1880 Morgan Silver Dollar: Complete Value Guide & Rare Varieties

The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar stands as a hallmark of American coinage. The U.S. Mint struck these coins to meet high demand for silver dollars after the Bland-Allison Act. Collectors prize the classic Liberty profile and robust eagle reverse design. This issue marks a peak period of production in the late 19th century.

Several mints released the 1880 mark, including Carson City (CC), New Orleans (O), and San Francisco (S). Each mint mark carries its own rarity and appeal. Some coins feature scarce VAM varieties, which collectors eagerly seek. Understanding these distinctions can help you pinpoint truly rare finds and avoid common pitfalls.

This guide breaks down every factor influencing value, from mint marks to condition and market trends. You will find a detailed price chart for each mint and tips on identifying key VAM varieties. Use the tools and resources provided to get accurate estimates. Try a free old coin value checker to see how your 1880 Morgan dollar measures up.

Introduction to the 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar

The series began in 1878 to meet demand for silver coinage under the Bland-Allison Act. The 1880 Morgan silver dollar continued this legacy with its iconic Liberty profile. Each coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. Minters struck these dollars in large quantities across multiple facilities, including Philadelphia, Carson City, and San Francisco.

Collectors often refer to the 1880 liberty silver dollar when comparing design details and mint marks. Many coin guides list the 1880 liberty silver dollar value by condition and rarity. Even common circulated examples hold melt value, while pristine Mint State pieces can command significant premiums. If you wonder about the value of 1880 silver dollar, check recent auction results and price charts for the most accurate estimates.

1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Chart by Condition

Circulated examples of the 1880 silver dollar value today trade near their silver melt basis plus a small premium. Most worn coins fall between $35 and $50, depending on eye appeal and strike quality. Many dealers list how much is an 1880 silver dollar worth for VG and F grades around this range.

Uncirculated and specialty coins see sharp price jumps. An AU-58 often trades for $60–$75. MS-63 pieces can reach $100–$150. Prooflike and DMPL varieties command even higher figures. Collectors refer to silver dollar 1880 value charts for guidance. High-end MS-67+ survivors can exceed $1,000, showing why 1880 silver dollar worth depends heavily on condition.

Mint Mark Breakdown – CC, O, S, and P Varieties

Identifying each mint mark starts with knowing where is the mint mark on a 1880 silver dollar. Look on the reverse beneath the wreath and above the “D” in “DOLLAR.” Philadelphia strikes carry no mint mark. That blank spot distinguishes common P-mint coins from other varieties.

Collectors value the 1880 O morgan silver dollar for its unique history. New Orleans struck about 7.5 million of these dollars. In circulated grades, the 1880 O morgan silver dollar value often starts around $40. Uncirculated examples can climb to $100 or more, depending on eye appeal and strike quality.

The 1880 Carson City silver dollar value stands out because CC coins saw a mintage of only 750,000. That low production makes these pieces significantly scarcer. Even circulated CC dollars can trade for $75–$100. High-grade Carson City survivors often exceed $500, reflecting strong collector demand.

San Francisco struck roughly 4.1 million 1880 dollars. The 1880-S morgan silver dollar value in MS60 typically begins around $60. As grades improve to MS63 and above, prices can reach $150–$200. Philadelphia strikes remain common, so collectors often focus on O, CC, and S varieties for added rarity.

San Francisco struck both clad and silver Ikes, and the article 1974 Eisenhower Silver Dollar Value explains those mintages, metal types, and current price tiers—see the full 1974 Eisenhower Value guide for a concise breakdown

Mint production totals by facility

• Philadelphia (no mint mark): 16,300,000 coins

• New Orleans (O): 7,500,000 coins

• Carson City (CC): 750,000 coins

• San Francisco (S): 4,100,000 coins

1880 CC Morgan Dollar – Carson City’s Rarest Strikes

Carson City produced the 1880 CC morgan silver dollar at a time when silver reserves near the Comstock Lode were plentiful. The mint struck only 750,000 of these coins, making them scarce compared to other facilities. Collectors prize the CC mint mark for its direct link to Western silver history.

Uncirculated Carson City coins command strong prices. The 1880-CC morgan silver dollar value in MS60 starts around $200. When struck with a Deep Mirror Prooflike finish, prices can exceed $1,200 in MS65. Each step up in grade adds significant premium due to limited high-grade survivors.

