Morgan Silver Dollar Overview

USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar is Worth $35 in Average Condition and can be Worth $61 to $389 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Proof Coins can be Worth $3,068 or more. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins. The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Although the 1884-S Morgan dollar had a relatively healthy mintage of 3.2 million coins, it seems that most of those were released directly into circulation. This is evidenced by the extreme rarity of this issue in the mint state grades. In choice, NGC has only graded a total of 12 examples for this issue, and a mere two in gem!

Sporting an elegant and instantly recognizable design, the Morgan silver dollar is likely the most popular U.S. silver dollar among collectors.

The Morgan silver dollar was first minted in 1878, five years after the Coinage Act of 1873 discontinued the use of silver in coinage and ended the practice of “free silver” minting.

Facilitated by the Bland-Allison Act, which required the Treasury to purchase between two and four million dollars’ worth of silver per month for use in minting, the Morgan silver dollar represents the return of silver coinage in United States currency.

Morgan silver dollars were minted until 1904, when a silver shortage halted production. 1921 was the final year of production for the coin and the first year of production for its successor, the Peace Dollar.

Engraver George T. Morgan was responsible for the design of both faces. At the center of the obverse is a profile bust portrait of Liberty surrounded by a ring of stars. In the upper portion of the ring is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and at the bottom is the year of mintage.

The reverse features an eagle with outspread wings perched on an olive branch and a bundle of arrows and surrounded by a wreath. Above the eagle’s head is the motto “In God We Trust.” Along the upper rim is the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR” is below the wreath.

History of the 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar

1884 was an early mintage for the Morgan silver dollar, only the seventh in the series, and it was not a particularly prolific year for production.

Silver dollars minted in Philadelphia in 1884 (no mint mark present) number 14,070,875. This location reports the highest number of silver dollars struck for the year.

The second highest amount of coins struck came from the New Orleans Mint (signified by an “O” beneath the base of the wreath on the reverse), which reports producing 9,730,000 coins. New Orleans is a less common mint mark than most due to a relatively short span of operation, so some consider coins produced here as more desirable.

Next is San Francisco (signified by an “S”), where 3,200,000 silver dollars were struck. High Uncirculated grades from this mint survive in very low numbers.

Finally, 1,136,000 silver dollars were minted in Carson City (signified by a “CC”). Even more than New Orleans, this mint mark is coveted by many collectors because of its rarity.

In terms of composition, this issue is standard for the series: 90% silver, 10% copper, with a diameter of 38.1mm and a mass of 26.73g.

Rediscovery of Carson City Mintages

Although Carson City mint marks are in general a rarity, in the case of Morgan silver dollars, they are much more common than they used to be.

Up until 1964, people looking to redeem their old Silver Certificate dollars would receive Morgan silver dollars, most commonly those minted in Carson City. By 1964, this practice had dwindled the supply of CC silver dollars to just under 3 million.

At this point, the Treasury department decided that Silver Certificates would only be recompensed with silver bullion, and starting in 1970, the remaining 2.9 million Morgan silver dollars were released and sold to the public.

The silver dollars sold in this series of sales, which include mintages from 1878 through 1893, are often referred to as the GSA Carson City Hoard.

Included in the Hoard were 962,000 1884-CC Morgan silver dollars, 84% of the entire original mintage! The CC issues of this year are still somewhat scarce, and their value reflects this, but thanks to the GSA sales of the 70s and early 80s, these coins are now much easier to find.

Valuing the 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar

Since Morgan silver dollars contain a high percentage of silver, their minimum value is typically their melt value, or how much they are worth to a precious metals dealer. Based on the current price of silver, the melt value of the 1884 silver dollar is $12.64.

However, even in lower grades, this coin is worth more for its numismatic value (its value to collectors) than for its metal value. The numismatic value varies quite a bit depending on the mint mark present on the coin.

1884 silver dollars minted in Philadelphia are the most common. Good-4 to Fine-12 grades are worth between $20 and $30. This is the average range of condition and value for these coins.

This increases to $36 in Very Fine-20, $39 in Extremely Fine-40, $41 in About Uncirculated-50, and $50 in Uncirculated (MS-60). Uncirculated (MS-65) coins are valued at $361, and proofs may be worth as much as $2,904.

Coins minted in New Orleans are valued similarly to Philadelphia issues, although high-grade Uncirculated (MS-65) specimens are worth a bit less: $180.

