The value of any coin depends on its condition, circulation, and rarity. The Morgan silver dollar is no exception. A circulated 1889 Morgan silver dollar is worth at least $22. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition, it could be worth much more. For example, a Morgan silver dollar in MS 60 grade is worth around $40, while a coin in MS 65 grade could fetch as much as $375.
If you’re a coin collector, then you know that old silver dollars from the 19th century are very valuable. In fact, many of them are worth several hundred dollars or more. So if you have any old silver dollars lying around, it’s definitely worth your time to check and see if they’re worth anything! You could be sitting on a small fortune and not even know it!
If you’ve come across an 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. These coins are a popular collectible, and their value can vary depending on a number of factors. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history and value of the 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar. We’ll also provide some tips on how to sell your coin if you’re interested in doing so. Thanks for reading!
A Brief History of Morgan Silver Dollars
The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most recognizable United States coins ever minted. Named for its designer, US Mint assistant engraver George T. Morgan, the coin was first struck in 1878. The series ended in 1904 due to silver shortages, but the Morgan Dollar made a brief reappearance in 1921 before it was finally replaced by the Peace Dollar.
The Morgan silver dollar was minted for nearly 40 years, until 1904. During that time, millions of coins were struck. That made it one of the most common coins of its time. However, the large mintage meant that the coins were often circulated heavily and did not hold their value well. As a result, many of them were melted down for their silver content during periods of economic turmoil.
Despite its humble beginnings, the Morgan silver dollar has become one of the most iconic and collected coins in American history. Today, they are highly prized by collectors and are worth far more than their original face value.
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Identification Guide
The Morgan Silver Dollar is composed of 90.0% silver and 10.0% copper. It has a diameter of 1.5 inches and a thickness of 2.4 millimeters. The coin’s edge is reeded, and the coin weighs 26.73 grams.
On the obverse side of the coin, Lady Liberty is depicted in profile view, with her hair pulled back in a graceful bun. The words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are inscribed along the coin’s edge, while the date 1889 appears at the bottom. Thirteen stars encircle the image, representing the original thirteen colonies.
The reverse side of the coin features a bald eagle clasping arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The words “In God We Trust”, “United States of America”, and “One Dollar” are also inscribed on this side of the coin.
This particular coin was minted in several different locations, each with their own unique mint mark. The San Francisco Mint used an “S” mint mark, the New Orleans Mint used an “O” mint mark, and the Carson City Mint used a “CC” mint mark. Coins from the Philadelphia Mint do not have a mint mark. This can be found on the reverse side of the coin, near the bottom, and it might be barely visible at first.
How Rare are 1889 Morgan Silver Dollars?
At the time of their release, 1889 Morgan silver dollars were common coins. A total of 21,726,000 were minted at the Philadelphia mint, 11,875,000 at the New Orleans mint, 700,000 at the San Francisco mint, and 350,000 at the Carson City mint. However, today they are relatively rare. There were only 811 proof coins minted in 1889. Proof coins are specially made for collectors and have a higher quality than regular coins.
While 1889 Morgan silver dollars are not as rare as some other coins, they are still relatively uncommon and can be difficult to find. As a result, they are highly sought-after by collectors and can command high prices on the market.
How Much Is a 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth Today?
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Value By JM Bullion
| Series | Extremely fine condition | Uncirculated |
| 1889 | $39 | $41 |
| 1889 S | $75 | $105 |
| 1889 O | $39 | $55 |
| 1889 CC | $3000 | $7000 |
A Morgan silver dollar from 1889 is worth at least $14.96, which is the current melt value of the silver in the coin. However, because Morgans are so popular with collectors, many are worth significantly more than their melt value.
On average, 1889 Morgan silver dollar no mint mark coins are valued at $22 in good condition, but can fetch up to $30 in extremely fine condition. However, the real value of the 1889 Morgan dollar lies in its uncirculated condition. In MS-60 uncirculated condition, these coins can go for as much as $40, and in MS-65 uncirculated condition, they can fetch an impressive $375.
This coin was struck at the Philadelphia mint, just like the proof coins. The most valuable 1889 Morgan silver dollars are proof coins without a mint mark in PR 63 condition. These coins are incredibly rare, with only 811 ever released. As a result, they can sell for over $3,000.
The 1889 S Morgan silver dollar is worth around $75 in circulated condition, and over $100 in uncirculated condition with a grade of MS 63. In very high grades such as MS 66 it can be worth much more – in the region of several thousand dollars!
The value of a circulated 1889 O Morgan silver dollar ranges from $30 to $100, while an uncirculated coin can be worth a few hundreds. A coin that has been graded as MS 65 can be worth $2,810.