Collectors also seek the 1880 Carson City silver dollar for its unique cameo contrasts and toning. The DMPL variety shows sharp fields and deeply frosted devices. Even mid-grade examples often trade for more than comparable pieces from Philadelphia or New Orleans.

How to Identify Rare VAM Varieties in the 1880 Series

Rare die varieties add unique appeal to the 1880 silver morgan dollar series. VAMs (Van Allen–Mallis varieties) occur when differences in die polishing, overdates, or repunched dates leave distinct markers on certain coins. Collectors examine die lines, overdate patterns like 8/7, and doubled devices to spot these rarities. Each VAM variety reflects a specific minting quirk, making certain examples highly sought after.

Some VAMs fetch premiums well above standard silver values. When a coin lacks any mint mark, dealers list the 1880 silver dollar value no mint mark separately from marked issues. The unmarked Philadelphia strikes carry their own VAMs, such as repunched dates that only appear on P-dollars. Likewise, collectors track the 1880 P morgan silver dollar value to identify rare P-mint varieties that command higher auction bids in top grades.

Below are the four most valuable 1880 Morgan VAMs that collectors hunt for:

4 most valuable 1880 Morgan VAMs

• VAM-2 (Overdate 80/79): Noticeable doubling in the “80,” with the “0” punched over a faint “9.”

• VAM-6 (8/7 Spikes): Distinctive extra spike marks on the “8,” visible under magnification.

• VAM-7 (Crossbar): A small crossbar appears at the top of the “8,” signaling a doubled-digit anomaly.

• VAM-8 (8/7 Ears): Raised “ear”-like die gouges near the “8,” creating a unique silhouette.

For an in-depth look at Morgan VAM varieties and their key attributes, visit Morgan Dollars Through the Years.

1880 S Morgan Dollar – Popular for High Quality Strikes

Collectors prize the 1880 s silver dollar for its consistently strong strikes and eye appeal. The San Francisco Mint used finely polished dies and well-prepared planchets. Each 1880 morgan silver dollar S mint mark example often shows deep detail in Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers. That sharpness makes these coins ideal for collectors focusing on quality.

When you check the 1880 S morgan silver dollar value, you’ll find that high-grade examples trade at solid premiums. For instance, an MS65 piece can sell for $100–$150, while an MS67+ survivor might exceed $500. Recent auction data confirms that an 1880-S morgan silver dollar value leaps dramatically once coins clear MS66 and display full cartwheel lustre.

Characteristics that define high-strike quality

• Sharp Hair Detail: Distinct separation between strands on Liberty’s head

• Full Eagle Feathers: Clear lines on each feather without any softness

• Strong Cartwheel Lustre: Uniform flash across both obverse and reverse fields

• Rounded Denticles: Well-defined rim teeth that remain crisp and even

• Minimal Contact Marks: No major scratches or bag marks on high points

Authentication Tips and Fake Detection

Counterfeit 1880 Morgans often lack the correct weight or metallic composition. A genuine 1880 morgan silver dollar no mint mark should weigh 26.73 grams and measure 38.1 mm in diameter. Use a precise scale and caliper to confirm those dimensions before looking for design details.

Inspect the 1880 O silver dollar value by comparing known genuine examples to your coin. Authentic New Orleans strikes show sharp “O” mint marks with consistent font and size. Counterfeits often have softened details or incorrect spacing. Similarly, the value of 1880 morgan silver dollar depends on precise features like clear die lines and uniform reeding; any deviation can signal a fake.

When in doubt, seek professional verification. Certification by a trusted service assures authenticity and preserves value. For step-by-step guidance on submitting coins for grading and authentication, see the Master Coin Grading guide.

Final Thoughts – Should You Invest in the 1880 Morgan?

Investors often ask what is a 1880 silver dollar worth when deciding whether to add this classic coin to their portfolio. Market data shows that circulated 1880 Morgans trade near their silver melt value, typically around $40–$60. Uncirculated examples rise sharply, as collectors pay for condition and eye appeal. Understanding the value of an 1880 silver dollar requires tracking auction results and dealer listings to capture current demand trends.

The morgan silver dollar 1880 value also reflects rare mint marks and VAM varieties. High-grade Carson City (CC) and Prooflike coins often command multiples of standard Morgan prices. Even common Philadelphia strikes in MS63 can fetch $100 or more when eye appeal shines. For guidance on building a solid silver coin investment strategy, see the Gold and Silver Coins guide.

Related Coin Value Guides:

• 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Value
• 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Value
• 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Value
• 1893 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Value
• 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Value
• 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Coin Value