Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars
Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars represent the backbone of one of the most beloved series in American numismatics. Struck between 1878 and 1921, these silver coins capture the spirit of the United States during a period of significant growth and change. While certain years and mint marks are known for their rarity and high value, Common Date Morgans offer collectors and investors the opportunity to own a piece of American history without the premium price tag associated with the rarest specimens.
These coins feature the iconic design by George T. Morgan, with Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch on the reverse. Common Date Morgan Dollars are ideal for those new to collecting or anyone looking to add affordable silver to their investments. They also serve as an excellent foundation for a date and mint mark collection of Morgan Dollars, providing a tangible connection to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Most Common Dates and Their Value Ranges Along with Mintages
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1921 (Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco): The most common date, with over 86 million minted across all mints. Values range from $35 to $60 for circulated grades and can go up to $200+ for MS-65 and higher.
- Philadelphia: 44,690,000
- Denver: 20,345,000
- San Francisco: 21,695,000
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1881-S: Highly regarded for its striking quality and luster, with a mintage of 12,760,000. Values range from $35 to $60 for circulated grades, with uncirculated examples fetching $100 to $300+.
- San Francisco: 12,760,000
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1880-S: Known for its beautiful strikes and luster, similar to the 1881-S, with a mintage of 8,900,000. Prices for circulated coins range from $35 to $60, and uncirculated grades can reach $100 to $300+.
- San Francisco: 8,900,000
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1889: A common year with a mintage of 21,726,000 from the Philadelphia mint, making it widely available. Circulated examples range from $25 to $50, with uncirculated grades going for $100 to $250.
- Philadelphia: 21,726,000
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1896: With a substantial mintage of 9,976,000 from Philadelphia, this year is readily available to collectors. Values for circulated coins range from $25 to $50, with uncirculated examples fetching $100 to $250.
- Philadelphia: 9,976,000
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1897 (Philadelphia): Another common year with a mintage of 2,822,000, offering good availability. Circulated grades are valued between $25 and $50, with uncirculated grades reaching $100 to $250.
- Philadelphia: 2,822,000
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1900 (Philadelphia): With a mintage of 8,830,000, this year is quite common and accessible. Prices for circulated examples range from $25 to $50, and uncirculated coins can command $100 to $250.
- Philadelphia: 8,830,000
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1904-O: This year saw a mintage of 3,720,000 and is notable for being one of the last Morgan Dollars released into circulation. Circulated coins range from $25 to $50, with uncirculated examples fetching $100 to $250.
- New Orleans: 3,720,000
Collecting Common Date Morgan Dollars
Collecting Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars is an excellent way for enthusiasts to dive into the world of coin collecting. These coins offer the beauty and historical significance of the Morgan series at a more accessible price point. Whether you're interested in the artistry, the history, or the investment potential of silver, Common Date Morgans provide a fulfilling and rewarding collecting experience.
How does the grading scale work for Morgan Silver Dollars, and how does it affect their value?
The grading scale for Morgan Silver Dollars is a nuanced system that ranges from 1 to 70, with 1 representing a coin in poor condition and 70 representing a perfect coin with no post-mint damage at 5x magnification. The scale, developed by the Sheldon Grading Scale, is used by professional grading services like NGC and PCGS to evaluate a coin's condition. The grade of a Morgan Silver Dollar significantly affects its value; for example, a coin in a circulated condition (grades below 60) might be worth $20 to $50, while the same coin in an uncirculated condition (grades 60 and above) could fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on its rarity and the specific grade within the uncirculated category. The presence of original luster, minimal marks or scratches, and the sharpness of the design details all contribute to higher grades and, consequently, higher values.
What factors should collectors consider when choosing which Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars to add to their collection?
When choosing which Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars to add to their collection, collectors should consider several factors beyond just the date and mint mark. The historical context of the coin, such as the year it was minted and its place within the broader Morgan Dollar series, can add a layer of significance. The condition and grade of the coin are crucial, as higher-grade coins are more valuable and aesthetically pleasing. Collectors might also look for coins with particular eye appeal, which includes factors like striking luster, toning, and the overall visual impact of the coin. Additionally, understanding the market and current trends in Morgan Dollar collecting can help collectors make informed decisions about which coins might be good investments in the long term.
Are there any notable variations or errors among Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars that could make them more valuable or interesting to collectors?
Among Common Date Morgan Silver Dollars, there are indeed variations and errors that can make certain coins more valuable or interesting to collectors. For example, the 1888-O "Hot Lips" variety is a result of a double die obverse, creating a noticeable doubling of Lady Liberty's lips and nose. Another example is the 1901 "Shifted Eagle" variety, where the eagle on the reverse is noticeably misaligned due to a die shift. While these errors and variations are not found in every common date, their presence in a collection can significantly increase its value and appeal. Collectors often seek out these unique pieces for their rarity and the stories they tell about the minting process and the history of the Morgan Silver Dollar series.
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Common Date Morgan Silver Dollar FAQ
A common date Morgan Silver Dollar refers to coins from the Morgan Silver Dollar series that were minted in years and at locations where a large number of coins were produced. These coins are more readily available on the market compared to their rarer counterparts, making them a popular choice for collectors and investors alike.
You can identify a common date Morgan Silver Dollar by examining the coin's date and mint mark. Common dates typically have higher mintage numbers and include years like 1921, which saw a significant production across multiple mints. Checking a coin catalog or online database can help determine if your Morgan Silver Dollar is a common date.
The most common dates for Morgan Silver Dollars include 1921, which is the last year of the series and was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Other common dates include 1881-S, 1880-S, and 1896, all of which have relatively high mintage figures compared to other years.
The value range for common date Morgan Silver Dollars can vary widely based on condition, but generally, circulated examples can be found for $35-$80, while uncirculated coins may range from $50 to several hundred dollars for coins in exceptional condition.
Some Morgan Silver Dollars are considered common due to their high mintage numbers, which means more coins were produced and are available today. This high production rate was often in response to the silver mining booms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to a greater supply of certain year coins.
Yes, a common date Morgan Silver Dollar can still be valuable, especially if it is in a high grade of preservation or has certain desirable features such as strong luster, sharp details, or a particularly attractive toning. Coins graded MS-65 and above can fetch higher prices even if they are from a more commonly minted year.
The mint mark on a common date Morgan Silver Dollar can affect its value, but perhaps less so than with rarer dates. Coins minted in Carson City (CC) often carry a premium, although for common dates, the premiums may be less pronounced compared to rarer dates from the same mint.
When collecting common date Morgan Silver Dollars, look for coins with good eye appeal, including strong strikes, minimal marks or abrasions, and attractive luster. Collecting a range of mint marks and striving for higher-grade coins can also add interest and value to your collection.
Storing and caring for your common date Morgan Silver Dollars involves keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use coin holders, capsules, or albums designed for coin storage to protect them from scratches, handling damage, and environmental factors. Handling your coins carefully and infrequently, preferably by their edges, can also help preserve their condition and value.