Morgan Silver Dollar For Sale

The Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly collectible U.S. coin that was minted from 1878 to 1904 and once more in 1921. Designed by George T. Morgan, this iconic coin features a profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

Renowned for its historical significance and exquisite design, the Morgan Silver Dollar is made up of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it both intrinsic metal value and numismatic appeal. Its worth can vary dramatically based on condition, mint mark, and rarity, with some examples commanding prices in the thousands of dollars. If you're looking to acquire Morgan Silver Dollars, Bullion Shark is a trusted source offering a wide variety of these sought-after coins, both vintage and modern.

At Bullion Shark, you can confidently purchase Morgan Silver Dollars, as we thoroughly inspect each coin to ensure it meets our high-quality standards. Browse our selection of vintage silver dollar coins and add a remarkable piece of American history to your collection today!

Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Specifications

• Mint Mark: Varies

• Designer: George T. Morgan

• Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

• Weight: 26.73 grams

• Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches)

• Edge: Reeded

Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

The original Morgan silver dollars were minted in quantities that far exceeded their need for commerce or the coins needed to back up all the paper silver certificates that were being issued at the time.

Originally minted between 1878 and 1921, these iconic coins were produced in quantities far exceeding their need for everyday commerce, partly to support the large number of silver certificates being issued. Due to this surplus, vast numbers of Morgan dollars sat idle in Treasury vaults for decades, waiting to be rediscovered.

A pivotal moment in the history of the Morgan Silver Dollar came in the early 1960s when millions of uncirculated coins—stored in $1,000 bags—were released to the public. This included some key-date issues that were once considered rare, such as the 1903-O Morgan dollar, which suddenly became more common.

Carson City Silver Dollars

Perhaps the most famous Morgan dollars are the Carson City Silver Dollars, struck at the Carson City Mint during the late 19th century. These coins are particularly prized by collectors due to their limited mintage and their association with the legendary Comstock Lode, a massive silver deposit that fueled the U.S. silver boom. The U.S. government's sale of these Carson City Morgans in the 1970s, overseen by the General Services Administration (GSA), helped ignite modern interest in the series. Today, they are still among the most sought-after varieties in the Morgan dollar series.

In addition to their historical significance, Morgan silver dollars are also valued for their aesthetic appeal, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. Many collectors store these coins in plastic holders to protect them from damage and preserve their numismatic value. Key-date issues and uncirculated examples in pristine condition can fetch high prices, especially coins with significant provenance or those struck at the Carson City Mint.

When collecting Morgan silver dollars, it’s essential to look for sought-after varieties, including coins with unique mint marks or printing errors, and coins from lower-mintage years or special releases. The Western frontier era, in which many of these coins circulated, adds an additional layer of historical intrigue to their appeal.

For collectors, the U.S. Mint dollar coins, particularly Morgan dollars, are more than just currency—they are tangible pieces of history, often increasing in value as more people seek to acquire these treasured relics of America’s past.

Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a beginner, understanding the key aspects of collectors’ guides to Morgan Silver Dollars—from key dates and mint marks to historical context—will enhance your collecting experience and appreciation of these iconic coins.

Morgan Silver Dollar Design

George T. Morgan designed one of the most famous coins in American history. In 1876, America’s silver dollar coinage was long overdue for a facelift, and Morgan was up to the task as the new assistant engraver at the Philadelphia Mint.

He had previous experience as a contract engraver at the Royal Mint in London before being recruited to the U.S. Mint by Director Henry Linderman. Morgan knew Linderman wanted the head of Liberty to be featured on the new silver dollar coin and set about to create the perfect design. 

By early 1877, George T. Morgan had created a new design that would later be known as the Morgan Dollar. This coin featured Lady Liberty in profile (sporting a laurel in her hair) on the obverse. The reverse featured an eagle, an olive branch, and the words “One Dollar.” 

The image of the eagle features a beloved mistake — the original version showed eight tail feathers. However, later versions were amended to feature the more accurate seven tail feathers.

Morgan would later become the Chief Engraver at the U.S. Mint. 

Morgan Silver Dollar History

The Mint Act of April 2, 1792, made it possible for the United States to strike its own coinage. This Act was especially important in the history of the United States because it established the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia and specified the Silver Dollar as the highest-denomination silver coin.

