The Ultimate Guide to Silver Dollar Value

Every silver dollar is worth a dollar, right? Actually — not always. Silver dollar value can vary heavily in terms of their weight, silver content, and overall value. It helps to know what to expect when buying or treating silver dollars.

Read on for a breakdown of silver dollar values and a helpful silver dollar value chart.

How Much Is a Collectible Silver Coin Worth? A Price Chart for US Coin Collecting

Collectible silver coins can be worth a wide range of prices, ranging from as little as $2 to many thousands of dollars or even more than some cars. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular  collectible silver coins, plus a price chart to help you make your next purchase decision.

Morgan Silver Dollar Value

Morgan silver dollars are some of the most actively collected in the US. They were originally minted from 1878 to 1904 but were minted once again starting in 1921. These Morgan Silver Dollar Values can go from $30-$10,000 or more, but each Morgan silver dollar has 0.7735 ounces of silver.

Peace Dollar Value

Peace silver dollars were the very last US $1 coins issued for general circulation that included compositions of 90% silver. Because of this high silver content, every Peace dollar value is at least $15.

There are 24 varieties of Peace silver dollars, and none of them are especially rare. The highest-priced Peace silver dollars will be $150-$200 in general.

American Silver Eagle Value

American Silver Eagle coins were launched in 1986 and have become some of the most beloved silver bullion coins for collectors. These coins were originally minted to deplete the country’s current stockpile of silver and put it into circulation.

You can get American Silver Eagles as proof Silver Eagles, designed for collectors above all else. In any case, prices for American Silver Eagle bullion coins can range from as little as $50-$12,000 or more, depending on the type, quality, etc.

Bust Silver Dollar Coin Value

Bust silver dollars were the first to come from the United States Mint and were only minted for a very short amount of time. Because of this, only a few Bust silver dollars have survived to the present day. As a result, you can expect to pay $2000 at minimum for one of these coins, but oftentimes much more than $20,000 depending on quality, silver content, etc.

Seated Liberty Dollar Value

Seated Liberty dollars were the second class of silver dollars made by the US mint. These coins were produced for over ten years and can be found in poor to excellent condition.

Since all Seated Liberty dollars are over 100 years old, you’ll pay a few hundred dollars minimum for one of these coins, but some are worth well over $2000 or more.

Eisenhower Dollar Value

Eisenhower dollars were made by the  US mint but were never circulated very widely. They were made from 1971 to 1978 and are available in three different die varieties.

Condition and quality can vary dramatically, but most of these coins are available for less than $20. Some of them are available for well over $150, though this is rarer than not.

How Is Silver Dollar Value Rated? Coin Grading Explained

Silver coins are rated based on a few different factors:

• The actual silver weight or ASW, which is the weight of pure silver used in the coin
• The coin’s fineness or detail
• The coin’s weight in grams

You can determine any silver coin’s rough value by multiplying the ASW with the current spot or market price of silver. Generally, bullion or collectible coins are also worth more than coins put into circulation.

However, some coins that are put into circulation but that are very old or rare can also be quite valuable. Some silver coins are valuable precisely because only a few thousand or a hundred thousand were minted.

The Spot Price of Silver: Face Value vs. Numismatic Value

The spot price of silver is the market value of pure silver on the commodities market. It impacts the market value of any silver dollar or coin. Spot price can also be thought of as what a coin would be worth if it were melted down and its constituent metals were separated or made into precious metal bars.

Note that the spot price of silver means that a silver dollar’s total value may be different from its face value, which is the value minted on the dollar (e.g., one US dollar)

Depending on the coins you collect, some silver dollars can be worth much more than a single buck. Some can be worth many tens of thousands of dollars, in fact!

Why Do People Collect Rare Coins?

People  collect silver dollars and other rare coins for a variety of reasons. They may collect coins for sentimental or historical value, seeking to own a piece of history so they can keep it safe for themselves and their descendants.

Others simply find collecting rare coins to be fun! You can collect rare coins like silver dollars for whatever reason suits you.

What Are Precious Metals?

