The value of an 1888 Morgan silver dollar depends on several factors, including the condition of the coin and the mint mark. Circulated coins are typically worth between $15.15 and $195, while uncirculated coins can be worth significantly more, from $59 up to $2,250. The value of a proof coin is also dependent on condition, with a coin in PR 63 grade being worth $3,218.
A stack of silver dollars is a thing of beauty. The coins shine brightly, and the different dates and mint marks add interest. Collecting silver dollars can also be a rewarding hobby, as you can learn about the history of the coins and the people who used them.
As a collector, you’re always on the lookout for old coins to add to your collection. And when you come across one that’s from 1888, you may be wondering just how much it’s worth. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 1888 Morgan silver dollar value and give you some background information on the coin. So read on to learn more!
A Brief History of Morgan Silver Dollars
In the late 1800s, the United States was in the midst of an economic crisis. In an effort to stabilize the economy, the government passed the Bland–Allison Act, which required the Treasury to purchase a certain amount of silver each month. The silver was then used to create silver dollars, which were then put into circulation.
The first silver dollars were minted in 1878 and were designed by George T. Morgan. The coins were incredibly popular and were even nicknamed “Morgan Dollars” after their designer. Over the next several years, the government continued to mint silver dollars, and the coins became a staple of American currency.
1888 was a big year for Morgan silver dollars. Over 31 million dollars were minted at three different mints: San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New Orleans.
Today, Morgan Silver Dollars are highly coveted by collectors and are worth a great deal of money. Thanks to their history and unique design, they remain one of the most popular coins in America.
Are 1888 Morgan Silver Dollars Rare?
Although the 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar was minted in large numbers, it is now considered to be a relatively rare coin. This is due in part to the fact that many of the coins were melted down over the years, resulting in a loss of supply.
Type |
Mintage |
1888 no mint mark |
19,183,000 |
1888 O |
12,150,000 |
1888 S |
657,000 |
1888 proof |
883 |
The Philadelphia mint produced 19,183,000 coins, while the New Orleans mint produced 12,150,000 coins. The San Francisco mint produced 657,000 coins. As a result of this production, many of the 1888 Morgan Silver Dollars have been well-worn from circulation. However, some examples have managed to survive in higher grades and are highly prized by collectors. Additionally, 883 proof coins were struck in 1888 with no mint mark.
1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Identification Guide
If you’re lucky enough to come across an 1888 Morgan silver dollar, you’ve got your hands on a real piece of history. These coins were minted during a time of great economic discord, and they remain popular with collectors to this day. But how can you tell if your coin is genuine? Here’s a quick guide to help you out.
On the obverse or front side of the coin, you should see a profile portrait of Liberty that was modeled after Anna Willess Williams. The words “E Pluribus Unum” and date (1888 in this case) should also be present on the obverse. On the reverse or back side of the coin, you’ll see an image of an eagle clasping arrows and an olive branch. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “ONE DOLLAR” should also be visible.
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 diameter of the coin is 38.1 mm.
Mint marks are small letters that indicate where a coin was minted. They can be found on the reverse side of a coin, usually below the main design. Mint marks are important because they can affect a coin’s value. Coins from certain mints are often more highly prized than others. This can be found on the coin’s reverse side, below the wreath. Coins minted in Philadelphia will have no mint mark, while those minted in San Francisco will have an “S” mint mark. Coins from New Orleans will have an “O” mint mark.
If your coin matches this description, then congratulations – you’ve got yourself a valuable piece of Americana!
How Much is a 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?
A Morgan silver dollar from 1888 is worth at least $15.15, the current value of its silver content. However, this doesn’t account for the coin’s numismatic value or collectability. In uncirculated condition, the coin is worth more than its silver weight – perhaps significantly more, depending on its grade and mint mark.
Quality |
1888 |
1888 O |
1888 S |
Very fine |
$36 |
$36 |
$146 |
Extra fine |
$38 |
$38 |
$162 |
About uncirculated |
$45 |
$57 |
$195 |
MS 61 |
$59 |
$76 |
$390 |
MS 63 |
$72 |
$88 |
$514 |
MS 65 |
$169 |
$344 |
$2,250 |
PR 63 |
$3,218 |
/ |
/ |
1888 Morgan silver dollar price chart
Three different mints – Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco – produced Morgan silver dollars, and each one has its own distinct value.
