Morgan Silver Dollars are some of the most coveted coins in the world of numismatics. Known for their classic design and significant role in U.S. history, these coins have become prized possessions for collectors. While most Morgan Dollars were once used in daily circulation, today, many are worth far more than their original face value, with some commanding thousands of dollars. Here’s a guide to the 10 most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars that collectors should keep an eye out for.
1. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S is one of the rarest and most valuable Morgan Dollars. With a production of only 100,000 coins, it stands out due to its extreme scarcity, especially in uncirculated condition. The coin’s rarity and historical significance make it a coveted piece, with values reaching upwards of $10,000+ for high-grade examples.
2. 1895 Proof Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1895 Proof Morgan Silver Dollar is often called the “King of the Morgan Dollars.” With only 880 proofs ever minted, it is one of the most legendary and valuable coins in the series. A pristine proof-quality 1895 can command $50,000 or more at auction, making it essential for serious collectors looking to complete their Morgan collection.
3. 1893-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
Another rare gem from the Carson City Mint, the 1893-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is highly valuable due to its low mintage of just over 677,000 coins. This coin is prized by collectors in almost any grade, but uncirculated specimens can easily fetch $5,000+, depending on condition.
4. 1886-O Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1886-O Morgan Silver Dollar is more common in circulated grades but becomes highly rare in uncirculated condition. With a mintage of over 10 million, it’s a coin that’s often overlooked, but when found in mint condition, it can command a significant price, often exceeding $2,000.
5. 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, minted in Carson City, is another highly sought-after coin due to its relatively low mintage of 350,000 coins. It is especially valuable in high-grade condition, with prices often starting at $6,000+ for well-preserved examples.
6. 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar may not be as rare as some of the earlier issues, but it is still highly valuable in uncirculated or near-mint condition. With a mintage of 6.9 million, it was circulated widely, but high-grade examples are extremely difficult to find, and they can easily fetch $5,000+.
7. 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar is another coin that’s common in circulated condition but exceedingly rare in high grades. With a mintage of 3.2 million, most examples are worn, but those in near-mint condition are highly sought after and can be worth $10,000+ in excellent condition.
8. 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, also from the Carson City Mint, is a prized coin due to its unique over-mint mark feature—where a “CC” mint mark was struck over an “S”. This coin’s rarity, particularly in uncirculated condition, makes it very desirable among collectors. It can fetch anywhere from $8,000+ depending on the grade.
9. 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar has a mintage of 1.2 million, which isn’t extremely low, but finding one in excellent condition is quite difficult. Its scarcity in higher grades makes it a highly sought-after coin, with values often starting around $4,000 for high-grade examples.
10. 1885-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1885-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, with only 228,000 coins minted, is another highly rare Carson City issue. Due to its scarcity and high demand, this coin can be worth $3,000+ depending on its grade, with higher-condition specimens bringing in significantly more.
Summary of Key Values
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Estimated Value (High Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1893 | S | 100,000 | $10,000+ |
| 1889 | CC | 350,000 | $6,000+ |
| 1895 | Proof | 880 | $50,000+ |
| 1901 | None | 6,962,000 | $5,000+ |
| 1884 | S | 3,200,000 | $10,000+ |
| 1879 | CC | 756,000 | $8,000+ |
| 1892 | S | 1,200,000 | $4,000+ |
| 1885 | CC | 228,000 | $3,000+ |
| 1893 | CC | 677,000 | $5,000+ |
| 1886 | O | 10,710,000 | $2,000+ |
Final Thoughts
Morgan Silver Dollars represent a unique blend of historical importance, artistry, and rarity, making them an exciting and valuable area of focus for collectors. While most coins in the series may be worth only a few dollars, the rarest and highest-quality examples can fetch tens of thousands. If you’re a collector or investor, focusing on these valuable Morgan Silver Dollars with low mintage, unique mint marks, and high-grade conditions can be a rewarding pursuit.
