Morgan Silver Dollar Mint Mark Explained: Your Numismatic Guide

The Morgan Silver Dollar is a legend in American numismatics. From its first minting in 1878 to its final strike in 1921, this silver giant has иbeen interesting for many collectors for generations. 

But what truly makes these coins special? The answer is connected with the mint mark on Morgan Silver Dollar coins. If you have ever asked yourself, “Where is the mint mark on a Morgan Silver Dollar?” or “What if your Morgan Silver Dollar has no mint mark?”, then buckle up. 

We are going to answer these questions today. So, what are the secrets of identifying coins and their values in this case? You will find it out in a few minutes. 

Here is the general information about these coins:

Historical Information

The Morgan Silver Dollar was the first standard silver dollar to be minted after the Coinage Act of 1873, which effectively put an end to the free coining of silver. Designed by George T. Morgan, this coin was created to support the silver mining industry in the West and to revive silver coinage in American commerce. The coin’s production lasted from 1878 to 1904, before a one-year comeback in 1921.

Morgan’s depiction of Lady Liberty was a stark contrast to previous representations. Inspired by a Philadelphia teacher, Anna Willess Williams, Morgan’s Liberty looked modern, strong and determined—qualities that mirrored the spirit of a young and ambitious United States. 

More about pennies: 1968 Penny Value.

Design and Composition

The Morgan Silver Dollar was crafted from 90% silver and 10% copper for more durability and retaining intrinsic value at the same time. Weighing 26.73 grams, with a diameter of 38.1 mm, it became a substantial piece of American currency. The coin’s reeded edge helped prevent unscrupulous people from shaving off small amounts of silver.

The mint marks are a key identifier, distinguishing where a specific coin was struck. But what happens if there is no mint mark on Morgan Silver Dollar coins? That means it was produced in Philadelphia, which historically did not use any marks on these coins.

Morgan Silver Dollar Mint Marks and Their Value

Each one had its own production levels. This makes some coins rarer than others. So, where is mint mark on Morgan Dollar coins? Flip the coin over—right beneath the wreath on the reverse, under the eagle’s tail feathers, you will find a tiny letter: P (no mark), S, O, CC, or D.

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Mint was the primary producer of Morgan Dollars with the most coins overall. However, what makes Philadelphia unique is that its coins lack a mint mark. When checking where is the Morgan Silver Dollar mint mark, and you find none, that means it’s from Philadelphia.

While most Philadelphia Morgans are common, some specific years—like 1894 and 1899—saw very low production. These ones are incredibly special with high Morgan Silver Dollar no mint mark value sums. Collectors should pay special attention to those dates, as even circulated examples can command high prices.

New Orleans

The Morgan Dollar Mint Mark O signifies that the coin was produced in New Orleans, which operated on and off from 1838 to 1909. During the Morgan Dollar years, it had its important role in supplying silver dollars to the southern United States.

Unlike Philadelphia and San Francisco, the New Orleans Mint often struggled with quality control. This led to weaker strikes. That is why some collectors prefer high-grade examples of Morgan Silver Dollar Mint Mark O coins, as sharply struck specimens are harder to find.

Despite their high mintage numbers, certain years stand out—like the 1895-O, which had a low mintage and is highly desirable today with high Morgan Dollar O mint mark value sums.

San Francisco

San Francisco was known for producing well-struck coins, and its mint marks are often considered some of the best in terms of quality. Identified by an “S”, these coins were important in keeping silver dollars in circulation throughout the western United States.

Some of the rarest San Francisco Morgans include the 1893-S, which is one of the most valuable Morgans ever produced, sometimes fetching six-figure prices in high grades.

Carson City 

If there is one mint mark that makes a collector’s heart race, it is CC for Carson City. This, located in Nevada, was operational during the silver boom and had some of the lowest production numbers of any Morgan Dollar facility.

Carson City Morgans are considered the holy grail of Morgan Silver Dollars, with some years—like the 1881-CC—fetching very high prices. These coins were struck near some of the richest silver deposits in U.S. history.

Denver 

Denver only produced Morgan Silver Dollars in 1921, making its “D” marked Morgans unique in the series. While they are not particularly rare, their one-year-only status makes them an interesting addition to any collection.

More about bills: How Much Is a 1976 $2 Bill Worth?

Morgan Silver Dollar Values 

Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on market demand, condition and grading. Always consult a professional appraiser or pricing guide.

What If Your Morgan Silver Dollar Has No Mint Mark?

If you cannot find it, where is mint mark on Morgan Silver Dollar? It is simple—there is not one! Philadelphia was the primary mint for Morgans, and coins produced there typically lack a mint mark. However, some Philadelphia-struck Morgans—like the 1894 and 1899 issues—are among the rarest and most valuable.

How to Find Mint Mark on Morgan Silver Dollar

Follow these steps:

1. Locate the Reverse (Back) of the Coin

Flip the coin over to the side with the eagle and wreath design.

2. Look Below the Wreath and Above "DOLLAR"

So, what is the Morgan Dollar mint mark location? It is placed just above the "D" and "O" in "DOLLAR".

If there is no one, the coin was made in Philadelphia.

3. Identify 

No Mint Mark → Philadelphia (P) (Though Morgan dollars minted in Philadelphia before 1942 typically do not have a mint mark)

"CC" → Carson City, Nevada

"S" → San Francisco, California

"O" → New Orleans, Louisiana

"D" → Denver, Colorado (Only in 1921)

4. Consider the Rarity and Value

Carson City ("CC") coins are often the most valuable due to their lower mintage numbers.

New Orleans ("O") and San Francisco ("S") coins are common but can have premium values depending on the condition.

1921-D Morgan Dollars are the only ones made in Denver.

If you are still wondering, “Where is the mint mark on a Morgan Dollar?”, just flip the coin over and check below the eagle’s tail feathers. It will be there—unless it is from Philadelphia.

Final Thoughts

These coins are a collector’s dream, but knowing the Morgan Silver Dollar mint mark location is a must. If you want to quickly identify, verify and value your coins, the Coin ID Scanner app is an excellent tool to add to your numismatic toolkit.

So next time you come across a coin, take a closer look—your mint mark might be the key to a rare and valuable specimen!

Sources:

1. https://www.herobullion.com/morgan-silver-dollar

2. https://www.usgoldbureau.com/news/