San Francisco issues are worth only a few dollars more in lower grades, but their value increases dramatically in the higher grades. Extremely Fine-40 examples are worth $61. About Uncirculated-50 examples may bring $298.

1884 Carson City Silver Dollar

Uncirculated San Francisco coins are extremely rare. Uncirculated-60 grades are worth $7,272, and Uncirculated-65 grade coins are valued at a staggering $237,542! Only two such specimens have been graded by the NGC, and one sold in a 2009 auction for almost $150,000!

Carson City issues do not exhibit the dramatically high values of the San Francisco coins, but they are the most valuable mintage in low and mid grades. Good-4 grades alone are worth $83.

The value increases to $102 in Very Good-8, $123 in Fine-12, $145 in Very Fine-20, $154 in Extremely Fine-40, and $161 in About Uncirculated-50. Uncirculated (MS-60) examples are worth $213, and Uncirculated (MS-65) examples are valued at $528.

Buyer's Premium

Terms & Conditions

Terms & ConditionsPAYMENT
21% Buyer's premium on all credit card purchases, 18 % if paid by cash or check. 5% Fee for online winning bids. Buyer's premium is considered part of the total purchase price. Cash, certified check or personal check if known by the auction company, MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover accepted with proper identification. First time customers and invoices greater than $5,000 require payment by certified check, bank check or wire transfer only. Berner's reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal check until the check has cleared the bank. If you have not responded to your e-mail invoice within 4 days we reserve the right to charge the card on file that was used during registration.
ABSENTEE/TELEPHONE BIDDING/ONLINE BIDDING
As a convenience to customers, absentee bids and phone bids are executed by Berner's Auction Gallery personnel in a fair, competitive and confidential manner. Phone bid arrangements must be made 24 hours prior to start of the auction. Berner's Auction Gallery is not responsible for failure to execute absentee or phone bids. A valid credit card must be submitted to register for any absentee/phone bid. Berner's reserves the right to verify the said card has at least the amount of the bid available in credit/and or charge $1.00 verification fee for new bidders. We do not require the purchase be made with the credit card. At most auctions live online bidding is available. There is an additional 5% fee for online bidders. It is the buyer's responsibility to contact Berner's Auction Gallery to arrange payment. Successful bidders are expected to pay for their purchases immediately. Berner's Auction Gallery will email an invoice to you within 24 hours from the date of the sale. If you have not contacted Berner's Auction Gallery to arrange payment within 48 hours after receipt of invoice, we reserve the right to charge the credit card associated with your auction registration for the amount of your invoice plus shipping.
WARRANTIES/REPRESENTATIONS
All items are sold 'AS IS, WHERE IS' with all faults. Neither Berner's Auction Gallery nor the consignor make any warranties or representations of any kind or nature with respect to merchantability, fitness, property, value nor of any other kind, express or implied. All items are available for your examination before the sale. Written and oral descriptions are our opinions and should in no way be construed as a guarantee of any kind as to authenticity, age, condition, materials or any other feature of items being sold. Berner's Auction Gallery attempts to catalog every lot correctly and will attempt to point out any defects but will not be responsible or liable for the correctness of the catalog or other descriptions of the lot including genuineness, attribution, provenance, authenticity, authorship, completeness, condition of property or estimate of value. All measurements are approximate. Antiques, by the very nature of their age, have wear that reflects their years of use. As a result, honest wear earned from use is to be expected and is sometimes the proof that an item is an antique. Normal wear will not be listed. Buyers who would like to know the fine points regarding condition should call. We recommend prospective bidders examine all items in which they have an interest. By placing a bid, either in person, by phone, absentee or via the Internet, you signify that you have examined the items as fully as you desire to or that you have chosen not to examine them. If you require absolute certainty in all areas of authenticity, and the results of your evaluation leave uncertainty in your mind, we recommend you have an expert examine the lot for you or do not bid on the item in question. We do not give refunds! All sales are final!
WITHDRAWAL OF LOTS
Berner's Auction Gallery reserves the right to withdraw any lot at any time before the auction without liability. Berner's Auction Gallery and any of its employees or consignors reserve the right to bid on any merchandise offered in course of auction with the permission of Berner's Auction Gallery.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS
The successful bidder is the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer. In the event of any dispute between bidders, or in the event of doubt on Berner's Auction Gallery's part as to the validity of any bid, the auctioneer will have the final discretion either to determine the successful bidder or to re-offer and resell the article in dispute. If any dispute arises after the sale, Berner's Auction Gallery sale record is conclusive.
RESERVES/MINIMUM BIDS
The Auctioneer has the right to reject any raise of bid not commensurate with the value of the item being offered. Berner's reserves the right to establish a stated minimum bid, the right to reject or accept any or all bids, or the right to withdraw items from the auction before completion of the auction. The seller of the property may not withdraw lots without confirmation from Berner's. If the seller requires a minimum bid, it must be stated in writing on this contract and approved by Berner's. Berner's reserves the right to keep the merchandise until after the completion of the sale and to charge the seller commission and/or compensation for unsold lots. No reserve will be higher than the stated low estimate.
STORAGE/PICK UP
All sales are final and all items must be paid for each day of sale and buyer must have paid receipt to pick up items. All items must be paid for before taken from premises. The purchaser assumes full responsibility for items at the fall of the hammer. All property should be removed from our premises no later than 4:00 P.M.. of the fifth business day following the end of the auction. Unless prior arrangements have been made with Berner's Auction Gallery, items not removed by the specified time will be charged storage and handling fees. Removal deadlines are strictly enforced.
SHIPPING
Berner's works closely with a local UPS store. It is the buyer's responsibility to pay all fees associated with shipping, insurance and handling.
LIABILITY
If we are prevented by fire, theft, or any other reason whatsoever from delivering any property to the purchaser, our liability shall be limited to the sum actually paid, by the purchaser for such property.
SALES TAX
All sales are subject to Ohio and Clark County sales tax of unless purchased for resale and proper tax exemption form has been completed, the purchaser must possess a valid tax-exempt number. Berner's Auction Gallery must have a blanket exemption certificate with permit number and signature on any tax exempt sale.
FIREARMS
Berner's Auction Gallery follows all Federal Firearms Regulations.
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS OF SALE
Bidding on any articles indicates acceptance of these terms.
If any applicable conditions herein are not complied with by the purchaser, Berner's Auction Gallery at its option may either (a) cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the purchaser or (b) resell the property at public auction without reserve or minimum selling price, and the purchaser will be liable for any deficiency and costs, including handling charges, expenses of both sales, the commission on both sales at regular rates, all other charges due hereunder and incidental damages.
These terms and conditions of sale, as well as the respective rights and obligations of Berner's Auction Gallery and any purchasers or bidder at any sale of Berner's Auction Gallery, shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
LICENSE
The auctioneer is licensed and regulated by The Ohio Department of Agriculture - Auction Division.
AUCTIONEERS:
Jacob A. Berner
James A. Berner
Licensed & bonded in the State of Ohio

