If you love collecting coins, I am sure that at some point in your life you have come across a Morgan Silver Dollar or probably the peace silver dollar. These coins are definitely attractive, but it is important to note that they possess more than just a wonderful design.
Some of the most valuable silver dollars ever made and their history are discussed in the article below. From Morgan to Peace dollars and even the well-known Draped Bust Dollar. Because of the value of silver within coins and the collector’s interest in certain coins, some collectible coins are extremely valuable.
Silver dollars are one type of coin that has a history of high value. The U.S. Mint made silver dollars from 1795 until 1921, at which time silver was removed from the coin, causing its demise and untimely death. This article promises to be an interesting read for you. What are you waiting for? Grab a hot cup of coffee and let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
30 Most Valuable Silver Dollars Worth Money: List
No |
Silver Dollars |
Grade |
Price Sold |
1 |
1882 O Morgan Silver Dollar: O Over S |
MS65+ |
$84,000 |
2 |
1883 S Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS67 |
$74,750 |
3 |
1884 S Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS68 |
$750,000 |
4 |
1886 O Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS65 |
$168,000 |
5 |
1887 O Morgan Silver Dollar: 7 Over 6 |
MS65 |
$37,375 |
6 |
1889 CC Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS68 |
$881,250 |
7 |
1890 CC Morgan Silver Dollar: Tail Bar |
MS65+ |
$27,025 |
8 |
1892 Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS66 |
$42,500 |
9 |
1893 S Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS65 |
$600,000 |
10 |
1895 O Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS67 |
$528,000 |
11 |
1796 Draped Bust Dollar: Small Date, Small Letters |
AU55 |
$23,500 |
12 |
1803 Draped Bust Dollar: Small 3 Heraldic Eagle |
MS64 |
$54,625 |
13 |
1921 Peace Dollar: High Relief |
MS67 |
$96,601 |
14 |
1925 S Peace Dollar |
MS65+ |
$132,000 |
15 |
1927 S Peace Dollar |
MS66 |
$78,000 |
16 |
1928 S Peace Dollar |
MS66 |
$25,850 |
17 |
1934 S Peace Dollar |
MS66+ |
$63,000 |
18 |
1927 D Peace Dollar |
MS66+ |
$90,000 |
19 |
1924 S Peace Dollar |
MS66 |
$54,625 |
20 |
1922 S Peace Dollar |
MS66 |
$20,400 |
21 |
1841 Seated Liberty Dollar |
MS65 |
$74,750 |
22 |
1871 CC Seated Liberty Dollar |
MS64 |
$218,000 |
23 |
1872 CC Seated Liberty Dollar |
MS64 |
$111,625 |
24 |
1873 CC Seated Liberty Dollar |
MS61 |
$96,000 |
25 |
1866 Seated Liberty Dollar: Motto Added To Reverse |
MS65 |
$79,312 |
26 |
1859 O Seated Liberty Dollar |
MS65 |
$31,200 |
27 |
1852 Seated Liberty Dollar: Original |
MS63 |
$91,026 |
28 |
1853 Seated Liberty Dollar |
MS66 |
$129,250 |
29 |
1894 Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS66+ |
$152,750 |
30 |
1892 CC Morgan Silver Dollar |
MS67+ |
$135,125 |
1. 1882 O Morgan Silver Dollar: O Over S
Price: $84,000
Grade: MS65+
The 1882-O/S Morgan Silver Dollar is one variety of the coins produced by the United States Mint. This variety features a New Orleans “O” mint mark struck over a San Francisco “S” mintmark. The dies were initially created for use at the San Francisco Mint, but have since been altered to depict the New Orleans Mint Mark.
The 1882-O Morgan silver dollar is estimated at $45 in average condition and can be worth $266 to $45,573 or more in uncirculated mint (MS+) condition. The 1882-S Morgan is one of the toughest issues of the series, even in circulated grades. It is available in lower Mint State grades, but competition among collectors of the series makes it difficult to find.
2. 1883 S Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $74,750
Grade: MS67
The 1883-S Morgan dollar is a coin that is usually well-struck, it shows clear detail, and high quality, meaning that it has few imperfections. The coins, however, had acquired many bag marks and abrasions through years of improper storage at the Treasury Department. Due to abrasions, examples of this coin in the higher levels of mint state are quite rare.
