1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Value, Mint Marks & Rare Varieties

The 1879 silver dollar is one of the must-have coins of the United States of America coin collecting. The 1879 Morgan Dollar, this coin has rich historical value, mint variety, and high collector interest.

If you have a Philadelphia strike, a well-worn 1879-S silver dollar, or a rare 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar, you have to understand that value starts with the basics. What basics? Mintage, mint marks, grading, and condition.

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1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Specifications

Why the 1879 Silver Dollar Still Matters

The 1879 liberty silver dollar value has held strong thanks to the coin's connection to the Bland-Allison Act, which forced the U.S. Treasury to mint millions of dollars using Western-mined bullion. These coins weren’t just money—they were political tools wrapped in patriotic design.

Designed by George T. Morgan, the obverse shows Liberty in a cap of freedom with agricultural motifs. The reverse features a bald eagle, clutching arrows and an olive branch. This design lasted until 1904 and returned again in 1921.

When collectors talk about Morgan silver one dollar coin, 1879 is a year that always gets attention—especially when discussing mint varieties and survival rates in high grades.

Where is the mint mark on a 1879 silver dollar? You’ll find the mint mark on the reverse, just beneath the wreath surrounding and above the "DO" in “DOLLAR.” If there’s no mint mark, it’s from Philadelphia. An “S” stands for San Francisco, an “O” means New Orleans, and “CC” indicates Carson City, which produced the rarest Morgans.

Each of these mints had different strike quality and mintage volumes, affecting how much the 1879 Morgan Dollar value fluctuates today.

Value of 1879 Silver Dollar by Mint

Let’s break down the estimated values by mint and condition. Note that prices can vary depending on luster, toning, strike sharpness, and even historical appeal.

• 1879 silver dollar no mint mark (Philadelphia). This 1879 Morgan Dollar no mint mark isn’t especially rare, but high grades with deep mirror prooflike (DMPL) surfaces can command large premiums.

• 1879-S silver dollar. The 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar reverse of 1879 is a noted variety, distinguished by subtle design changes in the eagle feathers. These are collected as die varieties and attract niche collectors.

• Silver dollar 1879-O. The 1879-O Morgan Dollar was the first struck in New Orleans after the Civil War. Weak strikes and scarcities in MS condition make this one of the 1879 silver dollars worth money if found uncirculated.

• 1879 CC Morgan silver dollar. This is one of the most desirable Carson City coins ever struck. The 1879-CC Morgan Dollar is notoriously rare, especially with clear mint marks. Its small mintage (less than 800,000) and high melt rate make it a legendary key date.

So, you can sell your coin for a high price, if you know how to evaluate it right.

Toning and Eye Appeal

Toning occurs when silver reacts with sulfur in the environment. Collectors often pay more for coins with attractive, colorful toning—especially rainbow patterns across the obverse or reverse.

However, not all toning is desirable. Dark, blotchy, or splotchy toning can actually lower value. Market grading takes both technical conditions and visual impact into account.

What about gold coins? If you possess one, then it’s recommended to read about Best Gold Coins to Buy.

Rare Varieties and What Makes a 1879 Silver Dollar Rare

Some Morgans from 1879 come with known die errors and minor varieties that affect silver dollar 1879 value:

• Capped Die vs Clear CC (Carson City mint). Some 1879 CC Morgan Silver Dollars were struck using a capped die, resulting in a weak or partially obscured mintmark. This error occurred due to a die cap—when a coin sticks to the die and strikes other coins, causing distortion.

• Reverse of 1878 vs 1879 (San Francisco mint). The 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar can be found with either the 1878 or 1879 reverse design. The Reverse of 1878 features a flat eagle breast and parallel top arrow feather. The Reverse of 1879 shows a rounded breast and slanted feather.

• Silver Dollar Passed Through Upsetting Mill (1879 Morgan). This error happens when a coin goes through the upsetting mill twice, causing doubled rims and distortions.

• Partial Collar Strike (1879 S Morgan). This 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar error occurs when the planchet is misaligned during striking, leading to a partial collar or double rim effect.

Finding any 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar in MS66 or better is rare across all mint marks. Certified examples above this grade routinely sell in four- to five-figure ranges. That’s why some people ask, “Is a 1879 Silver Dollar rare?”—and in many cases, the answer is yes.

Grading and the Value of 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar

Grading determines everything. The value of the 1879 silver changes drastically between AU58 and MS63. For example:

For reference, the 1879 silver dollar value today in MS67 for Carson City is beyond $50,000, depending on auction history and eye appeal.

How Much Is a 1879 Silver Dollar Worth?

That question depends entirely on the mint mark and grade. A circulated Philadelphia issue may only bring $50, while a gem 1879-CC in PCGS MS66DMPL has sold for $100,000+ at auction.

To summarize:

• 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar value: Common unless MS66+ or DMPL.

• 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar value: Weak strike, rare in MS.

• 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar: Top-tier rarity.

•  Proof strikes: Ultra-low mintage (1,100), valued over $4,000+ even in PR63.

If you're asking how much is an 1879 silver dollar worth?—expect a price range from $40 to $50,000+, depending on mint, condition, and grade.

