The Morgan Silver Dollar holds a special place in American numismatic history, celebrated for its iconic design, historical significance, and relative rarity. Minted between 1878 and 1904, with a final issue in 1921, these coins are named after their designer, George T. Morgan. Their scarcity and desirability make them highly valuable, especially when preserved in exceptional condition. Below, we explore the 13 most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars and examine the reasons they remain collector favorites.
Top 13 Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars
1. 1889-CC Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: CC (Carson City)
- Estimated Value: $300,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Produced in extremely limited quantities, the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is one of the rarest coins in the series. High-grade examples are particularly prized by collectors.
2. 1893-S Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Estimated Value: $500,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: With a small mintage, the 1893-S Morgan Dollar is exceptionally scarce. Top-condition specimens are among the most expensive Morgan Dollars ever sold.
3. 1901 Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Estimated Value: $250,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Though common in lower grades, finding a 1901 Morgan Dollar in pristine condition is incredibly rare, significantly boosting its value.
4. 1884-S Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Estimated Value: $250,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: While relatively common in worn condition, high-grade 1884-S coins are exceptionally rare and fetch top dollar.
5. 1895 Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Estimated Value: $200,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Known as the “King of Morgan Dollars,” the 1895 issue is rare in all grades, making it one of the most sought-after coins by collectors.
6. 1892-S Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Estimated Value: Thousands+
- Why It’s Valuable: The low mintage of this coin ensures its popularity and value, particularly in higher grades.
7. 1886-O Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: O (New Orleans)
- Estimated Value: Thousands+
- Why It’s Valuable: While common in low grades, high-grade examples are exceedingly rare, commanding substantial premiums.
8. 1880-CC Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: CC (Carson City)
- Estimated Value: $100,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: Carson City Mint coins are highly collectible, and the low mintage of this particular issue makes it highly sought after.
9. 1894 Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Estimated Value: Tens of thousands+
- Why It’s Valuable: Its rarity in any condition ensures the 1894 Morgan Dollar remains a high-demand collectible.
10. 1885-CC Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: CC (Carson City)
- Estimated Value: Thousands+
- Why It’s Valuable: Another Carson City issue, the 1885-CC is prized for its scarcity and historical significance.
11. 1896-S Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: S (San Francisco)
- Estimated Value: Thousands+
- Why It’s Valuable: Rare in high grades, the 1896-S Morgan Dollar is a favorite among advanced collectors.
12. 1904-O Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: O (New Orleans)
- Estimated Value: Thousands+
- Why It’s Valuable: Representing the tail end of the Morgan Dollar series before its temporary hiatus, this coin is rare and historically significant.
13. 1881-CC Morgan Dollar
- Mint Mark: CC (Carson City)
- Estimated Value: $150,000+
- Why It’s Valuable: With a limited mintage and a strong connection to the history of the Old West, this coin is highly collectible.
Value Breakdown of Top Morgan Dollars
| Coin Name | Year of Issue | Mint Mark | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1889-CC Morgan Dollar | 1889 | CC | $300,000+ |
| 1893-S Morgan Dollar | 1893 | S | $500,000+ |
| 1901 Morgan Dollar | 1901 | None | $250,000+ |
| 1884-S Morgan Dollar | 1884 | S | $250,000+ |
| 1895 Morgan Dollar | 1895 | None | $200,000+ |
| 1880-CC Morgan Dollar | 1880 | CC | $100,000+ |
| 1881-CC Morgan Dollar | 1881 | CC | $150,000+ |
Why Morgan Silver Dollars Are So Popular
Morgan Silver Dollars are beloved by collectors for their unique combination of beauty, historical significance, and rarity. Their intricate design by George T. Morgan captures a bygone era of American history, making them more than just coins—they’re tangible pieces of the past. Low mintages and the survival of relatively few high-grade specimens ensure enduring demand.
For those fortunate enough to own one of these rare coins, they represent not just monetary value but also a piece of American heritage. Collectors often pass these coins down as treasured family heirlooms.
FAQ:
What makes a Morgan Silver Dollar valuable?
Several factors, including rarity, mint mark, condition, and demand among collectors, determine a Morgan Dollar’s value. Coins from certain years or mints are particularly rare, making them more valuable.
Which is the rarest Morgan Silver Dollar?
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is considered the rarest and most valuable, with high-grade examples fetching over $500,000.
What does the “CC” mint mark signify?
The “CC” mint mark indicates that the coin was minted in Carson City, Nevada. These coins are highly collectible due to their limited production and historical significance.
How can I determine the grade of a Morgan Dollar?
The grade is assessed based on the coin’s condition, ranging from heavily worn (e.g., G4) to nearly perfect (e.g., MS-65). Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC provide certified evaluations.
Are Morgan Silver Dollars good investments?
While not guaranteed investments, high-grade or rare Morgan Dollars have historically appreciated in value due to their scarcity and collector demand.