The first U.S. Silver Dollars were struck in 1794, but American merchants kept the heavier and more valuable Spanish coins for themselves and exported the lighter U.S. coins to Europe for trade. As a result, U.S. coins disappeared almost as fast as they were minted. For this reason, Silver Dollar coinage was suspended in 1804.

In 1836, Congress re-established the Silver Dollar (with a slightly lighter weight of 26.73 grams), and by the 1840s, they were being issued for general circulation once again. Even at this time, most Americans rarely saw a Silver Dollar in circulation because most were held in bank vaults, exported, or melted for their precious silver bullion. This situation led to the Act of 1873, which eliminated the Silver Dollar from regular U.S. coinage altogether.

The Bland-Allison Act was written by Representative Richard P. Bland, with amendments made to it by Senator William B. Allison. It was passed in Congress in February of 1878. This act restored silver as legal tender. It also included verbiage stating that the government would mint 2 million silver dollars per month, leading to the origin of the Morgan Silver Dollar.

Below is a brief overview of the major events that affected Morgan Silver Dollars.

• 1859 - Comstock Lode; The richest silver mine in American history was discovered in Nevada.

• 1873 - Crime of 1873; Silver demonetization and end of the silver dollar puts the U.S. on the gold standard.

• 1878 - Bland-Allison Act; Guaranteed government silver purchases created the birth of the Morgan Silver Dollar.

• 1890 - Sherman Silver Purchase Act; Increased government silver purchases increase silver dollar production.

• 1893 - Panic of 1893; An oversupply of silver triggers bank failures, causing a serious economic depression.

• 1904 - Morgan Dollar End; The Mint ceases to strike Morgan Dollars when silver reserves are finally depleted.

• 1918 - The Pittman Act; The mass melting of over 270 million Morgans is used to supplement the war effort.

• 1921 - Morgan Dollar Rebirth; Over 86 million 1921 Morgan Dollars are minted one final time.

• 1962 - Treasury Hoard Discovery; Over 2.9 million Morgan Dollars with the coveted CC mintmark are found.

• 1972 - The GSA Sale; The General Services Administration holds 7 mail bid auctions grossing $100 million.

Morgan Silver Dollar Value - Rare Morgan Silver Dollars

The value of a Morgan Silver Dollar varies widely depending on its condition, mint mark, and rarity. These coins were minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921, and are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. Generally, a common date Morgan Dollar in circulated condition might be valued close to its silver content, while rare dates or those in pristine uncirculated condition can command significantly higher prices, often reaching into the thousands of dollars. Key factors influencing value include the presence of original luster, absence of wear, and any historical significance or minting errors associated with the coin. Learn about top 10 rare morgan silver dollar coins.

Rare Morgan Silver Dollars are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance, beauty, and scarcity. Here's a list of some of the rarest Morgan Silver Dollars and their approximate values, based on their condition (grades). Keep in mind that coin values fluctuate based on market conditions, and the prices listed are estimates for coins in uncirculated condition (MS-60 to MS-65).

1. 1893-S: The 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar is considered the rarest and most valuable in the series, with a mintage of only 100,000. Its value ranges from approximately $20,000 in lower uncirculated grades to over $300,000 for higher grades.

2. 1889-CC: The Carson City mint produced fewer coins than other mints, making the 1889-CC especially rare. Values range from around $1,800 in lower uncirculated grades to over $280,000 in higher grades.

3. 1893-O: This New Orleans minted coin is another rare find, with values ranging from about $3,500 in lower uncirculated grades to over $150,000 in higher grades.

4. 1895 (Proof): Known as the "King of the Morgan Dollars," the 1895 Morgan is primarily known in proof condition with a mintage of 880. It's estimated to be worth from $40,000 to over $70,000, depending on the grade. Note that the 1895 circulation strike is exceedingly rare, with none confirmed to exist, making the proof version highly prized.

5. 1892-S: With a relatively low mintage, the 1892-S is rare in high grades. Its value can range from about $1,000 in lower uncirculated grades to over $100,000 in higher grades.

