1878 Silver Dollar Value
The 1878 Morgan silver dollar has a diameter of 38.1 mm and a mass of 26.73 grams. Compositionally, the coin is 90% silver and 10% copper. Valuing the 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar. There are three main factors that contribute to the value of an 1878 Morgan silver dollar: the grade, the mint mark, and the variety. 1878 Morgan Silver Dollar Mintage Figures. 1878, 8 Feathers: 749,500; $40+. 1878, 7 Feathers: 9,759,300 (all types); values indicated below. 1878, 7 Over 8 Clear Double Feathers: $35+. 1878, 7 Feathers 2 nd Reverse: $35+. 1878, 7 Feathers 3 rd Reverse: $35+.
There are 302 1878 morgan silver dollar for sale on Etsy, and they cost $132.64 on average. The most common 1878 morgan silver dollar material is metal. The most popular color? 1878 8TF Morgan Silver Dollar $1 Coin ANACS MS-60 Details (Better Coin) $275.00. 1878 8TF Morgan Silver Dollar $1 Coin ANACS MS-60 Details (Better Coin) 1879-S $1 PCGS MS60 (Reverse of 1878) Scarce Variety - Morgan Silver Dollar.
About VAMS column from the Sept. 28, 2015, issue of Coin World:
One of the most formidable challenges an advanced collectors of Morgan dollar varieties may embrace is attempting to assemble a complete set of 1878 Morgan, 8 Tail Feathers dollar varieties.
In my career, I’ve attributed all of the known 8 Tail Feathers varieties except for one. A few weeks ago, I found I had an example of this elusive variety on my desk. The VAM-14.17 1878 Morgan dollar is described in New VAM Varieties of Morgan Dollars by Leroy Van Allen and illustrated in greater detail in the 1878 Morgan Dollar 8-TF Attribution Guide by Jeff Oxman and Les Hartnett. Fewer than 10 examples have been credibly verified.
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Identifying a VAM-14.17 is no easy task. In fact, I had seen this particular coin a few months earlier at a show, and could only guess (wrongly it turns out) at an attribution. The submitter, Brian Raines, who is one of the most seasoned variety specialists in the business, was also uncertain of which variety he had acquired.
This piece has seen quite a bit of use as well as some abuse, obscuring some of its features.
Arriving at a positive variety identification required a process of elimination. This task is greatly simplified by confirming which reverse is present. In this case, the specific die is used in 10 marriages — more than any other 8 Tail Feathers reverse. Only two of the varieties employing this reverse are common, and they can be easily eliminated by distinctive obverse characteristics. All the remaining choices are considered rare or extremely rare. When I’m sitting in my office, I naturally have resources at my disposal I don’t have at shows, things like my library, pictures I’ve shot of other examples, and auction archives.
After a comparison to examples from past auctions, a clear match was found. When I informed Raines, he replied, “You made my day.”
More from CoinWorld.com:
Morgan silver dollars range in price from as low as $20 to as high as tens of thousands of dollars. It depends on their condition and the date they were minted, among other factors.
You're probably thinking: That's quite a wide range! This is why you should consult a numismatic expert to appraise the value of your coin when you’re ready to sell.
1878 Silver Dollar Value No Mint Mark
Each Morgan dollar is struck from 90% silver. Its fine silver weight is 0.77344 troy oz. (Gold and silver are measured in troy ounces.)
Popular Morgan Dollars
If your Morgan dollar is a special variety, it will likely command a higher price. These varieties are commonly known as VAMs. Some of them have earned fascinating nicknames. Most VAMs can only be seen under magnification, but a handful are visible with the naked eye.
Numismatists have even traced the history of each VAM to the dies used to strike the coins.
The abbreviation comes from 'Van Allen Mallis.' These are the last names of the experts who first documented the varieties.
Here are a few of the most popular VAM Morgan silver dollars.
1888-O 'Scarface'
'Scarface' Morgan dollar. Image source: VAMWorld
A die break caused one of the most famous Morgan dollar VAMs called 'Scarface.' A fracture in the die used to strike these coins left a prominent raised line on Lady Liberty's cheek.
1888-O 'Hot Lips'
'Hot Lips' Morgan dollar VAM. Image source: VAMWorld
The 'Hot Lips' VAM is the result of a mint error known as a doubled die. This causes parts of the design to appear doubled or overlapped. In this case, the effect is most obvious on Lady Liberty's lips. The Hot Lips variety is not especially rare but it is highly collectible.