The 1889 Morgan dollar minted at the Carson City Mint and has the CC mint mark is considered one of the rarest and most valuable Morgan dollars. Only about 350,000 were minted, and most of them were quickly melted down. As a result, there are very few high-quality examples available today. An average 1889 CC MS 65 Morgan silver dollar is worth more than $280,000, but they can sell for even more at auction. In lesser grades it is worth hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
The value of this coin has been on the rise in recent years as the popularity of coin collecting continues to grow. This particular dollar is a highly sought-after date due to its scarcity, and as a result, it commands a high price.
What is the Most Expensive 1889 Morgan Dollar Ever Sold?
While there are many rare and valuable Morgan dollars, the most expensive coin ever sold was an MS 68 PCGS specimen that went for $881,250 at auction. The coin was struck at the Carson City Mint and is one of only four known examples of its kind. It is also considered to be one of the finest-quality Morgan dollars in existence, with pristine surfaces and sharp relief.
While it is unlikely that any other Morgan dollar will ever fetch such a high price, the record-setting coin is a testimony to the enduring popularity of this classic American coin.
Are There Any Errors on 1889 Dollar Coins?
Coins are produced by a process of stamping a die onto a blank piece of metal. The die is carved with the reverse image of the coin, and the blank metal is pressed into the die to create the final coin. This process is repeated many times over in order to produce large quantities of coins. However, when the U.S. Mint produces a new coin, it’s not uncommon for some errors to occur. While these errors may not be immediately obvious, they can often be spotted with a close inspection.
One type of error is an off-center coin error, which happens when the die strikes the blank coin off-center. As a result, the reverse image appears to be shifted to one side. While this may not seem like a big deal, off-center coin errors can actually be quite valuable.
A common type of die error is called a “broadstrike.” This is when the coin is struck outside of the collar, resulting in an enlarged flan (the blank metal disk that is struck by the die). Rotation die coin errors occur when a die that is not mounted correctly on the coin press, which causes it to rotate during the striking process. This results in the images on the coin being actually rotated, often by a few degrees.
So if you ever come across an 1889 error coin, don’t be too quick to spend it – you may be sitting on a small fortune!
How Much are 1889 Error Coins Worth?
While the value of any given coin is dependent on a variety of factors, such as its series and condition, 1889 error coins are generally worth more than their non-error counterparts. The best way to determine the value is to get it appraised or to look up similar error coins that have sold in the past. For example:
- A 1889 O Morgan dollar struck only 7% off center sold for $1,762.
- A coin from the same series with rotated die error sold for a little above $400.
- A 1889 dollar struck 10% off center graded MS 62 is worth significantly more, and it reached the price of $6,462.
- A Morgan dollar broadstruck out of collar sold for $763.
While the exact value of an 1889 error coin will vary depending on its individual characteristics, it is safe to say that these rare coins are worth significantly more than regular coins.
What are VAM Morgan Dollar Coins?
VAM Morgan Dollar Coins are a type of coin that was discovered over 40 years ago by Leroy C. Van Allen and A. George Mallis. The term VAM is an acronym for “Van Allen – Mallis.” These coins are named after the two men who found them.
The VAM Morgan Dollar Coins are a series of coins minted in 1889 that feature slight die differences. These differences can most of the time be barely visible, but they can add collectible value to the coins. Some of the varieties include:
- VAM-19A, which features a doubled reverse with a die break at the top of the eagle’s right wing
- VAM-28A, which shows doubling of the ear and a date that is shifted slightly compared to a regular 1889 Morgan silver dollar
- VAM-23A is another variety that features a slanted date and several clashes on the obverse of the coin
VAM dollars are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch a high price at auction because of their rarity. So, next time you’re looking at your Morgan Dollars, see if you can spot any of these varieties!
How Can You Tell if a Morgan Silver Dollar is VAM?
These coins can be distinguished from other Morgans by their unique die varieties which have to be observed through a loupe with 15x magnification. The details on the wings and tail feathers should be over-polished, as well as the hair, nostril, and eye detail on the face. In addition, there should be numerous doubled letters and stars on the coin.
So, next time you’re looking at a Morgan silver dollar, keep an eye out for these telltale signs!
How Much are VAM Morgan Dollar Coins Worth?
VAM Morgan Dollar Coins can be worth a considerable amount of money, depending on the coin’s condition and rarity. For example, the VAM-19A 1889 $1 Morgan Dollar Coin graded MS 66 reached a record price of $2,350 at auction in 2017.