6. 1884-S: While not rare in circulated conditions, the 1884-S is exceedingly rare in higher uncirculated grades. Values range from around $250 in MS-60 to over $100,000 in MS-65.

7. 1894: With a low mintage of 110,000, the 1894 Philadelphia issue is rare in all grades. Values range from about $1,000 in lower uncirculated grades to over $40,000 in higher grades.

8. 1895-O: This New Orleans minted coin is rare and valuable, especially in higher grades. Values range from about $1,200 in lower uncirculated grades to over $100,000 in higher grades.

9. 1901: The 1901 Philadelphia issue is common in circulated grades but rare and valuable in uncirculated condition. Values range from about $500 in lower uncirculated grades to over $40,000 in higher grades.

10. 1886-O: Like the 1901, the 1886-O is more common in circulated conditions but rare in higher uncirculated grades. Values range from about $250 in MS-60 to over $100,000 in MS-65.

    Morgan Dollar Meltdown: The Pittman Act of 1918

    Morgan Silver Dollars were produced from 1878 until 1904. However, by the early 1900s, the Comstock Lode had been depleted, leading to a shortage of silver bullion. As a result, both Morgan and the rest of the country saw the Silver Dollar era drawing to a close. By this time, most Americans favored paper currency over the cumbersome Silver Dollars, which primarily circulated in the sparsely populated West. In other regions, these coins were often hoarded in banks and U.S. Treasury vaults.

    In 1918, Congress enacted the Pittman Act to replenish the government's silver bullion reserves by authorizing the melting of millions of Morgan Silver Dollars held in Treasury vaults. Consequently, over 270 million Morgan Dollars were destroyed—nearly half of the total minted from 1878 to 1904.

    The Pittman Act also mandated that the government purchase additional silver to replace the melted coins, leading to a brief revival of the Morgan Silver Dollar in 1921, before it was ultimately replaced by the Peace Silver Dollar later that year.

    Today, most Morgan Dollars can be traced back to one of four significant hoards: the Treasury Hoard, the Redfield Hoard, the Continental Bank Hoard, and the Casino Hoards. The coins in these hoards were typically stored in bags, resulting in the "bag marks" commonly found on Morgan Dollars today. These marks occur when coins come into contact with one another.

    Overall, the number of Morgan Dollars that have survived is relatively small compared to the total minted.

Where Was the Morgan Dollar Minted?

This silver coin was minted in a variety of locations, including: 

• Carson City Mint, Nevada
• Denver Mint, Colorado
• San Francisco Mint, California
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• New Orleans, Louisiana

For example, the CC Morgan Silver Dollar was made in Carson City. The rarest business strike version is the 1893-S Morgan Dollar Coin, made at the San Francisco Mint. 

Despite being worth one U.S. dollar at the time, Morgan Silver Dollars far exceed that, especially if they have earned an Uncirculated grade. 

Identifying the mint mark can help numismatists determine how much the coin is worth. However, for a more complete picture of worth, consult a grading agency like PCGS or the NGC.

Discover a new piece to add to your collection today. 

Who Designed the Morgan Silver Dollar?

This large, heavy, handsome, historic silver dollar was named after its designer, George Thomas Morgan, the 7th Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint.  His iconic design is one of the most recognized coin designs in the world.

Born in 1845, Morgan attended the Birmingham Art School before winning a scholarship to the prestigious South Kensington Art School in London. After running his own engraving business in London, he became an Engraver at England's Royal Mint. There, he continued to learn under the watchful eye of the legendary English engraver Leonard Charles Wyon.

In mid-1876, Morgan's career took an unexpected turn. The Deputy Master of The Royal Mint received a letter from the Director of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, H.R. Linderman, asking if he knew of someone who could fill the position of Assistant Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The Royal Mint recommended Morgan - and after examining samples of Morgan's work, Linderman offered him the post of "Special Engraver" for $8 per day.

Upon his arrival at the U.S. Mint in Pennsylvania, Morgan was assigned the task of designing the Silver Dollar and working on patterns for the Half Dollar. At this time, the U.S. Mint struck no circulating Silver Dollars, but the Mint realized it was only a matter of time before a Silver Dollar would be called for once again. They wanted to be ready when the time came.