In circulated condition, 1888 Philadelphia and New Orleans dollars are worth $36 to $38, and 1888 San Francisco dollars are worth $146 to $162. In About Uncirculated grade, 1888 Philadelphia dollars are worth $45, 1888 New Orleans dollars are worth $57, and 1888 San Francisco dollars are worth $195.
Coins from the Philadelphia Mint are worth between $59 in MS 61 grade and $169 in MS 65 grade. Coins from the New Orleans Mint are worth between $76 in MS 61 grade and $344 in MS 65 grade. Coins from the San Francisco Mint are worth between $390 in MS 61 grade and $2,250 in MS 65 grade.
Proof coins are a special type of coin that is minted for collectors. They are usually made with a higher level of detail and a higher quality of materials than regular coins. As a result, they tend to be more valuable than regular coins. The 1888 Morgan silver dollar proof coin is currently worth $3,218 in PR 63 grade.
Auction Record for the 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly coveted coin among collectors. In April of 2016, one such coin was sold at auction for $30,550. This particular coin is a proof coin that has been graded PR 67 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation. The surfaces of the coin are impeccably preserved, making it a rare and valuable find.
In 2018, another proof Morgan silver dollar graded PR 67 by NGC sold for $28,800, making it the second most expensive 1888 Morgan silver dollar. The high price tag reflects the rarity and condition of the coin, as well as its historic importance.
Finding the Value of Your 1888 Morgan Dollars
If you’re lucky enough to have an 1888 Morgan silver dollar, you may be wondering how much it’s worth. After all, these coins are quite rare, and they have a lot of history behind them. While the value of any coin depends on a number of factors, including condition and demand, it’s helpful to compare your coin to similar ones that have been sold recently.
- A circulated 1888 O Morgan silver dollar recently sold for $27.55.
- Uncirculated no mint mark 1888 Morgan dollar sold for $59.
- Another silver dollar from the Philadelphia mint graded MS 65 by PCGS sold for $265.
- Uncirculated 1888 O Morgan dollar graded MS 65 by NGC sold for $291.
- Uncirculated 1888 S Morgan silver dollar graded MS 61 by NGC sold for $467.96.
So if you have a Morgan silver dollar from 1888, it’s definitely worth doing some research to find out what it might be worth. With a little luck, you could have a real treasure on your hands!
Factors Influencing the 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Value
Let’s take a look at some of the factors that influence the 1888 Morgan silver dollar value. By understanding these factors, you can get a better idea of how much your coin is worth and make plans to sell or auction it off if necessary.
Condition
When determining the value of a Morgan silver dollar, one of the most important factors is the condition. If a coin has been well-preserved and is in excellent condition, it will be worth more than a coin that has been heavily circulated and is showing signs of wear.
The Sheldon grading scale is the most commonly used system for evaluating a coin’s condition, and it assigns a numerical rating from 1 to 70, with 70 being perfect. Uncirculated coins will usually fall into the 60-70 range, while circulated coins will typically be lower on the scale.
Mint Mark
Some mint marks are worth more than others because fewer coins were produced with that mark. The most valuable mint mark is from the San Francisco Mint, followed by New Orleans and Philadelphia. In general, coins from the San Francisco Mint are worth more because they were produced in smaller quantities.
Silver Melt Value
The 1888 Morgan silver dollar value is largely influenced by the price of silver. At the moment, silver is trading at $19.56 per ounce, so the melt value of this coin is $15.13. This means that if you were to melt down the coin and sell the silver, you would get $15.13 for it.
Type of Strike
Proof coins are typically worth more than business strike coins because they are produced using a different manufacturing process. Proof coins are struck using specially prepared dies and blanks that are hand-fed into the press. This results in a coin with a mirror-like surface and sharply defined details. Business strike coins, on the other hand, are mass-produced using automated machinery. As a result, they tend to have less detail and a duller finish.
1888 Morgan Silver Dollar Rare Dramatic Varieties
If you’re a collector of Morgan Silver Dollars, then you know that there are many different varieties and errors to look out for. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular ones. So if you’re looking to add something extra special to your collection, be sure to keep an eye out for these!
1888 O Hot Lips
In 1888, the U.S. mint produced a silver dollar with a design error that has made it a coveted collector’s item. The so-called “Hot Lips” Morgan silver dollar features a doubled die obverse, with the lips and other design elements appearing twice as they should.