According to the NGC Price Guide, an 1883-S Morgan Silver Dollar in Mint State (MS) is valued between $1,200 and $160,000. The value of a coin is approximately $550 to $215,000 for Proof Like (PL) and $13,150 to $100,000 for Deep Proof Like (DPL) coins in the current market.
3. 1884 S Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $750,000
Grade: MS68
This renowned condition rarity, the finest certified and unquestionably the greatest known 1884-S Morgan silver dollar IS on the cusp of numismatic perfection. The surfaces have a lovely softly frosted mint appearance and are quite glossy. Both sides of the coin are enhanced by wisps of iridescent gold toning that appear to be drifting in that direction.
The 1884-S Morgan silver dollar is worth an estimated $41 in average condition and can be worth $8,053 to $262,989 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition. The 1884-S Morgan dollar, although it had a relatively healthy mintage of 3.2 million coins, was probably released directly into circulation. The extreme rarity of this issue in mint state grades is evidenced by its scarcity.
In total, NGC has graded just 12 examples for this issue, and only two of them are in gem condition! The finest known example is a single Mint State 66 from the NGC Census.
4. 1886 O Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $168,000
Grade: MS65
Despite having a mintage of over 10 million coins, the 1886-O Morgan dollar is quite scarce today. However, it appears that few original bags of this date survived the Pittman melting. The only examples available today are those that were released at the time they were struck.
One of the most well-known series condition rarities is the 1886-O Morgan dollar. Circulated samples abound, and with a little wait, low-end Mint State coins are frequently available. A higher-grade piece may never become available to many collectors since the date becomes noticeably scarce in MS64.
However, the date becomes particularly rare in choice condition, and no gem examples have been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). On average, The 1886-O Morgan silver dollar is worth $34 in average condition and can be worth $1,030 to $209,991 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
5. 1887 O Morgan Silver Dollar: 7 Over 6
Price: $37,375
Grade: MS65
The 1887/6 O Morgan Silver Dollar is one variety of series that features a 7 over 6 overdate. The overstriking of an “1887” date over an “1886” one resulted in parts of the underlying “6” appearing in the bottom half of the “7” in the date. Under magnification, a large curve from the underlying “6” is visible on the bottom-right side of the “7.”
The estimated value of an 1887-O Morgan silver dollar (7 over 6 variety) in average condition is $45, and it can be worth $510 to $30,721 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
The aesthetic attraction is striking. While the center of the portrait exhibits a faint degree of the usual striking softness, the eagle’s feathers are bold with a slight frostiness at the high points, and it sports strong luster for the variety with easily discernible cartwheels, a marked contrast from the “dull to average” characteristics cited by Bowers. On most of each side, delicate pink and silver-gray shadings are present.
6. 1889 CC Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $881,250
Grade: MS68
Rich royal blue, scarlet, and deep gold are combined with mint brightness, a casual blend of champagne gold, and amid the devices and at the rims of this silky, smooth Morgan dollar. No matter how hard you look, not even at low magnification, you won’t locate a mark or flaw deserving of debate.
The Carson City Mint, which had been closed for four years, resumed coining operations in late 1889. The mint struck 100,000 Morgan dollars in October and November and another 150,000 in December. Unfortunately, a majority of these coins were melted down in later years, making them even rarer than the low mintage suggests.
Circulated coins often have cleaning or damage issues, while uncirculated coins are very rare and command prices well into five-six figures depending on the grade.
7. 1890 CC Morgan Silver Dollar: Tail Bar
Price: $27,025
Grade: MS65+
One of the finest known 1890-CC Morgan dollars, this GEM is technically perfect and has exceptional eye appeal. The variety’s name comes from the die gouge on the reverse that connects the eagle’s tail feathers to the wreath. This coin has a bright and sparkling luster, which contrasts with its multicolored, dappled old envelope toning.
According to the USA Coin Book, the estimated value of an 1890-CC Morgan silver dollar (tail bar variety) in average condition is $230. In uncirculated (MS+) mint condition, it can be worth $1,596 to $11,088 or more.
