The 1890 Morgan Silver Dollar is the most commonly collected US silver dollar. Keep reading to find out the current price of 1880 Morgan silver dollars and if it could be a lucrative investment opportunity for you.
The Morgan silver dollar is a classic of American coinage and has been produced by the US Treasury since 1878. Coin collectors of every age appreciate the beautiful variations in color, design, engraving, and lettering that make each Morgan dollar unique.
With the advent of robust numismatic value charts for rare coins and collecting prices, buyers are looking for security in knowing that a particular coin will be worth more than its face value.
1890 Morgan Silver Dollar's value has fluctuated over the years due to collector demand, supply, and demand. Let’s look at each of these factors to understand better the 1880 Morgan silver value and how it has changed over time.
The Current Value Of 1880 Morgan Silver
In general, 1880 Morgan silver dollars tend to be worth more than face value, but the specific value of an individual coin can vary widely. It can range from tens of dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on its condition, grading, and rarity. If the coin is worn or has damage, it may be worth significantly less.
The History of Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. George T. Morgan, a United States Mint Assistant Engraver, designed it. The coin is named after him.
The U.S. government began creating silver dollars in 1878 to increase the money supply and reduce inflation. The first year that the US government created this coin was 1834. By 1878, more than 100 million one-dollar coins were circulating nationwide.
The Morgan Silver Dollar contains 90% silver and 10% copper, making it a valuable silver coin. The content of silver makes it durable and long-lasting. Many coins minted today are not made of silver and have a shorter lifespan.
The obverse side of the coin has a profile of Lady Liberty, while the reverse side has an image of an eagle with wings spread open.
The Morgan Silver Dollar was popular, and many were used in commerce. Today, the coin is collected by many people for its beauty and historical value. Some examples of the Morgan Silver Dollar selling for thousands of dollars at auction.
1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Design and Characteristics
The Morgan silver dollar was minted from 1878-1904 and again in 1921. The coin is named for its designer, George T. Morgan.
The obverse (front) of the coin depicts a profile portrait of Liberty, while the reverse (back) bears an image of an eagle. A wreath encircles both sides of the coin.
The Morgan silver dollar contains 90% silver and 10% copper. It weighs 26.73 grams and has a diameter of 38.1 mm.
One of the most distinguishing features of the Morgan silver dollar is its “double rim.” The higher relief causes it on the designs than on other coins minted at that time, which required extra metal around the edge to prevent cracking.
Obverse Side
The obverse side of the Morgan silver dollar features a portrait of Lady Liberty. Assistant U.S. Mint Chief Engraver George T. Morgan designed the portrait. Liberty is shown wearing a Phrygian cap, which signifies freedom, and her hair flows in the breeze. The date is inscribed below her image, along with the motto “E Pluribus Unum” (Latin for “Out of Many, One”).
The Reverse Side
On the reverse side of most Morgan silver dollars is a design that George T. Morgan created. The design features a bald eagle with wings spread wide, clutching arrows, and an olive branch in its talons. Above the eagle are the words “In God We Trust.” To the left of the eagle is a cluster of 13 stars, representing the original 13 colonies.
Types of 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar was produced from 1880 until 1921. It's a popular coin because it has high collector value and is easy to find in your pocket change. The main types of 1880 Morgan Silver Dollars are:
1. 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar without Mint Mark
When it comes to Morgan silver dollars, those without a mint mark are generally worth less than those with one. It is because more Morgan silver dollars were minted without a mint mark than with one. However, that doesn't mean Morgan silver dollars without a mint mark are worthless. Some can be quite valuable, depending on their condition and other factors.
When it comes to determining the value of a Morgan silver dollar without a mint mark, the first thing you need to do is assess the condition of the coin. The more well-preserved the coin is, the more valuable it will be. If you have a Morgan silver dollar in pristine condition, it could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. On the other hand, if your coin is heavily circulated and shows signs of wear and tear, it will be worth far less.
Another factor affecting the value of a Morgan silver dollar without a mint mark is its date. Some dates are rarer than others, and they command higher prices. For example, Morgan silver dollars from 1878 are particularly hard to find; as such, they tend to be worth more than coins from other years.