1878-S 'Funky Feather'
1878-S 'Funky Feather' Morgan dollar. Image source: VAMWorld
This variety is from the first year the Morgan dollar was issued. The wing feathers of the eagle on the reverse design are noticeably crude. A portion of the wing exhibits a grainy appearance and is characterized by small raised dots.
Other varieties of the 1878 coin feature different numbers of tail feathers on the eagle.
A noteworthy pedigree will also influence the price of a Morgan silver dollar. In other words, who owned the coin before? Was it part of a famous collection or hoard? Sometimes this is also called the coin's provenance.
The 'PL' designation also adds collectible appeal to any silver coin. This stands for proof-like, meaning the coin has mirrored surfaces. Once unknown, these are now a favorite among collectors.
1878 Silver Dollar Value Chart
Below are some general guidelines to help you determine the value of your Morgan dollar.
How To Identify the Branch Mints
Several different branches of the U.S. Mint struck Morgan dollars. This is important to know because certain mints produced less coins in a given year than others.
Each branch corresponds to a mintmark. This is a short abbreviation on the coin that tells you the location where it came from:
- P (Philadelphia Mint)
- D (Denver Mint)
- O (New Orleans Mint)
- S (San Francisco Mint)
- CC (Carson City Mint)
In the case of coins from the Philadelphia Mint, the mintmark is omitted. You won't find a 'P' anywhere on the coin.
So if there is no mintmark, you'll know your coin comes from Philadelphia. As a general rule, these coins had higher mintages. That makes them less expensive than their counterparts from other mints.
How To Find the Mintmark
You will find the mintmark on the reverse of your Morgan near the bottom of the design.
Morgan dollar CC mint mark. Image source: CoinStudy
Silver dollar coins minted in Carson City, Nevada are prized by collectors. The mint sourced its silver from the legendary Comstock Lode. It was only briefly in operation, however.
Morgan Silver Dollar Price Chart
Here is a list of values for every Morgan dollar minted from 1878 through 1904, as well as 1921.
Keep in mind that these prices are only a general guide. Actual market prices will vary slightly when you sell your coins. Again, it will always depend on the exact condition of the coin. Uncirculated silver Morgan dollar coins garner the highest prices.
| Date & Mintmark | Mintage | G | AU | MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1878 | 10,509,300 | $30 | $60 | $150 |
| 1878-S | 9,774,000 | $30 | $50 | $80 |
| 1878-CC | 2,212,000 | $100 | $180 | $300 |
| 1879 | 14,807,100 | $20 | $50 | $75 |
| 1879-S | 9,110,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1879-CC | 756,000 | $180 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| 1879-O | 2,887,000 | $30 | $50 | $100 |
| 1880 | 12,601,335 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1880-S | 8,900,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1880-CC | 495,000 | $180 | $325 | $500 |
| 1880-O | 5,305,000 | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| 1881 | 9,163,975 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1881-S | 12,760,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1881-CC | 296,000 | $320 | $450 | $520 |
| 1881-O | 5,708,000 | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| 1882 | 11,101,100 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1882-S | 9,250,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1882-CC | 1,133,000 | $80 | $180 | $250 |
| 1882-O | 6,090,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1883 | 12,291,039 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1883-S | 6,250,000 | $30 | $120 | $1,000 |
| 1883-CC | 1,204,000 | $60 | $150 | $275 |
| 1883-O | 8,725,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1884 | 14,070,875 | $20 | $40 | $55 |
| 1884-S | 3,200,000 | $25 | $250 | $9,000 |
| 1884-CC | 1,136,000 | $100 | $200 | $250 |
| 1884-O | 9,730,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1885 | 17,787,767 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1885-S | 1,497,000 | $35 | $110 | $350 |
| 1885-CC | 228,000 | $500 | $620 | $700 |
| 1885-O | 9,185,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1886 | 19,963,886 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1886-S | 750,000 | $50 | $150 | $375 |
| 1886-O | 10,710,000 | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| 1887 | 20,290,710 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1887-S | 1,771,000 | $25 | $55 | $160 |
