Stumbled on a Morgan Silver Dollar in an attic or dusty moving box? Good news: this classic U.S. coin (struck 1878–1904 and again in 1921) can range from near melt value to six- or seven-figure auction prices depending on date, mint mark, and grade.
Why some Morgans are worth a fortune
- Date & mint mark: Rarities like 1893-S and 1889-CC bring huge premiums. The mint mark sits on the reverse, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR,” beneath the wreath; no mint mark = Philadelphia.
- Condition (grade): High-end MS coins can multiply value. Common dates (e.g., 1881-S) in Mint State are collectible and often sell in the low hundreds; circulated pieces are usually far less.
- Hoard & packaging: A Carson City (CC) dollar in its original black GSA holder with COA commands extra premium.
Real-world price benchmarks (recent)
- The finest known 1893-S set an all-time Morgan record at $2,086,875 .
- An 1889-CC graded PCGS MS65+ CAC realized $660,000 in August 2023
Quick value checks for your find
- Confirm silver/melt value: Each Morgan contains 0.7734 troy oz of silver (coin weight 26.73 g). Melt sets a floor price.
- Find the mint mark: Flip to the reverse; look just above the DO in DOLLAR for CC, S, O, D (or none for Philadelphia).
- Scan the date list below for key rarities; then compare against a current price guide or recent auction comps.
- Watch for counterfeits: Added/altered mint marks and high-quality fakes exist—examine surfaces around the mint mark for seams or texture changes. When in doubt, use PCGS/NGC certification.
- Look for GSA holders on CC dollars—original boxes/COAs add value.
Key Dates, Mint Marks & Typical Potential (high grade) Value
| Date/Mint | Why it’s valuable | Typical potential if high grade* |
|---|---|---|
| 1893-S | Lowest mintage San Francisco issue; series key | Six to seven figures; record $2.09M for finest known |
| 1889-CC | Tough Carson City rarity; few in Gem | Mid- to high-six figures in Gem (e.g., $660k MS65+) |
| 1884-S | Scarce in Mint State; conditional rarity | Five- to six-figure potential in Gem |
| 1881-S | Common, great strikes | Low hundreds in MS65; $40–$60 circulated typical |
*Representative ranges based on recent records and price-guide patterns; actual value depends on grade, eye appeal, and certification.
Step-by-step: From box to ballpark value
- Weigh it (26.73 g) and check diameter (~38.1 mm); out-of-spec suggests counterfeit or damage.
- Note date/mint and overall condition (heavy wear vs. frosty luster).
- Check melt floor using a silver calculator, then compare numismatic premium.
- If it looks special (key date/CC/Gem look), get it authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
A dusty-box Morgan might be a neat keepsake—or a five- or six-figure rarity. Identify the mint mark, verify the date, confirm authenticity, and compare current comps.
If your coin reads 1893-S or 1889-CC (especially in high grade or GSA packaging), it’s worth a professional look—potentially thousands to millions.
