Everything You Need to Know About the 1889 Silver Dollar

The 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics, although its price may not be as high as that of other old (ancient) instances in the world. With the origin closer to their dayspring, Morgan dollars may boast the classic design, historical significance, and varying degrees of rarity as well. But why are they so special? 

Let us together identify these coins, estimate their current value (based on the market data), and understand which features and peculiarities to look for. The iconic coins can be mysterious, so why not reveal what they hide?

What Is the Morgan Dollar Series? 

One of the most well-known and extensively collected coin series in American coinage history is the Morgan Dollar series. With the appearance of the Coinage Act of 1873 (aka the Crime of ''73), the American government decided that they suspend the production of standard silver dollars, favoring the gold standard instead. It was not the best decision they had ever made, though.

In response, Congress passed the Bland-Allison Act of 1878. Following its passing, the US Mint was required to bring excess silver and put silver money back into circulation and produce them in greater quantities. Generally speaking, dollar silver coins designed by George T. Morgan, an English engraver, were struck between 1878 and 1904 and again in 1921, which makes them a long-living unit with a yet unstable past. 

More about nickels here: 1935 Buffalo Nickel Value Today.

Design and Features

The silver dollar 1889 is a unique creation with an intricate yet well-known design. Let us start with its physical characteristics and then proceed with the appearance of its sides properly.

Physical Specifications

• Metal Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

• Weight: 26.70 grams

• Diameter: 38.10 mm 

• Edge: Reeded (grooved)

Obverse (Front)

As such, the obverse of the Morgan Silver Dollar 1889 was inspired by Philadelphia schoolteacher Anna Willess Williams, which prompted a designer to feature a portrait of Lady Liberty. Morgan aimed to find a more realistic, Americanized Liberty than previous representations that followed ancient Greek or Roman forms only. 

This is what the obverse side displays:

• Liberty’s Phrygian Cap.

• Crown of Cotton and Wheat.

• The Word “LIBERTY” on the Headband.

• The date "1889" engraved at the bottom of the coin.

• Encircling Stars (13 total), i.e., the original thirteen American colonies.

• "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (Latin for "Out of many, one").

Reverse (Back)

The reverse, on its part, shows an American bald eagle with outstretched wings. This is generally considered a powerful symbol of the USA, its history, and its position in the world these days. Anyway, here are the main elements represented on the reverse:

• An Eagle Holding Arrows and an Olive Branch. 

• A Laurel Wreath Surrounding the Eagle.

• The Inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" placed above the eagle.

• Mint Mark Location located below the wreath (if present). These may include no mint mark for Philadelphia, "O" for New Orleans, "S" for San Francisco, or "CC" for Carson City.

• "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR" encircling the design.

Mint Locations and Mint Marks

What is unique about this instance is that it was produced at four different (yet not the most common) US Mint facilities, including Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Carson City. In the late 19th century, each mint was essential to the creation of coins, and the quantity produced had a big influence on the 1889 silver dollar value in the end. 

Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark)

• Mintage: 21,726,000

• Mint Mark: None

• Rarity: Common in circulated grades, rare in Mint State

Philadelphia, the primary US Mint, gave birth to the main part of the 1889 Morgan Dollars. The circulated coins (those used in everyday transactions) are still reasonably priced just because of their huge mintage numbers. However, since many coins tend to suffer from improper treatment and storage over time, a well-preserved Mint State sample can be significantly more difficult to locate, obtain, and cherish. 

New Orleans Mint

• Mintage: 11,875,000

• Mint Mark: "O"

• Rarity: Relatively common, but scarcer in high grades

A major contributor to the production of silver dollars for the US West and South was the New Orleans Mint. However, due to uneven minting methods, a large number of the 1889 O Morgan silver dollars were struck poorly. Should you manage to locate a sharply detailed specimen, be ready to store it and turn it into a family relic instead. It will get even more valuable in the future.

San Francisco Mint

• Mintage: 700,000

• Mint Mark: "S"

• Rarity: Considered scarce, especially in uncirculated condition

As opposed to Philadelphia and New Orleans, the San Francisco Mint produced a notably smaller quantity of dollars. Uncirculated samples are quite hard to find since many of these coins had been in considerable circulation.

Carson City Mint

• Mintage: 350,000

• Mint Mark: "CC"

• Rarity: Extremely rare in any condition

The Carson City Mint is a unique facility meant for the production of coins with the use of silver coming from the Comstock Lode, one of the richest silver strikes in the US. However, by 1889, Carson City's minting operations were coming to an end, and silver mining was declining.

The 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is the rarest and most sought-after regular-issue Morgan Dollar, with just 350,000 pieces produced. Many of them were either destroyed, melted down, or widely circulated, which is why it is almost impossible to find an 1889 CC Morgan silver dollar in fine condition.

How Much Is a 1889 Silver Dollar Worth? 

The 1889 Morgan silver dollar value is usually determined by a few factors simultaneously, including the rarity, quality, and mint mark for sure. Coins struck in San Francisco and Carson City are much rarer and fetch greater values than those struck in Philadelphia, which is comparatively common. However, at lower grades, it may be less obvious. Let us see.

Here are other valuable coins you may have: Persian Gold & Silver Coins.

Should you believe you own such a coin, it is recommended to have it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC, or at least inspected with the use of tools like Coin ID Scanner. The latter may help you identify your coin, keep track of the whole collection, delve into the numismatic encyclopedia, and finally estimate its value. Nevertheless, professional services matter. 

Collect coins, cherish your passion, and build the collection of your dreams.

Sources: 

1. https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/united-states/dollars/morgan-dollars-1878-1921/17190/1889-cc-1-ms/ 

2. https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1889-1/7188