| 1887-O | 11,550,000 | $20 | $50 | $100 |
| 1888 | 19,183,833 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1888-S | 657,000 | $120 | $200 | $350 |
| 1888-O | 12,150,000 | $20 | $40 | $75 |
| 1889 | 21,726,811 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1889-S | 700,000 | $40 | $110 | $290 |
| 1889-CC | 350,000 | $600 | $7,000 | $22,000 |
| 1889-O | 11,875,000 | $25 | $60 | $300 |
| 1890 | 16,802,590 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1890-S | 8,230,373 | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| 1890-CC | 2,309,041 | $75 | $200 | $600 |
| 1890-O | 10,701,000 | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| 1891 | 8,694,206 | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| 1891-S | 5,296,000 | $25 | $50 | $140 |
| 1891-CC | 1,618,000 | $75 | $250 | $650 |
| 1891-O | 7,954,529 | $20 | $60 | $275 |
| 1892 | 1,037,245 | $30 | $100 | $400 |
| 1892-S | 1,200,000 | $50 | $1,400 | $55,000 |
| 1892-CC | 1,352,000 | $200 | $750 | $1,750 |
| 1892-O | 2,744,000 | $25 | $80 | $300 |
| 1893 | 378,792 | $200 | $400 | $1,400 |
| 1893-S | 100,000 | $2,500 | $20,000 | $225,000 |
| 1893-CC | 677,000 | $250 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| 1893-O | 300,000 | $215 | $800 | $4,000 |
| 1894 | 110,972 | $800 | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| 1894-S | 1,260,000 | $65 | $470 | $1,000 |
| 1894-O | 1,723,000 | $50 | $180 | $1,800 |
| 1895 (proof only) | 880 | n/a | $40,000 | $52,500 |
| 1895-S | 400,000 | $300 | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| 1895-O | 450,000 | $225 | $1,200 | $15,000 |
| 1896 | 9,976,762 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1896-S | 5,000,000 | $40 | $800 | $3,000 |
| 1896-O | 4,900,000 | $30 | $120 | $1,500 |
| 1897 | 2,822,731 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1897-S | 5,825,000 | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| 1897-O | 4,004,000 | $20 | $100 | $1,250 |
| 1898 | 5,884,735 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1898-S | 4,102,000 | $30 | $100 | $390 |
| 1898-O | 4,440,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1899 | 330,846 | $125 | $200 | $290 |
| 1899-S | 2,562,000 | $35 | $150 | $500 |
| 1899-O | 12,290,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1900 | 8,880,938 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1900-S | 3,540,000 | $30 | $90 | $275 |
| 1900-O | 12,590,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1901 | 6,962,813 | $40 | $300 | $3,000 |
| 1901-S | 2,284,000 | $35 | $200 | $500 |
| 1901-O | 13,320,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1902 | 7,944,777 | $20 | $45 | $65 |
| 1902-S | 1,530,000 | $100 | $230 | $400 |
| 1902-O | 8,636,000 | $20 | $35 | $50 |
| 1903 | 4,652,755 | $35 | $50 | $65 |
| 1903-S | 1,241,000 | $80 | $1,600 | $4,500 |
| 1903-O | 4,450,000 | $275 | $325 | $400 |
| 1904 | 2,788,650 | $30 | $65 | $140 |
| 1904-S | 2,304,000 | $40 | $50 | $2,000 |
| 1904-O | 3,720,000 | $30 | $40 | $55 |
| 1921 | 44,690,000 | $20 | $30 | $40 |
| 1921-S | 21,695,000 | $20 | $40 | $50 |
| 1921-D | 20,345,000 | $20 | $40 | $50 |
Price guide excludes all proofs and special varieties. Non-proof varieties are accounted for in annual mintage totals.
Prices derived from NGC Coin Explorer, PCGS price guide, and USA CoinBook.
The price chart above is provided for general information purposes. It should not be used or construed as investment advice.
Historical Significance of the Silver Morgan Dollar
Two pieces of legislation in the United States bookend the history of the Morgan dollar. These are the Bland-Allison Act and the Sherman Silver Purchase Act.
The Bland-Allison Act gave birth to the Morgan silver dollar. It marked the first $1 coin issued in the U.S. in five years (aside from the 'Trade dollar').
There was very little demand for dollar coins, however. In 1890, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act attempted to address this problem. The law required the U.S. government to buy $4 million of silver every month from miners in the American West.
The coin is named for its designer, George T. Morgan. His design of Lady Liberty was modeled after Anna Willess Williams. She was a teacher and writer in Philadelphia at the time.
1891 portrait of Anna Willess Williams. Image source: Chalkboard Champions
The 1921 Morgan dollar was the last coin in the series. That year also saw the introduction of the Peace dollar. The theme of 'peace' was a celebration of the end of the First World War.