By the time he eventually retired in 1924, George T. Morgan had worked at the U.S. Mint for an amazing 48 years. During this time, the United States went through many changes as the "Age of Technology" became a reality. This was also one of the most exciting and turbulent periods in United States history, and Morgan was witness to dramatic changes taking place all around him - from the winning of the West to World War I, and from the Wright Brothers' flight to Babe Ruth taking the baseball world by storm. Through it all, the one constant factor was the Morgan Silver Dollar, which even then was respected for its beauty and silver heft.

Morgan Dollar Key Dates

Collecting Morgan Dollars has gained popularity among coin enthusiasts as a rewarding set-building endeavor. Many collectors aim to complete, or nearly complete, a collection of Morgan Silver Dollars by date or mintmark. The most sought-after coins in these collections are referred to as "Key Dates." Key Date Morgan Dollars are typically the most challenging to locate in the series and often carry a value that exceeds their intrinsic silver content. Additionally, there are "Semi-Key Dates," which represent the next tier of hard-to-find coins after the Key Dates.

Market dynamics of supply and demand significantly influence the pricing of Morgan Dollars. The availability of a coin affects its supply; when many coins are accessible, prices generally remain lower. Conversely, when a Morgan Dollar is scarce and in high demand, such as a Key Date, it often commands a numismatic premium based on its mintage and condition.

A prime example of a Key Date coin is the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar, which has a limited supply coupled with growing demand. The Carson City Mint began producing Morgan Dollars in 1878 but halted production for four years in 1885 due to political issues. In October 1889, the mint resumed striking coins, but only 350,000 were produced in the final three months of the year because of maintenance problems. As a result, the 1889-CC Morgan Dollar stands out as one of the lower mintage coins in the entire Morgan series. While several less-known dates had even lower mintages, many of the 1889-CC Silver Dollars were melted down, making the surviving 1889-CC coins particularly desirable as one of the Key Dates in the Morgan Dollar series.

2021 Morgan Silver Dollar

The 2021 Morgan Silver Dollar Centennial release marked a significant milestone in numismatic history, celebrating an iconic piece of America's monetary heritage. The original Morgan Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904, with a final mintage in 1921, designed by George T. Morgan. This 2021 edition honors the 100-year anniversary since the last coin was struck, meticulously recreated with a few adjustments to highlight its distinctive historical significance.

The design of the 2021 Morgan Silver Dollar mirrors that of the original, featuring a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse, symbolizing freedom and peace. The reverse depicts an eagle with outstretched wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch, signifying America's strength and commitment to peace. Unlike the original, which contained 90% silver, this new Morgan Silver Dollar is minted in .999 fine silver.

Through this release, the U.S. Mint celebrated not only the Morgan Silver Dollar's historical legacy but also the ongoing relevance of tangible currency in our increasingly digital world. This centennial edition embodies a captivating blend of past and present, serving as a reminder of our rich and enduring numismatic tradition.

2023 Morgan Silver Dollar

The 2023 Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly anticipated release among numismatists and silver stackers, especially since no .999 fine Morgan Silver Dollars were produced in 2022 due to a shortage of the necessary silver blanks. Similar to the 2021 edition, the 2023 Morgan Silver Dollar retains the classic design, showcasing Lady Liberty’s profile on the obverse and the iconic eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse.

2023-S Proof Morgan Dollar

As observed above, 2023 will see the first-ever proof release of this modern series, which is sure to make these new Morgan Silver Dollars even more appealing to collectors and stackers alike. The 2023-S Proof Morgan is also the first time the renowned San Francisco Branch of the United States Mint has EVER struck a Morgan with a proof finish for collectors.

2023-S Reverse Proof Morgan Dollar

 In 2023, the United States Mint is also issuing a 2-piece Morgan and Peace Dollar Reverse Proof set, which marks the first time either Silver Dollar has EVER been struck with a reverse proof finish. Frosted fields and mirrored design details characterize the reverse proof finish.

Graded Morgan Silver Dollar

Coin grading is a standardized method used to assess and describe the condition of an individual coin, typically agreed upon by dealers and collectors alike. Over time, numismatists and grading services have developed specific definitions, descriptions, and numeric values that enable collectors to accurately communicate the quality of coins when buying or selling. 

