The value of a 1886 silver dollar depends on several factors, including condition and mint mark. In general, circulated coins are worth from $20 to $100, while uncirculated coins are worth significantly more, from $220 to $150,000. Of course, the most valuable coin is the one that is most perfect in terms of condition and strike.
The economy of the United States was in a state of flux during the late 19th century. In 1886, the government decided to issue silver dollars in an attempt to stabilize the currency. The idea was that silver dollars would be used to back up paper currency, which would help to restore confidence in the economy.
Are you a collector of coins? If so, you may be wondering how much a 1886 silver dollar is worth. Keep reading to find out more about this rare coin and what its current value is. Who knows, maybe you have one of these tucked away in your coin collection!
What are Morgan Silver Dollars?
The Morgan silver dollar was minted from 1878-1904, and again in 1921. The coin was named after its designer, United States Mint Assistant Engraver George T. Morgan. Morgan’s design featured a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse, and an eagle on the reverse. Despite its popularity, the Morgan silver dollar was eventually replaced by the Peace dollar.
George T. Morgan was an English engraver who is best known for his design of the Morgan silver dollar. Born in Birmingham, Morgan began his career as an assistant to the chief engraver at the Royal Mint in London. In 1876, he emigrated to the United States, where he took a position at the Philadelphia Mint. It was there that Morgan developed his distinctive style of engraving, which became known for its realism and attention to detail.
The Morgan silver dollar was initially minted in response to the economic crisis known as the Panic of 1873. The coin was made out of 90% silver and 10% copper, and it contained more than one ounce of pure silver. This made the coin very popular with both investors and collectors. In fact, many people hoarded Morgan dollars during the early 1900s, leading to a shortage of the coins in circulation.
What Does a 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar Look Like?
The 1886 Morgan silver dollar is a coin that was minted in the United States from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. The coin is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a silver weight of .77344 ounces and a total weight of 26.73 grams. The edge of the coin is reeded.
1886 Morgan Silver Dollar Specifications |
|
Weight | 26.73 grams |
Diameter | 38.10 millimeters |
Metal | 90% Silver, 10% Copper |
Edge | Reeded |
Designer | George T. Morgan |
The obverse of the 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar depicts a profile portrait of Liberty, modeled by Anna Willess Williams. The words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are inscribed at the top of the coin, and the date is featured at the bottom. The reverse of the coin depicts an eagle with wings outstretched. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR” are also inscribed.
Most people are familiar with coins, and Mint marks are tiny letters on a coin that tell you where the coin was made. These Morgan dollars were minted at three different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (“S”), and New Orleans (“O”). The mint mark, if it’s there, can be seen below the wreath on the coin’s reverse.
How Rare are 1886 Silver Dollars?
1886 Morgan Silver Dollar Quantity Minted |
||
Year | Location | Minted |
1886 Morgan Silver Dollar With No Mint Mark | Philadelphia | 19,963,000 |
1886 Proof Morgan Silver Dollar | Philadelphia | 886 |
1886 S Morgan Silver Dollar | San Francisco | 750,000 |
1886 O Morgan Silver Dollar | New Orleans | 10,710,000 |
The 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar is considered a rare coin. In 1886, the Philadelphia Mint produced 19,963,000 coins and 886 proof coins. The New Orleans Mint produced 10,710,000 coins in 1886. The San Francisco Mint produced 750,000 coins in 1886.
The 1886 Morgan silver dollar was minted at a time when the United States was transitioning from an agrarian society to an industrial one. As a result, the Mint produced relatively few of these coins compared to other coins from later years. In addition, many of these coins were melted down over time, further reducing their numbers.
The total mintage for the 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar was over 30 million coins. Today, there are an estimated 3 million Morgan dollars still in existence. This means that about 8% of the original mintage still exists. Most of the surviving Morgan dollars are in circulation.
Collectors eagerly seek out 1886 Morgan silver dollars because of their high silver content and low mintage numbers. Even though they’re considered rare, a few thousand are thought to exist in all grades today.
1886 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Guide
Type |
Good condition |
Fine condition |
Extremely fine condition |
Uncirculated condition |
1886 no mint mark |
$19,41 |
$19,41 |
$21,55 |
$39,49 |
1886 O |
$20,61 |
$21,55 |
$30,28 |
$1033 |
1886 S |
$28,31 |
$39 |
$100 |
$292 |
A 1886 morgan silver dollar no mint mark is worth around $20 in circulated condition. In uncirculated mint state condition it can be worth anywhere from $40 in MS 60 grade to $220 in MS 65 grade. The 1886 P Morgan silver dollar was minted at the Philadelphia Mint. Over 19 million of these coins were minted, so they are not rare.
In circulated condition, the 1886 O silver dollar value is between $20 and $30. However, in uncirculated mint state condition, the coin is worth much more. In MS 60 grade, the coin is worth over $1000, and in MS 65 grade, the coin is worth around $150,000. Thus, depending on the condition of the 1886 O silver dollar, it can be worth a fortune.