A VAM-28A, 1889 $1 Morgan Dollar coin that is graded MS 64 can fetch upwards of $528 at auction which is its record price, whereas a less rare and lower grade coin may only be worth a few hundred dollars. VAM 23A is another rare variety, selling for a record price of $100 in 2021.
However, it’s hard to say what the average price for these coins is because they’re not often seen at auctions. Nevertheless, if you come across one of these coins, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look to see if it could be worth a significant amount of money.
How to Determine the 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Value
When it comes to assessing the value of your 1889 Morgan silver dollar, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
First, the condition of your coin will have a big impact on its worth. A well-preserved coin will be worth more than one that is heavily worn or damaged. Second, it can be helpful to get your coin graded by a professional. This will give you a more accurate sense of its condition and value. Finally, compare your coin to similar pieces that have recently sold. This will give you a good idea of what it is likely to fetch on the open market.
Assessing the Condition
To get a sense of how much your coin is worth, start by assessing its condition. If the coin is in good condition, with minimal wear and tear, it will be worth more than a coin that is heavily damaged or has been cleaned.
There are two main types of coins: circulated and uncirculated. Circulated coins are those that have been used in everyday transactions and show signs of wear, while uncirculated coins are those that have not been used in circulation and therefore appear to be in new condition. Both types of coins can be bought and sold, but the price of uncirculated coins is usually much higher than the price of circulated coins.
The Sheldon Scale is a grading system that is used to determine the condition of a coin. Coins that are graded on the Sheldon Scale range from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS), with Poor being the lowest grade and Mint State being the highest grade.
Get it Graded and Appraised
If you think you have a Morgan Silver Dollar from 1889 that could be worth more than regular, you’ll want to get it graded and appraised by professionals. The most important factor in determining the value of a coin is its condition, and a professional grading service like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) will be able to give you an accurate assessment.
In addition, a reputable coin dealer or appraisal service will be up-to-date on the latest market values, and they can provide you with an accurate estimate of your coin’s worth. With their help, you’ll be able to determine the 1889 Morgan silver dollar value and get the most for your coin.
Compare to Recently Sold Pieces
To determine an accurate value for your coin, compare it to recently sold examples in the same condition. This will give you a good idea of what the market is currently willing to pay for a specific coin. There are a number of online resources that can help you find comparable sales, but eBay sold listings are one of the best. For example:
- A circulated 1889 O Morgan dollar sold for $46.
- A 1889 P Morgan dollar in uncirculated condition sold for $58,64.
- Uncirculated 1889 Morgan dollar from the Philadelphia mint sold for $62.
- A 1889 CC Morgan silver dollar in AU 55 condition (Almost Uncirculated) sold for $7,500.
When it comes to Morgans, small differences can mean big bucks, so it’s important to get an accurate appraisal before selling.
Silver Melt Value
All Morgan silver dollars are worth at least the silver melt value. The silver melt value is the value of the metal alone and does not take into account any other factors such as condition or age. The silver melt value for a 1889 Morgan silver dollar is currently $14.83. However, this value can fluctuate depending on the current market price for silver.
FAQ
What year is the rarest Morgan Dollar?
The rarest Morgan dollar is the 1895 Morgan silver dollar, also known as “King of Morgan dollars”. Out of all the years that Morgan dollars were minted, 1895 has the lowest mintage. Given its rarity and value, the 1895 Morgan is clearly the most sought-after coin among collectors.
How do I know if my 1889 silver dollar is CC?
The easiest way is to look on the obverse (front) of the coin under the date. If there is a mint mark and that mint mark is CC, then your coin was indeed minted in Carson City.
If you’re trying to determine the value of your 1889 silver dollar, it’s important to know whether or not it has a CC mint mark. This mint mark indicates that the coin was struck at the Carson City Mint, and coins from this mint are generally worth more than those from other mints.
What does PL mean on Morgan Dollar?
The “PL” designation on some Morgan dollar listings means that the coin is a proof-like business-strike example. Proof-like Morgan dollars are business-strike examples that exhibit mirrored fields somewhat resembling those of proof coins, but they’re not really proof coins. order for a coin to receive the “PL” designation, it must also exhibit other characteristics, such as full luster and very few contact marks.
Final Thoughts
In general, a circulated coin is worth at least $22, while an uncirculated coin can be worth much more. The most important factor in determining the value of a coin is its grade, or condition. A coin in mint condition will always be worth more than a coin that has been circulated. In addition, the rarity of a coin can also affect its value. A coin that is very rare will be worth more than a coin that is more common.
For example, a 1893 CC Morgan silver dollar is extremely rare and could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Ultimately, the value of a coin also depends on the market conditions at the time of sale. Thanks for reading!
