver mining in the American West, echoing the economic optimism and rapid development of the late 19th century.

Key identifying features of the 1896-S Morgan Silver Dollar include the iconic profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse, designed by George T. Morgan, and the heraldic eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The “S” mintmark, denoting the San Francisco Mint, is located beneath the wreath on the reverse side.

In terms of grade and value, this coin is often found in grades ranging from Very Fine (VF) to Mint State (MS). Prices can vary significantly, with VF examples fetching several hundred dollars, while those in MS-65 condition can command prices upwards of $20,000. The rarity of high-grade examples makes them particularly coveted by collectors. 🪙

While not known for many varieties or errors, collectors should be aware of potential counterfeits due to its value. Authenticity verification is crucial, especially in high-grade specimens.

The 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar is a numismatic treasure with significant historical value. Minted during the height of the Morgan Dollar series, this coin reflects a time when the U.S. economy was recovering from the economic shifts of the late 19th century. With only 6,962,000 coins minted, it is one of the more challenging dates to find in high grades, making it highly desirable among collectors. 🪙

Key identifying features of the 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar include the classic Liberty Head design by George T. Morgan on the obverse and the heraldic eagle on the reverse. Look for the “1901” date below Liberty’s neck and the absence of a mint mark, indicating its Philadelphia origin.

The 1901 Morgan often appears in circulated grades, with values ranging from $50 in Very Good (VG) condition to several thousand dollars in Mint State (MS) grades. 💰 However, finding this coin in MS65 or higher is exceptionally rare and can reach into six figures due to its scarcity.

• Common Grade Range: VG to MS64
• Noteworthy Errors: Over-polished dies leading to weak strikes
• Varieties: None officially recognized beyond standard die variations

Collectors should be aware of the common issue of weak strikes, particularly on the eagle’s breast feathers. This can affect the coin’s grade and value significantly.

The 1903-O Morgan Silver Dollar is a captivating piece of numismatic history, often celebrated for its unexpected rarity. Minted in New Orleans, this coin was initially considered common due to its substantial mintage of over 4.4 million pieces. However, it became a sensation in the coin collecting world when it was discovered that few had survived in circulation or were released from government vaults. This surprise scarcity has elevated the 1903-O to a status of high desirability among collectors. 🪙

Key identifying features of the 1903-O include the iconic Morgan design by George T. Morgan, with Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The “O” mintmark, signifying its New Orleans origin, is located below the eagle’s tail feathers. In terms of condition, these coins are often found in higher grades, with most examples ranging from MS63 to MS65. Values can vary significantly, with MS65 examples fetching upwards of $30,000. 💰

While the 1903-O does not have notable varieties or errors, its rarity and condition make it a cornerstone for serious Morgan Dollar collectors. When purchasing, verify the coin’s authenticity and grade, as counterfeits are not uncommon in this category.