8. 1892 Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $42,500
Grade: MS66
Some experts consider the mintage of the 1892 Morgan dollar to be quite low, with only just over a million coins struck, which is seldom seen for a Philadelphia mint issue. Because of this, The 1892-P Morgan has been called semi-key in the Morgan dollar series. It is a relatively common quality at the choice level but becomes quite rare in gem.
The value of an 1892 Morgan silver dollar in average condition is $38, while the value of an uncirculated (MS+) mint condition coin can be $346 to $5,844 or more. Proof coins are worth even more than that; a coin in proof condition could be worth $3,496 or more.
9. 1893 S Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $600,000
Grade: MS65
The 1893-S Morgan dollar has the lowest mintage of any issue in the series, at only 100,000 coins. Furthermore, most of the tiny mintage was needed in circulation and few coins survived in mint condition. At NGC, the majority of coins are in the Extremely Fine (XF) or lower range.
However, the most commonly seen grade at NGC is Mint State 64 with 10 pieces. Many of those coins, however, were resubmitted in hopes of obtaining a nearly impossible gem grade.
This extraordinary key date Morgan dollar issue in high Condition Census Gem Mint State was sold for $600,000. Both sides have a combined patina of antique gold, blue-gray, and pale pink that is richly and elegantly toned. Along Liberty’s profile and in a few isolated spots at the edges on both sides, splashes of an even more brilliant reddish-russet tone are visible.
10. 1895 O Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $528,000
Grade: MS67
The 1895-O Morgan dollar is one of the key conditional rarities in the series. About 450,000 were struck, but many of those coins were likely melted down. Some coins struck at the time of their release quickly acquired the look of an AU coin because of poor strikes and luster. As a result of this, the 1895-O Morgan is usually found in AU (almost uncirculated) or lesser grades, and uncirculated examples are extremely rare.
The 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar is worth $346 in average condition and can be worth $16,561 to $183,660 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
11. 1796 Draped Bust Dollar: Small Date, Small Letters
Price: $23,500
Grade: AU55
The 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar has two major varieties. One variety features a small date on the obverse of the coin and small letters on the reverse of the coin. The small date features numbers that are smaller and spaced further apart, while the large date features larger numbers that are spaced more closely together.
The estimated value of the 1796 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Small Date – Small Letters Variety) is $2,399 in average condition and can be worth $71,081 to $1,335,867 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
The dazzling fields are energized and emanate a strong, almost reflecting shine. Dashes and splashes of darker slate and golden-russet coloring are used to draw attention to the ancient silver-gray patina.
Crisp, bold features can be found throughout the devices, with just a hint of rub on the highest points, which mostly affects the eagle’s breast feathers. A powerful glass reveals some very little, very unimportant blemishes and lines, nothing major for a coin that is 226 years old and virtually in mint condition.
12. 1803 Draped Bust Dollar: Small 3 Heraldic Eagle
Price: $54,625
Grade: MS64
In 1803, the engravers at Philadelphia’s mint used two different punches for the 3 in the date on Silver Dollars. The smaller one is known as the Small 3, and the larger one is known as the Large 3. The 3’s are obviously different shapes, not just because they’re spaced differently apart but because they’re actually different shapes.
The 1803 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (Small 3 Variety) in average condition is worth $1,321 and can be worth $30,708 to $854,732 or more in uncirculated mint condition.
13. 1921 Peace Dollar: High Relief
Price: $96,601
Grade: MS67
The 1921 Peace dollar is a much-loved and extremely valuable coin. It is, of course, the first year of issue for the Peace dollar series. Slightly over a million pieces were struck in 1921, though several million more would be produced in later years.
The 1921 Peace Silver Dollar (High Relief Variety) is estimated to be worth $111 in average condition and can be worth $318 to $2,281 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition. Proof coins are valued at $84,532 or more.
14. 1925 S Peace Dollar
Price: $132,000
Grade: MS65+
Only about 1.6 million Peace dollars were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1925. The coins of this year are not well-struck and often suffer from a lack of detail in the hair. Because of this, the 1925-S Peace dollar is a rare find among Peace dollars in gem condition.
