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Morgan dollars have a history that stretches across more than a century and includes a lot of mintmarks, mintage figures, and rare varieties; these coins reflect the U.S. economy and culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, we’re going to tell you more about their history, break down Morgan silver dollar mintages year by year, and highlight some of the most expensive pieces in a coin value checker.
Additionally, we’ll discuss the resurgence of this series, with reissues in 2021 and 2023 that have brought the coin back into the spotlight.
The History of Morgan Dollars
They were initially introduced in 1878 and were named after its designer, George T. Morgan, an English engraver who became the Assistant Engraver at the U.S. Mint. His design was selected as part of the larger remonetization efforts following the Coinage Act of 1873.
This ended the free coinage of silver and sent shockwaves through the American silver mining industry. The coin was born out of this political backdrop, as the Bland-Allison Act of 1878 required the U.S. Treasury to purchase large quantities of silver to coin into dollars.
The design was rather symbolic and artistic. On the obverse, Liberty is depicted wearing a Phrygian cap. She is crowned with agricultural staples like wheat and cotton. They together symbolize America’s agrarian roots and industrial progress.
The reverse shows an eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, a representation of both peace and military readiness.
The size, beauty, and design made it rather famous among collectors. Moreover, it’s varying Morgan silver dollar dates and mintmarks made it such an interesting series for numismatists.
Morgan Mintages and Their Significance
The coins were minted in five U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia, New Orleans (O), Carson City (CC), San Francisco (S), and Denver (D, only in 1921). The coins struck at each mint carried their own history and significance, especially the Carson City (CC) mint, which produced some of the rarest and most coveted specimens.
How many Morgan dollars were minted in Carson City? There were only 350,000 coins created. Due to its smaller output and the historical part of the Old West, Carson City specimens like the 1889 CC Morgan silver dollar mintage are highly wanted by collectors.
How Many Morgan Silver Dollars Were Minted?
In total, more than 600 million pieces of this type were minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. But those figures don’t tell the full story. Many pieces were melted down over the years, particularly after the Pittman Act of 1918, which led to the melting of 270 million silver dollars to support World War I efforts.
This means that while the original mintages might seem large, the actual number of surviving specimens is much smaller, particularly for key dates Morgan silver dollar has.
By the way, there are many other series of US coins, e.g., 1982 quarters.
Morgan Silver Dollar Key Dates List
There are a lot of Morgan dollar years and mintages as we have already discussed, but certain dates stand out for their rarity and value. These include:
1878 CC Morgan silver dollar mintage: Only 2.2 million were minted in the coin's inaugural year.
1889 CC Morgan silver dollar mintage: This is one of the most famous rarities, with a mere 350,000 coins struck.
1893-S Morgan silver dollar mintage: With just 100,000 minted, this San Francisco coin holds the record for the lowest mintage in the series.
1895 Morgan silver dollar mintage: It is known as the "King of the Series". Fewer than 880 proof coins were made, and none were minted for circulation.
Other famous and rather expensive rarities are the 1884 CC, 1890 CC, and the 1894 Morgan silver dollar mintage. Each has low mintages that influence their high desirability among collectors.
“There was one very distinct period, from 1893 to 1895, when Morgan dollar mintages were well below normal. … That makes it no accident that some of the more difficult-to-find … will carry a date of 1893, 1894 or 1895.”
— Paul Green, American numismatic writer
Littleton Coin Company, Low-Mintage Period Morgans
Morgan Dollar Mintage Varieties and Values
The value depends on the mintage of Morgan dollars, mintmarks, and condition. For example, circulated ones from common years can be acquired for relatively affordable prices. Whereas key date coins in uncirculated or proof condition can cost thousands of dollars at auction.
Below is a coin mintage chart with approximate values for some of the most sought-after specimens:
Type | Mintage | Fine (F) | Extremely Fine (XF) | Mint State (MS) |
1878 (8 Tail Feathers) | 749,500 | $55 | $100 | $300 |
1878 (7 Tail Feathers) | 9,759,300 | $50 | $95 | $275 |
1878-S | 9,774,000 | $45 | $85 | $250 |
1881-S | 12,760,000 | $40 | $75 | $225 |
1885-CC | 228,000 | $300 | $600 | $1,500 |
1886 | 19,963,000 | $40 | $70 | $225 |
1889-CC | 350,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $10,000 |
1893-S | 100,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 | $100,000 |
1895 Proof (Philadelphia) | 880 (Proof Only) | $50,000 | $100,000 | $175,000 |
1901 | 6,962,000 | $45 | $120 | $3,500 |
1921 | 44,690,000 | $25 | $50 | $150 |
Disclaimer: The prices are average and may differ from current market situations. You should better check out Morgan dollar mintages and values in grading offices or auction houses. There, you can also find out prices of international coins like Moneda 50 pesos 1982 and 1984.
The Return of the Morgan Dollar: 2021 and 2023 Editions
What years were Morgan silver dollars minted in modern days? After a century-long hiatus, they made a return in 2021 to commemorate the centennial of its final mintage in 1921. These new releases were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. They reignited interest in the classic coin series.
The 2021 Morgan silver dollar mintage was capped at 175,000 coins per mintmark, with a special CC specimen that paid homage to the famous Carson City issues.
What years were the Morgan silver dollars minted else? In 2023, the U.S. Mint took things further with the introduction of the 2023 reverse proof Morgan and Peace dollar mintage. It was a modern twist on two coin designs. These reverse proof editions, struck in limited quantities, feature a stunning finish that contrasts sharply with the traditional frosted design of proof coins.
Why Are Morgan Dollars Desirable by Collectors?
These coins, first of all, show America’s past with mints of New Orleans or the famed Carson City Mint, where Wild West history comes to life. There are varying Morgan dollar mintage by year, and collectors can trace the ebb and flow of silver production, economic shifts, and even the political landscape through the history of these coins.
If a modern collector understands the list of low mintage coins and their values, they can build a meaningful collection. You may be after circulated pieces for their affordability or after the rare Morgan silver dollar CC mintage for its extreme scarcity, anyway the series has something for every level of collector.
As the U.S. Mint continues to reissue these historic coins, with new 2023 Morgan silver dollar mintage numbers catching the eye of numismatists, the legacy of the design lives on, and proves that these silver coins are as relevant today as they were over a century ago.
We have discussed different rare and common coins. These series offer collectors an opportunity to learn more American history. That’s why Morgan series remains a basis of American numismatics.
If you want to identify your coins, try Coin ID Scanner. It’s easy, fast and reliable.
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