The Morgan Silver Dollar is the most popular and widely collected coin in American numismatic history. Minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, these large, beautiful silver dollars are found in attics, estate collections, and safety deposit boxes across the country every day.
If you have Morgan dollars and want to know what they are worth — this is your guide.
What Is a Morgan Silver Dollar?
The Morgan dollar was designed by U.S. Mint engraver George T. Morgan and first struck in 1878. It contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver (90% silver, 10% copper). At today's silver prices (let's say Spot is $60), every Morgan dollar has a base melt value of approximately $50.13 — but many are worth significantly more than that.
What Makes a Morgan Dollar Valuable?
Three factors determine your Morgan dollar's value:
Date and Mint Mark
The mint mark appears on the reverse (back) of the coin, just above the "DO" in DOLLAR:
- No mint mark = Philadelphia
- CC = Carson City (highly collectible)
- O = New Orleans
- S = San Francisco
- D = Denver (1921 only)
Key Date Morgan Dollars (Worth the Most)
These dates and mint marks command significant premiums even in worn condition:
| Date & Mint | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | MS-63 | |---|---|---|---| | 1893-S | $5,000+ | $15,000+ | $100,000+ | | 1895 (Proof only) | $15,000+ | $25,000+ | $75,000+ | | 1889-CC | $500+ | $1,500+ | $20,000+ | | 1893-CC | $500+ | $1,200+ | $15,000+ | | 1884-S | $200+ | $500+ | $10,000+ | | 1892-S | $150+ | $400+ | $8,000+ | | 1901 | $100+ | $300+ | $5,000+ |
Semi-Key Date Morgan Dollars
| Date & Mint | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | |---|---|---| | 1879-CC | $100–$200 | $300–$600 | | 1881-CC | $150–$250 | $400–$700 | | 1885-CC | $200–$350 | $500–$900 | | 1886-O | $30–$60 | $100–$300 | | 1903-O | $30–$60 | $100–$200 |
Common Date Morgan Dollars
Most Morgan dollars you will encounter are common dates. All pricing are vague approximations.
- Good to Fine condition: $25–$45 (mostly silver value)
- Extremely Fine (EF-40): $35–$50
- About Uncirculated (AU-50): $45–$50
- Mint State (MS-63): $60–$90
- Mint State (MS-65): $125 and up, up
Carson City Morgan Dollars — Always Worth More
Any Morgan dollar with a CC mint mark (Carson City) is worth a premium over the same date from other mints. Carson City had lower mintages and the coins are highly sought by collectors. Even common-date CC Morgans in worn condition are worth $60–$150 or more.
The 1921 Morgan Dollar
The 1921 Morgan was the last year of production and was minted in enormous quantities — over 86 million coins. As a result, 1921 Morgans are the most common date and are worth:
- Circulated: $25–$35
- Mint State MS-63: $45–$65
- Mint State MS-65: $100–$200
Proof Morgan Dollars
Proof Morgan dollars were specially made for collectors with mirror-like fields and frosted devices. They are rare and valuable — most proof Morgans are worth $1,000–$10,000+ depending on date and condition.
Cleaned vs. Original Morgan Dollars
Never clean a Morgan dollar. A cleaned coin is worth 50–75% less than an original, uncleaned example. Experienced dealers can spot cleaning instantly. Always present coins in the condition you found them.
Where to Sell Morgan Dollars in Upstate SC
Clemson Coins, Currency and Bullion in Pendleton, SC is the premier buyer of Morgan Silver Dollars in Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, Northeast Georgia, and East Tennessee.
We are PCGS, NGC & CACG authorized dealers — we know exactly what your Morgan dollars are worth and we pay accordingly. We consistently pay more than any other dealer, coin shop, or pawn shop in the region.
Bring your Morgan dollars in any time — no appointment needed. We will evaluate them on the spot and make you an immediate cash offer.
864-502-0100
Located in Pendleton, SC — 30–35 minutes from Greenville, 20 minutes from Anderson.
We Pay More, Always.