The 1925-S Peace Silver Dollar is estimated to be worth $26 in average condition and can be worth $115 to $31,408 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
The surfaces of this piece are brilliantly glossy and exceptionally well kept, with only a hint of iridescence present across the entire coin. The high grade and CAC certification are due to an astonishing lack of apparent abrasions. There have only been eight additional Gem samples from this date to receive a CAC green label. The strike’s centers are a little bit soft, but overall, it has an excellent definition for the problem. Without a doubt, the most beautiful 1925-S dollar
15. 1927 S Peace Dollar
Price: $78,000
Grade: MS66
The 1927-S Peace dollar was minted in limited numbers, with only some 866,000 coins made. The quality of this issue is quite low, and it contains very weak strikes. Gem examples are rare because of the striking issues, and NGC has graded only a single MS66.
The value of a 1927-S Peace Silver Dollar ranges from $34 in average condition to $231 to $11,138 or more in uncirculated mint condition.
16. 1928 S Peace Dollar
Price: $25,850
Grade: MS66
Although the 1928-S Peace dollar has a mintage nearly 5 times as large as its Philadelphia counterpart, it is nevertheless rare in all grades and very hard to find in gem condition. This issue is often seen with such weak strikes that Mint State 65 and above are almost three times rarer than the Philly issue.
The value of a 1928-S Peace Silver Dollar in average condition is $34, while in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition it can be worth $207 to $23,313.
17. 1934 S Peace Dollar
Price: $63,000
Grade: MS66+
In 1934, Peace Dollars were made again. The last silver dollars had been struck in 1928; afterward, domestic silver reserves were exhausted. The Mint didn’t begin acquiring silver from world markets to strike additional Peace dollars until 1934.
This coin had a slightly higher mintage than the Philadelphia issue, but it did not survive in nearly the same numbers. It is the king of the Peace dollars in uncirculated grades. Only 17 have ever been graded above gem.
18. 1927 D Peace Dollar
Price: $90,000
Grade: MS66+
The 1928-D Peace dollar was minted in greater numbers than either the P or S mint issues from that year, with some 1.2 million pieces struck. However, the Denver Mint issues have a major quality problem and are nearly impossible to find in gem-grade condition.
The estimated value of a 1927-D Peace Silver Dollar ranges from $34 in average condition to $231 to $5,220 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
19. 1924 S Peace Dollar
Price: $54,625
Grade: MS66
In 1924, the Denver Mint did not produce any Peace dollars because of the falling demand for silver dollars. Additionally, the number of coins minted at the San Francisco Mint fell to a mere 1.7 million pieces. It is extremely rare for this date to appear in the gem level and NGC has graded only a single example above gem.
The 1924-S Peace Silver Dollar is estimated to be worth $26 in average condition and can reach a value of $245 to $9,676 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
20. 1922 S Peace Dollar
Price: $20,400
Grade: MS66
In 1922, the San Francisco Mint produced Peace Dollars for the first time. The mintage for this year was the second largest of all Peace Dollars, following closely behind the 1923-S. However, The San Francisco Mint struck Peace dollars with weak strikes. The 1922 issue is especially susceptible to weak strikes.
Only about 17.5 million pieces were struck, but the quality was not that good, and the coins are rare today in gem and above condition.
21. 1841 Seated Liberty Dollar
Price: $74,750
Grade: MS65
This date had a high mintage relative to most entries in the series. It is fairly common in circulated grades, but a fair number of Mint State examples have survived. Most 1841 silver dollars have weak areas in their stamping, most notably at Liberty’s head and the top of the eagle’s right wing. However, this doesn’t significantly affect the worth.
The 1841 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar is worth $374 in average condition and can be worth $3,029 to $5,833 or more in uncirculated mint condition. Proof coins can be worth $79,320 or more.
22. 1871 CC Seated Liberty Dollar
Price: $218,500
Grade: MS64
The 1871 Carson City Mint silver dollar is a rare coin, with an estimated 100 survivors overall. Its rarity is no surprise, given that the coin has a very low mintage. The two following years saw a small number of coins minted, which suggests that there was little demand for them.
The 1871-CC Seated Liberty Silver Dollar is worth an estimated $3,876 in average condition and can be worth $84,510 to $196,962 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
23. 1872 CC Seated Liberty Dollar
Price: $111,625
Grade: MS64
Although an issue with a low mintage, the 1872-CC dollar is more often seen than Carson City dollars of the years immediately before or after. Osburn and Cushing estimated that approximately 250 pieces survive in all grades. Most 1872-CC silver dollars have well-defined indentations and lettering, though LIBERTY is weak. This is typical of most Carson City coins.
