
Coin Individuality: Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar is a coin collected by numismatists all throughout the world.
Each and every coin is special in its own way, whether it's a Morgan Silver Dollar or a Franklin Half Dollar or even a brand-new Shield Cent. The Morgan Silver Dollar is incredibly sought after in the world of numismatists. Almost every serious collector has at least one in his/her collection. Morgan Silver Dollars are made of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing in at just over 26.7 grams. The coin has a diameter of 38 millimeters and 0.77344 ounces of pure silver. At the time of writing, the silver content of the coin alone is worth about $13.00, far more than face value for even the ugliest of the Morgan's.
Mint Locations
CC - Carson City
O - New Orleans
D - DenverS - San Francisco
No mint mark - Philadelphia
Key Dates
As with most coins, there are several key dates in the series, which can make creating a set incredibly difficult and costly. Some key dates include 1878CC, valued between $120 and almost $2,000, depending on the condition, 1879CC, valued between almost $300 up to almost $30,000, depending on condition and variety. Another key date with several varieties is 1880CC, where all varieties are worth at least $200. The 1881CC is also a key date, as well as 1889CC, and 1893CC. There are several other key dates for the series, with the most valuable date being the 1893S, with only 100,000 minted. It is valued between $5,000 and $650,000. This coin was sold for $646,250 at the Legend Auction in October of 2014. The coin was in pristine MS-65 condition. In general, the CC mint mark is the most rare, with the fewest being minted, which therefore, leads to the intense prices you can see with almost ever Morgan Silver Dollar minted in Carson City. But don't think that just because you have an O mint mark that you're coin is worthless.
Errors
Morgan Silver Dollars, as with almost all series, has mint errors. Some of the errors include the 1878 doubled feathers, 1879CC CC over CC, 1880 80 over 79, different error varieties of 1880CC, 1880O 80 over 79, 1882O O over S, 1887 and 1887O 7 over 6, 1880O Doubled Die Obverse, 1900 O over CC, and 1901 Doubled Die Reverse.
Should I Get A Morgan Silver Dollar Graded?
PCGS and NGC are the leading companies for coin grading in the world, however, it is also rather pricey to have a coin graded. If your coin is either a key date and/or in exceptional condition, that is when grading becomes a good option with Morgan Silver Dollars. However, if you have a 1921 in VF-XF condition, I would not recommend having your Morgan professionally graded. Some other alternatives are ANACS and IGC, which are both cheaper, which could be good options for cheaper coins.Every coin is special and individual in their own way and when you learn about a new coin, maybe that will be your next collecting goal!
Comments
Numinerd9
Level 5
I have loved this series since I was about 10 years old, especially right after my grandmother handed me two of them - an 1888-O in very circulated condition (Good) and an 1896 in AU. I've carried that 1896 as a pocket piece for at least a dozen years now, and it's currently worn down to about a Choice VF, but it still means the world to me! Cherrypicking better date VAMs over the years certainly helped me supplement my teacher income when I used to be in the classroom a few years ago; summertime job - gotta love being self employed, even if it was only for a couple months out of every year. I collect so many more items than just Morgan dollars, but I always come right back to them as well as Liberty Walking halves as my favorite coins to collect; I absolutely love them! Nice post - thank you! -Sam Gelberd, ANA Numismatic Educator
iccoins
Level 4
Awesome story! I'm glad you enjoyed :)
CoinLady
Level 6
My fav US coin! I've loved Morgan $1 for over 50 yrs! Thanks for this.
iccoins
Level 4
Morgan's are great! You must have been collecting a long time, far longer than I've been alive :O Glad you enjoyed!
"SUN"
Level 6
Good blog! Nice research.
iccoins
Level 4
Thanks :) Glad you enjoyed!
Conan Barbarian
Level 5
thanks for the blog and all the information
iccoins
Level 4
Glad you enjoyed :)
Longstrider
Level 6
Good Blog. Very informative. Even Varieties covered. I'm impressed.. Thanks and keep the blogs coming...
iccoins
Level 4
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed and I definitely plan to "keep the blogs coming." :)
Kepi
Level 6
Great blog! Enjoyed all the information on Morgans. One of my favorites...especially toned ones. : )
iccoins
Level 4
Thanks! It's one of my favorites too :)
The Coin Student
Level 5
Nice overview of Morgan Silver Dollars. I especially like the listing of key dates and errors. Thanks for sharing!
iccoins
Level 4
Thanks :) I plan to do this same style post for other coins as well.
Mike
Level 7
Very good blog. Your right if you on t have one you want one. Plenty of varieties also. And who doesn't love the design. Thanks for sharing your information and picture. Mike.
iccoins
Level 4
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed :) Yes, the design is quite spectacular. One of my favorites, after the Mercury Dime.