The 1886 S silver dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. Because of its age and historic significance, this coin can be worth anywhere from $30 to $100 in circulated condition. However, if the coin is in mint state condition, it can be worth significantly more. The 1886 S Morgan silver dollar value jumps to $292 in MS 60 grade and around $1,900 in MS 65 grade.
A 1886 silver dollar is worth around $3,750 in PR 63 condition. There were only 886 proof coins minted, so they are relatively rare. Proof coins are specially made coins that have a higher quality finish than regular coins. The higher quality finish makes them more valuable to collectors.
How Do I Know if My 1886 Silver Dollar Is Valuable
As any coin collector knows, the value of a coin can vary significantly depending on its condition, rarity, and age. For example, a well-worn silver dollar from 1886 is likely to be worth less than a pristine example from the same year. Similarly, a common coin is likely to be worth less than a rare one. As such, it can be difficult to determine the value of a particular coin without doing some research.
A good place to start is by comparing the coin to ones that have recently sold at auction. This will give you an idea of what similar coins are selling for and will help you to determine whether your 1886 silver dollar is valuable. For example:
- A 1886 S Morgan silver dollar that looks circulated with visible wear recently sold for $50.
- Uncirculated 1886 liberty silver dollar with no mint mark with nice luster sold for $51.
- A 1886 O Morgan silver dollar graded AU 55 (About Uncirculated) sold for $285.
- Choice Uncirculated 1886 O Morgan silver dollar sold for $513.
What is the Most Expensive 1886 Liberty Silver Dollar Ever Sold?
In 2021, a proof 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar graded PR 67 sold for $66,000, making it the most expensive 1886 Liberty Silver Dollar ever sold. The 1886 Morgan dollar has a reputation for being a challenge to locate with strong eye appeal, and this coin certainly lived up to that reputation. It is truly an amazing piece of numismatic history.
In 2006, an 1886 Morgan graded PR 68 coin sold for $34,500, making it the second most expensive Liberty Silver Dollar ever sold. At first glance, the 1886 Liberty Silver Dollar might not look like anything special. However, this particular coin is actually one of the most valuable in existence. The coin’s value is due to its rarity and condition.
Factors That Influence the 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar Value
Condition
The 1886 Morgan silver dollar is a highly sought-after coin, and its value can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. One of the most important factors is the condition of the coin. A well-preserved coin that shows little sign of wear will be worth more than a heavily circulated coin with many scratches and nicks.
Another important factor is whether the coin is uncirculated or circulated. Uncirculated coins are those that have never been used in circulation and thus show no signs of wear, while circulated coins have been used and do show some wear. Because mint state coins are much rarer, they are typically worth more than circulated coins.
A coin with good eye appeal will be free of scratches, chips, and other surface blemishes, and will exhibit strong luster and bold color. Another important factor is strike quality. A well-struck 1886 Morgan silver dollar will have sharp details on both the obverse and reverse sides.
Current Silver Bullion Value
The 1886 Morgan silver dollar value is influenced by the current price of silver bullion. A single coin is worth at least its weight in silver, which is currently $16.10. The price of silver bullion can fluctuate, so the value of a Morgan silver dollar may also go up or down. However, even if the price of silver decreases, the coin will still be worth at least its melt value. The current silver bullion value is $16.10.
Mint Mark
The value of the coin can be significantly influenced by the mint mark. The New Orleans coins are the most valuable, followed by the San Francisco coins. The Philadelphia coins are the least valuable but can still fetch a high price due to their rarity.
Final Thoughts
The 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar was struck at a time when the United States was enjoying great prosperity. The country had just come out of a devastating civil war and was beginning to reap the benefits of the industrial revolution. As a result, the coins minted during this period are some of the most beautiful and collectible in American history.
In conclusion, the value of a 1886 silver dollar depends on its condition and mint mark. Circulated coins are typically worth from $20 to $100. Uncirculated coins, which have not been circulated and thus have remained in pristine condition, are typically worth from $220 to $150,000. So, if you happen to have a 1886 silver dollar, be sure to take it to a professional coin dealer to have it appraised. You may just have a very valuable coin on your hands!
FAQ
Is there a 1886 CC Morgan Silver Dollar?
Carson City in Nevada was one of four major mints in operation during the late 19th century, and it produced some of the most sought-after coins of the era. Unfortunately, there are no 1886 CC dollars in existence. The Carson City mint closed its doors in 1893. As a result, collectors must content themselves with examples from the other three mints – Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco.
What is the rarest Morgan silver dollar?
The 1893 S Morgan silver dollar is the rarest Morgan silver dollar. Only 10 000 were produced, and it is hard to find one in uncirculated condition. The rarity of the 1893 S Morgan silver dollar makes it a valuable coin for collectors. It was minted in San Francisco and has the “S” mint mark on the obverse side.
What happens if the Morgan silver dollar doesn’t have a mint mark?
If you come across a Morgan silver dollar without a mint mark, it means that it was produced at the Philadelphia mint. This is because the Philadelphia mint was the only one in operation when the Morgan silver dollars were first minted. The lack of a mint mark doesn’t affect the value of the coin, but it can be a useful bit of information for collectors. In general, coins from the Philadelphia mint are less valuable than those from other mints, but there are always exceptions.