2. The 1880 S Morgan Silver Dollar
Many collectors consider the 1880 S Morgan Silver Dollar one of the finest examples of this popular coin. Struck in .900 fine silver and 38.1 mm in diameter, the 1880 S Morgan Silver Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and minted at the San Francisco Mint.
The coin depicts Lady Liberty on the obverse, with an eagle on the reverse. The “S” mint mark indicates that it was minted in San Francisco. The date is centered below Liberty's neck, while the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are inscribed around the border.
The coin is in excellent condition, with no visible wear or tear. It would make an excellent addition to any collection. In 2020 the 1880 2 coins were auctioned at $162,000.
3. 1880 O Morgan Silver Dollar
One of the most popular types of Morgan silver dollars is the O Morgan silver dollar. The coin was minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. The “O” designation means the coin was minted at the US Mint facility in New Orleans.
The O Morgan silver dollar has a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper and weighs 26.73 grams. The design on the obverse (front) of the coin features a portrait of Lady Liberty, while the reverse (back) depicts an eagle with outstretched wings.
Some collectors consider O Morgan silver dollars more valuable than other types of Morgan dollars due to their relative rarity. Less than 1% of all Morgan dollars minted were struck at the New Orleans facility.
4. 1880 CC Morgan Silver Dollar
The CC Morgan silver dollar was minted in Carson City, Nevada, from 1878-1891. The CC is the most valuable of the Morgans minted during this time. The Carson City Mint struck fewer Morgans than any other facility, making the CC Morgan one of the rarest and most collectible of all Morgans.
The 1878-CC is one of the most popular dates for collectors. It has a mintage of 495,000 pieces, minted from January through April 1878. The design of this coin is very appealing to collectors, and it has a wide variety of grades.
The value of a CC Morgan depends on its condition and grade. A circulated coin in good condition is worth around $159, while a coin in mint condition can fetch upwards of $1300.
The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Grading System
The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar grading system is a set of standards used by numismatists to grade the condition of coins. The system uses three main grades: Good, Fine, and Uncirculated. The grades are based on the coin's condition, with Good being the lowest and Uncirculated being the highest.
Very Fine Condition
When it comes to Morgan silver dollars, the coin's condition is everything. A coin in “Very Fine” condition will show moderate wear on the highest points of the coin, with all details still visible. The coin's overall appearance will be attractive, with minimal surface imperfections.
Extremely Fine Condition
An Extremely Fine Morgan silver dollar will show only light wear, with all major details present and sharp. A coin graded as Extremely Fine is a great choice for any collector or investor. An Extremely Fine Morgan silver dollar is a beautiful coin that will retain its value for many years.
MS 65 (Uncirculated state)
Uncirculated Morgan silver dollars are some of the most highly sought-after coins in the world. An MS 65 coin is a perfect specimen with no signs of wear or tear. These coins are typically only found in private collections and can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
PR 63 proof
The Morgan silver dollar grading system is a scale created by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) to provide a more accurate and consistent way of grading these coins.
MS 60 (Uncirculated Condition)
A silver dollar in this condition has no marks or blemishes at all. It will have full mint luster and brilliance, but it may not have any signs of wear on any part of its surface.
How to Determine 1880 Morgan Silver Dollars Value？
When it comes to assessing the value of a Morgan silver dollar, there are a few things to take into consideration.
- The date on the coin is important. Coins minted in earlier years are generally worth more than those minted later.
- Condition is key. A well-preserved coin will always be worth more than one heavily circulated.
- Rarity plays a role in determining value. Some dates and varieties of Morgan dollars are much rarer than others and thus command higher prices.
- Uncirculated coins can fetch significantly higher prices. Sometimes upwards of $1,000 or more.
- Depends on which mint it was produced in. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint are worth more than those from other mints.
Most Morgan silver dollars are worth between $20 and $50 in circulated condition. even common Morgan dollars can be worth quite a bit, depending on the other factors mentioned above. However, many counterfeit or altered coins are also out there, so it’s important to be careful when buying or selling.
Conclusion
The value of your 1880 Morgan silver dollar depends on several factors, including its condition, mintmark, and whether it is circulated or uncirculated. A coin in poor condition is worth less than one in better condition, and an uncirculated coin is worth more than a circulated coin.
