The Most Valuable Silver Dollars List

Silver dollars are among the most iconic coins in U.S. history. Their size, weight, and composition of 90% silver make them highly collectible. Certain silver dollars stand out for their rarity, historical significance, or condition, and these factors contribute to their high value in the numismatic market. Here is a list of the top 10 most valuable silver dollars, showcasing their distinctive features, mintages, and values.

1. 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar

The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar is widely regarded as the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint, following the establishment of a national mint under the Coinage Act of 1792. This coin represents the fledgling nation’s early efforts to produce its own currency, emphasizing independence and economic stability.

• Mintage: Approximately 1,758
• Design:
  • Obverse: Lady Liberty with flowing hair, symbolizing freedom and youth.
  • Reverse: An eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath, signifying victory and unity.
• Historical Context: These coins were minted in Philadelphia, then the nation’s capital. Due to primitive minting technology, most examples have imperfections.
• Value: The value of the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar ranges from $200,000 to over $10 million, depending on its condition.
• Notable Sale: In 2013, a specimen believed to be the first struck sold for $10,016,875, setting a record for the highest auction price for a coin.

Image source: PCGS

2. 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

Nicknamed the "King of Coins," the 1804 Draped Bust Silver Dollar holds legendary status in numismatics. Despite its date, none were struck in 1804. Instead, the U.S. Mint produced these coins in the 1830s for diplomatic purposes.

• Mintage: 15 known specimens, divided into Class I, II, and III.
• Design:
  • Obverse: Liberty with a draped bust facing right, designed by Robert Scot.
  • Reverse: A heraldic eagle holding arrows and an olive branch, inspired by the Great Seal of the United States.
• Historical Context: These coins were used as gifts for foreign dignitaries to showcase U.S. craftsmanship. Their rarity and storied past make them a cornerstone of any elite collection.
• Value: $1 million to $7 million.
• Notable Sale: A Class I example sold for $7.68 million in 2021.

Image source: PCGS

3. 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1889-CC Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins from the Carson City Mint, known for its association with the Old West.

• Mintage: 350,000
• Design:
  • Obverse: Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap, surrounded by the motto "E Pluribus Unum."
  • Reverse: A bald eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, designed by George T. Morgan.
• Historical Context: Carson City was a hub during the Nevada silver boom. This coin's low mintage and surviving numbers make it a key date for collectors.
• Value: $8,000 to over $300,000, depending on grade.

Image source: PCGS

4. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is the rarest regular-issue Morgan Dollar. Its low mintage reflects economic hardship during the Panic of 1893, a financial crisis that led to reduced silver dollar production.

• Mintage: 100,000
• Design:
  • Same as other Morgan Dollars, featuring the iconic Liberty head and eagle motifs.
• Historical Context: The San Francisco Mint’s limited production adds to the coin’s allure. Surviving examples are often heavily worn, making uncirculated specimens extremely valuable.
• Value: $10,000 to $550,000.

Image source: PCGS

5. 1921 Peace Silver Dollar (High Relief)

The Peace Dollar series was introduced to commemorate the end of World War I. The 1921 issue is notable for its high-relief design, which required extra striking pressure and caused production challenges.

• Mintage: 1,006,473
• Design:
  • Obverse: Lady Liberty wearing a radiant crown, designed by Anthony de Francisci.
  • Reverse: A bald eagle perched on a rock with the inscription “Peace.”
• Historical Context: The Peace Dollar symbolizes optimism and peace following the war. The high-relief design was discontinued in 1922, making the 1921 issue a unique collectible.
• Value: $150 to $50,000.

Image source: PCGS

6. 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Off-Center)

The 1795 Draped Bust Silver Dollar marks the transition from the Flowing Hair design to the more refined Draped Bust style. This coin's off-center strikes add rarity and intrigue.

• Mintage: 160,295 (standard strikes).
• Design:
  • Obverse: Liberty with draped bust, modeled after socialite Ann Willing Bingham.
  • Reverse: A small eagle encircled by a wreath, replaced in later designs by a heraldic eagle.
• Historical Context: Early U.S. coins often have minting anomalies due to less advanced technology, making error coins especially valuable.
• Value: $2,000 to $150,000.

Image source: PCGS

7. 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1901 Morgan Dollar is a rare gem in high grades. While millions were minted, most entered circulation, making uncirculated examples elusive.

• Mintage: 6,962,000
• Design:
  • Same as other Morgan Dollars, featuring Lady Liberty and an eagle.
• Historical Context: The 1901 Morgan reflects the twilight years of the series, as the U.S. moved toward smaller denominations for everyday commerce.
• Value: $50 to $425,000.

Image source: PCGS

8. 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1878-CC Morgan Dollar is the first Morgan Dollar minted at the Carson City Mint. Its historical significance and association with the silver boom make it a must-have for collectors.

• Mintage: 2,212,000
• Design: Same as other Morgan Dollars.
• Historical Context: The Carson City Mint played a pivotal role in producing coins from Nevada’s rich silver deposits. The “CC” mintmark adds a distinctive appeal.
• Value: $100 to $50,000.

9. 1895 Morgan Silver Dollar (Proof)

Often called the "King of Morgans," the 1895 Morgan Dollar is a proof-only issue, adding to its mystique and desirability.

• Mintage: 880
• Design: Same as other Morgan Dollars, but with a sharper, more detailed proof finish.
• Historical Context: Regular 1895 Morgan Dollars were likely melted, leaving only proofs to represent the year. This has elevated the coin to legendary status among collectors.
• Value: $50,000 to $175,000.

10. 1799 Draped Bust Silver Dollar

The 1799 Draped Bust Dollar represents the expansion of the young U.S. Mint’s operations. Certain varieties, such as overdates, increase its appeal.

• Mintage: Estimated at 423,515.
• Design: Same as other Draped Bust Dollars.
• Historical Context: This coin reflects the growth of U.S. commerce and the minting infrastructure necessary to support it. Overdates and other varieties add interest for specialists.
• Value: $1,000 to $100,000.

Buy Valuable Silver Dollars online

Silver dollars combine artistry, history, and rarity, making them some of the most sought-after coins in numismatics. From the historic 1794 Flowing Hair Dollar to the iconic 1895 Morgan Dollar, these coins captivate collectors for their beauty and the stories they represent. Understanding the factors that contribute to their value helps collectors appreciate their significance and make informed decisions in the market.

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