Counterfeits exist, especially for 1879 CC Morgan Silver Dollar for sale online. Common red flags include:

• Weight off from 26.73g

• Fake reeding or edge mismatches

• Poor details, mushy strike

• Off-color tone (often too bright or odd hue)

Be especially cautious with listings that claim 1879 silver dollar fake or “unknown origin.” Stick to slabbed coins or trusted dealers.

Where to Sell or Appraise Your Coin

If you’re wondering where to find the value of 1879 silver dollar, or looking to sell, here are some top choices:

• GreatCollections & Heritage Auctions (for high-value certified coins)

• eBay (for wider exposure)

• Local coin dealers (great for quick appraisals)

• Coin shows (get multiple opinions at once)

Always check completed sales, not just listings, when estimating how much your silver dollar 1879 may bring.

How to Store and Protect Your 1879 Silver Dollar (and Other Coins)

Whether you’ve just picked up your first 1879 Morgan Silver or you’re working on a full registry set, proper coin storage is one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of collecting. Condition directly affects value—especially with coins like the 1879-CC Morgan Silver Dollar or prooflike Philadelphia issues. A single scratch, fingerprint, or spot of corrosion can instantly reduce a coin’s grade and, in turn, its worth.

So how do you store a 1879 silver (or any collectible coin) the right way? Here's everything you need to know.

Most coin values—especially the 1879 dollar value today—are based on condition. Whether you're dealing with a no-mint-mark issue or a rare 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar, grades like MS64, MS65, or MS67 can only be achieved if the surfaces are pristine. Even minor handling errors or environmental exposure can turn an MS65 into an AU.

Coins stored improperly may develop:

• PVC damage (from low-quality plastic flips)

• Corrosion (from humidity or improper containers)

• Toning (good or bad, depending on type and exposure)

• Fingerprints (from handling without gloves)

• Milk spots or residue (especially in silver coins)

For anyone asking how much is a 1879 silver dollar worth, the answer may depend heavily on how the coin was stored in the past.

• To maintain or improve the value of 1879 silver dollar pieces, follow these principles:

• Use Airtight Holders or Capsules.For most silver coins, airtight holders are the gold standard. They prevent oxygen and moisture from reaching the coin’s surface. Popular options include:

• Air-Tite capsules.PCGS/NGC slabbed holders (for graded coins). CoinSafe or Guardhouse screw-top holders. Never store your 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar in a paper envelope or loose in a box. Air exposure and friction will degrade it over time.

• Avoid PVC-Based Plastic Flips. Old coin flips made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) will eventually ooze a greenish chemical that permanently damages your coins. Always use Mylar or non-PVC flips if you're not encapsulating them.

• Handle Coins Properly. Even uncirculated silver dollar 1879 coins can lose value if touched. Always handle coins by the edges and wear cotton gloves if possible. Finger oils contain acids and salts that can leave permanent marks.

• Watch the Environment. Coins like the 1879 liberty silver dollar are 90% silver and react with air and moisture. Store them in a dry, dark, stable-temperature environment. Avoid places like attics, basements, or anywhere with large humidity swings.

Should You Clean Your 1879 Silver Dollar?

In a word: No. Cleaning coins is a guaranteed way to ruin them. The shiny “cleaned” look is a red flag for collectors and grading companies. It removes natural toning and fine surface texture, which are key to authentic aging.

Even wiping a 1879-S with a soft cloth can introduce tiny hairlines—visible under magnification—and cause it to be labeled “improperly cleaned” by NGC or PCGS. That alone can reduce the Morgan silver dollar 1879 value by 50% or more.

If you find a coin that appears dirty, tarnished, or spotted, it’s best to leave it alone or consult a professional conservation service like NGC’s conservation program.

If you’ve invested in high-grade or certified examples like a slabbed 1879-P Morgan Silver Dollar, you already have protection from a physical standpoint. But these slabs can still be damaged by UV light, chemical exposure, or moisture over time.

Here’s how to protect slabbed coins:

• Store them upright in slab boxes, not piled on top of one another

• Keep away from sunlight and high heat

•  Avoid storing near rubber bands, plastic bags, or foam that can off-gas chemicals

Many collectors choose to store their top-tier coins in bank safe deposit boxes for added protection.

Insurance and Documentation

If your collection includes coins worth over $500 individually, consider documenting them for insurance purposes. Take high-resolution photos of each side, record the serial number if slabbed, and keep a spreadsheet with:

• Grade and grading company

• Purchase price and date

• Market value estimate

• Auction records (if applicable)

You can also get specialized collectibles insurance that covers theft, fire, and loss. Standard homeowners policies may not provide full coverage for numismatic items.

Is the 1879 Dollar Worth It?

Yes, especially if it’s uncirculated, Carson City, prooflike, or shows signs of rare variety. The 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar value can swing from pocket change to prestige-level auction bids.

These coins are popular not just for silver content, but for what they represent—politics, craftsmanship, and early U.S. Mint history. Whether you're holding a well-loved piece or chasing a slabbed gem, there's no denying the appeal and enduring market of the 1879 silver dollar. Maybe you have something else in your collection? Then we recommend you to read The Hidden Value of Change: Top 10 Rare Coins in Circulation.

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• Top 100 Most Valuable Coins in The World

• Silver Quarter Value Guide

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