The 1872-CC Seated Liberty Silver Dollar coin is worth $3,316 in average condition and can be worth $31,771 to $109,541 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
24. 1873 CC Seated Liberty Dollar
Price: $96,000
Grade: MS61
The 1873 Carson City standard silver dollar, with an estimated 100 survivors in all grades, is a rare coin. While the mintage of the 1873-CC dollar exceeded that of the rare 1871-CC dollar, it is likely that many remained at the mint when these coin types were withdrawn April 1, 1873. These dollars could have been melted and the net mintage is not known today.
The 1873-CC Seated Liberty Silver Dollar is valued at $7,830 in average condition and can be worth $130,804 to $211,208 or more in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition.
25. 1866 Seated Liberty Dollar: Motto Added To Reverse
Price: $79,312
Grade: MS65
Numismatic journals reported that the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the nation’s silver and gold coins in 1866. However, coin collectors do not seem to have made any effort to save currency strikes with the new motto.
The 1866 silver dollar is more available than those of 1862-65, as the mintages for this coinage advanced steadily throughout the decade. Gems are available to advanced collectors, but they are not more common than for other dates of the period.
26. 1859 O Seated Liberty Dollar
Price: $31,200
Grade: MS65
In 1859, after a nine-year hiatus for this denomination, the New Orleans Mint struck silver dollars in generous numbers. Unlike their Philadelphia cousins, which have a very low surviving population due to the small mintage, the 1859-O dollars are plentiful by series standards.
In general, this issue can be found across all grades short of the gem Mint State level. Most examples seen are quite well-struck. The 1859-O is a desirable coin of the No Motto Seated Liberty series.
27. 1852 Seated Liberty Dollar: Original
Price: $91,062
Grade: MS63
This is a very rare date. Only 1,100 coins were minted, making this one of the lowest mintage examples of the series. Although the coin was struck from dies that were polished, the die polish did not wear off during striking, resulting in a Prooflike finish.
The average value of an 1852 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar (Original Variety) in average condition is $6,688. In uncirculated (MS+) mint condition it could be worth between $45,567 and $89,837 or more. Proof coins have an estimated value of $49,661 or more.
28. 1853 Seated Liberty Dollar
Price: $129,250
Grade: MS66
The obverse center of this coin is exceptionally beautiful, with pearlescent silver and champagne tones. The mottled deep golden brown on the reverse contrasts nicely with lively accents of blue iridescence.
The Coinage Act of 1853 lowered the weight of all fractional silver coins from half dime to half dollar. The mint left the silver dollar at its 1837 weight, making it the poster child for an unsustainable bimetallic standard between gold and silver. The 1853 silver dollars tend to be poorly struck, and their fields often are frosty due to a higher mintage than in earlier years.
29. 1894 Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $152,750
Grade: MS66+
In 1893, in response to the Panic of that year, the U.S. Congress repealed a provision in the Sherman Silver Purchase Act which had required the Treasury to purchase large amounts of silver and to coin it into silver dollars.
As a result of this, the mintage of silver dollars at the Philadelphia Mint plummeted in 1894 to 110,000 pieces. The 1894 Morgan Silver Dollar is now considered an instant rarity and a key date in the series.
30. 1892 CC Morgan Silver Dollar
Price: $135,125
Grade: MS67+
In 1892, the Carson City Mint struck over 1.3 million Morgan dollars. However, unlike most other Carson City issues, most were immediately released into circulation. Some coins that were not released for circulation were shipped overland to either San Francisco or Washington. During this process, the coins often picked up abrasions and bag marks.
The 1892-CC Morgan dollar is one of the rarer Carson City issues in high grade, as most Uncirculated examples tend to grade from MS62-63.
Final Words
The price of silver, which is often the price used to determine the value of silver dollars, will vary between coins based upon certain factors. While collector value is something that any numismatist will keep in mind when appraising and pricing coins, it is ultimately the current market price of silver that will dictate exactly how much a given coin is worth.
The list is a good start for collectors, as it can be used for generating ideas for potential investments. The list is also useful to those who are just getting started with coin collecting and want to learn more about silver coins.