The most likely explanation is that the die was struck twice, with the second strike slightly off center. Regardless of how it happened, the 1888 O Hot Lips Morgan Silver Dollar is a very valuable coin. It is worth between $116 and $1,031 in circulated conditions, and $22,439 in an uncirculated MS 60 condition.
1888 O Scarface
What makes this particular coin so special is a die break error that gives the appearance of a scar over Lady Liberty’s face. A single coin can fetch up to $18,000 at auction. Given its rarity and historical significance, it’s no wonder that the 1888 O Scarface Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins among collectors.
5 Most Valuable 1888 Morgan Silver Dollars Ever Sold
5 Most Valuable 1888 Morgan Silver Dollars | ||||
No. | Type | Condition | Sold Date | Price |
1 | 1888 Morgan | PR67+ | Feb 23, 2021 | $90,000.00 |
2 | 1888-S Morgan | MS66+ | Sep 5, 2019 | $31,200.00 |
3 | 1888 Morgan Dollar | PR67 | Apr 28, 2016 | $30,550.00 |
4 | 1888-S $1 | MS67 | Apr 9, 2007 | $29,900.00 |
5 | 1888 Dollar | PR67 | Aug 16, 2018 | $28,800.00 |
1. 1888 Morgan, PR67+ Deep Cameo Sold on Feb 23, 2021 for: $90,000.00
2. 1888-S Morgan, MS66+ Sold on Sep 5, 2019 for: $31,200.00
3. 1888 Morgan Dollar, PR67 Sold on Apr 28, 2016 for: $30,550.00
4. 1888-S $1 MS67 Sold on Apr 9, 2007 for: $29,900.00
5. 1888 Dollar, PR67 Cameo Sold on Aug 16, 2018 for: $28,800.00
Final Thoughts
When it comes to silver dollars, the Morgans are some of the most popular coins around. Minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921, these silver dollars feature the profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. While most Morgans are worth only a few dollars above their silver value, some rare examples can be worth thousands of dollars. So, how much is a Morgan silver dollar from 1888 worth?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the mint mark and condition of the coin. For example, a circulated coin is generally only worth its silver value, which is currently about $15.15 per ounce. On the other hand, an uncirculated coin can be worth anywhere from $59 to $2,250. Proof coins are even more valuable, with some examples selling for over $3,000!
FAQ
Where is the mint mark on an 1888 silver dollar?
The mint mark on an 1888 silver dollar is located on the reverse side of the coin, below the wreath. This placement is relatively standard for U.S. coins minted during this time period. If you’re a coin collector, then you know that the mint mark is an important detail to look for when assessing a coin’s value. The mint mark tells you where the coin was minted, and can often affect a coin’s value.
Are Morgan silver dollars worth investing in?
Investing in Morgan silver dollars can be a wise choice for a number of reasons. First of all, they are relatively rare coins, which means that their value is likely to increase over time. Secondly, they are made of silver, which is a precious metal that has traditionally been seen as a good investment.
Of course, like any investment, there is no guarantee that the value of Morgan silver dollars will go up. However, if you do your research and invest wisely, they could be a valuable addition to your portfolio.
How can you tell if a Morgan silver dollar is real?
How can you tell if a Morgan silver dollar is real? One test is to see if the coin is attracted to a magnet. If it is, then it’s likely a fake, as silver is not magnetic. Also, take a look at the quality of the strike. If the coin appears to be poorly made, with blurry images or missing details, it’s probably not authentic.
What if a Morgan silver dollar has no mint mark?
If you come across a Morgan silver dollar with no mint mark, it means that it was made in Philadelphia. Coins with no mint mark are usually less valuable than coins with a mint mark because they were made in larger quantities. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case.
Will there be a 2022 Morgan silver dollar?
Unfortunately, plans for a 2022 Morgan silver dollar were canceled due to a limited supply of silver blanks. While there are no current plans to produce the coin, the Mint has not ruled out the possibility of striking another limited run of Morgans at some point in the future. So while we may not see a new Morgan silver dollar in 2022, there is still hope that this classic coin will one day grace our pockets once again.
Than Min Aung
Saturday 11th of February 2023
I have one of these coin 1888 silver . I want to sell that. please help me..