However, rare coins are almost always made from precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, and more. Precious metals are valued for their rarity, economic applications, or aesthetic beauty.

What Is the Silver Content in a Silver Coin?

Each silver coin has a certain percentage of silver content. The silver content is the percentage of the coin’s mass in grams made up of pure silver. For instance, if you have a silver dollar with 99.99% silver content, only 0.01% of the silver dollar is made up of something other than pure silver.

What Is a Troy Ounce?

The silver content in a silver dollar or other coin is weighed in troy ounces. A troy ounce is a special unit of measurement you can use to weigh precious metals. It came from Troyes, France, during the Middle Ages, and a single troy ounce is the same as 31.1034768 g.

A troy ounce is not the same as a standard ounce, which is a little less than 28.35 g. So, if your silver is measured and found to be a certain number of ounces, remember that those ounces are likely troy ounces rather than standard ounces.

What Is Melt Value?

The “ melt value” of a silver dollar or other coin would be the value of the coin if it were to be melted down by others. This is usually reflected by the spot price for silver in a silver dollar. It’s what someone might pay to acquire the pure silver in the coin so they could melt it down for other purposes, like making it into a silver bar, etc.

A Coin Dealer Coin Collectors Can Trust

Silver dollars can be worth a wide range of prices. It’s important to do your research and determine what silver dollars you want to purchase from trusted dealers like Bullion Shark.

As knowledgeable and experienced coin dealers, we not only have the best selection of silver dollars to start or grow your collection. We also have trustworthy experts on hand to verify each coin’s value and silver content. Discover your newest addition to your collection today.

FAQ

What factors determine the value of a silver dollar?

The value of a silver dollar is influenced by its age, rarity, condition (grade), silver content, and any historical or collector significance. Market demand and current silver prices also play a crucial role.

How much is a Morgan silver dollar worth?

Morgan silver dollars can range from around $20 for common, circulated coins to tens of thousands for rare dates in high grades. Key dates, mint marks, and exceptional condition can significantly increase their value.

What is the most valuable silver dollar?

One of the most valuable silver dollars is the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar, which sold for over $10 million. It is considered the first silver dollar issued by the U.S. Mint and is highly prized for its rarity and historical importance.

Are all silver dollars made of silver?

Most classic silver dollars (e.g., Morgan and Peace dollars) are made from 90% silver. However, not all "silver dollars" are made from silver; for example, Eisenhower Dollars minted for circulation from 1971-1978 do not contain silver unless they are collector's editions minted from 40% silver.

What is a Peace silver dollar worth?

Peace silver dollars typically start at around $30 for coins in good condition and can reach into the thousands for rarer dates or coins in uncirculated condition.

Can you still find silver dollars in circulation?

It is extremely rare to find silver dollars like the Morgan or Peace dollars in circulation today. Most silver dollars in circulation are Eisenhower dollars, which, apart from collector editions, do not contain silver.

What year silver dollars are worth the most?

Key dates that are particularly valuable include the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar, the 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, and the 1928 Peace Silver Dollar. Their value can be significantly higher due to their rarity and demand among collectors.

How much is a silver dollar from 1921 worth?

A 1921 silver dollar, whether a Morgan or Peace type, generally ranges from $20 for lower grades to $150 or more for uncirculated conditions. The 1921 Peace dollar, being the first year of issue, might carry a premium, especially in higher grades.

Are any silver dollars considered rare?

Yes, several silver dollars are considered rare due to low mintage numbers, key dates, and those from certain mints. For example, the 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar had a very low mintage, making it one of the rarest and most valuable.

How should I store and protect my silver dollars to maintain their value?

Silver dollars should be stored in a cool, dry place. Use coin holders, tubes, or albums made from safe materials to prevent scratches and chemical reactions that can tarnish the silver. Avoid handling the coins directly to protect them from oils and dirt that can affect their luster and overall condition.

Sources:

Troy Ounce: Definition, History, and Conversion Table | Investopedia

Silver PRICE Today | Silver Spot Price Chart | Live Price of Silver per Ounce | Markets Insider

How to Find the Silver Melt Value of Coins | The Spruce Coins