Certified Morgan Silver dollars For Sale >

Morgan Dollars are sizable and hefty coins composed of silver, a metal known for its softness and malleability. Due to their large size, achieving a complete strike of the design can be challenging. The U.S. Mint produced Morgan Silver Dollars at five different branches: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, San Francisco, and Denver (only in 1921). The quality of strikes can vary significantly from strong to weak, influenced by the year of production and the mint where the coins were made.

Mint Marks on Morgan Silver Dollars

The mint mark of Morgan Dollars struck at the branch mints is located below the bow in the wreath on the reverse design. These coins were minted from 1878 to 1904, with a final mintage in 1921, and feature specific mint marks that indicate their place of origin. Morgan Dollars were produced in Philadelphia (which does not carry a mint mark), San Francisco (S), New Orleans (O), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D). Each branch mint’s mark provides collectors with information about the coin's origin, while the Philadelphia Mint's issues lack a mint mark altogether.

In addition to the standard mint marks, some coins may feature privy marks, which indicate special releases or commemorative issues. The use of branch mints allowed for increased production and distribution of these popular coins during their mintage years, and the various mint marks add to the allure and collectibility of Morgan Dollars among enthusiasts.

Silver Content of the Morgan Silver Dollar

How Much Silver Is in A Morgan Dollar?

The vintage Morgan Silver Dollars, minted between 1878 and 1904, and again in 1921, contain 26.73 grams of .900 fine silver, which means they are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This results in a total net weight of 0.77344 ounces of pure silver per coin.

For collectors and investors, this silver content is a significant aspect, as it influences the coin's market value based on the current price of silver. The copper alloy in these coins not only provides durability but also adds to their distinctive appearance, as the slight reddish hue can sometimes be observed.

Modern Morgan Dollars

Starting with the 2021 issue, the modern Morgan Dollars are struck from 26.717 grams of .999 fine silver, meaning they contain 99.9% silver and only 0.1% other metals. This upgrade in silver purity reflects a growing trend among modern coinage to increase the precious metal content, enhancing their appeal to both collectors and investors. Each of these modern coins contains approximately 0.8593 ounces of pure silver, making them slightly heavier in silver content compared to their vintage counterparts.

Morgan Silver Dollars for Sale

Explore our extensive selection of Morgan Silver Dollars at Bullion Shark, where you can find some of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics. Minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, these iconic silver coins feature the exquisite design by George T. Morgan and carry a rich history that appeals to both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.

Our Offerings Include:

• Mint State Morgan Dollars: Available in various grades, showcasing outstanding details and luster, perfect for those looking to add high-quality pieces to their collection.

• Circulated Morgan Dollars: Great for beginner collectors, these coins exhibit wear but still hold significant historical value and character.

• Key Date and Semi-Key Date Coins: Find rare and highly coveted editions with unique mint marks and lower mintage figures that elevate their collectibility.

• Proof and Reverse Proof Morgan Dollars: These special editions feature exceptional finishes and are perfect for numismatists seeking unique additions to their collections.

If you're interested in Morgan Silver Dollars but looking for an accessible way to start collecting vintage silver dollars, consider checking out the Pre-1921 Circulated Morgan Silver Dollars in VG to XF condition (Mixed Dates).

At Bullion Shark, each Morgan Silver Dollar is meticulously graded and accompanied by detailed descriptions regarding its condition, mint mark, and historical significance. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, we strive to provide a seamless shopping experience. Visit our website to browse our current inventory and secure your Morgan Silver Dollar today!

When you buy Morgan Dollars at BullionSharks.com you can rest assured that you are buying authentic United States coinage. We offer an exceptional inventory of Morgan Silver Dollars for sale, perfect for both the beginning collectorand the advanced collector. Our selection includes a wide range of vintage dollars and modern dollars, ensuring you can find the perfect piece of authentic United States coinage to suit your collection. With rare coins of various types and grades, every coin has been carefully evaluated for its numismatic value. We stand behind the quality of our U.S. Mint dollar coins by offering a 14-day return policy. Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over $149, making it easier to grow your collection with confidence.

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