Payment

After the auction in order to process the payment for your auction purchase, we will need the following information:
Credit card, expiration date, security number & billing address zip code.
If you prefer to pay by cash, check or money order, please e-mail us or we will charge your purchase to the credit card on file.

Contract Information

1884 Cc Morgan Silver Dollar

ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS OF SALE
Bidding on any articles indicates acceptance of these terms. If any applicable conditions herein are not complied with by the purchaser, Berner's Auction Gallery at its option may either (a) cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the purchaser or (b) resell the property at public auction without reserve or minimum selling price, and the purchaser will be liable for any deficiency and costs, including handling charges, expenses of both sales, the commission on both sales at regular rates, all other charges due hereunder and incidental damages.

Payment Information

PAYMENT - It is the buyer's responsibility to contact Berner's Auction Gallery via telephone 937-325-9925 or email at info@berners.com to arrange payment. Berner's Auction Gallery will email an invoice to you within 24 hours from the date of the sale. We accept cashiers check, traveler's check, money orders, wire transfers, Visa, MasterCard, or American Express with proper ID. If you have not contacted Berner's Auction Gallery to arrange payment within 48 hours of time that invoice is sent, we will charge the credit card you used to register for the auction for the amount of your invoice. We reserve the right to require bank checks or certified checks for large purchases.

Shipping Information

SHIPPING
Berner's Auction Gallery does not handle any shipping in house.
We work closely with UPS Store #3844. They will give quotes, pick up merchandise at our gallery, and handle issues associated with shipping directly with the buyer. Of course you can choose any shipper of your choice. A list of shippers we have previously worked with is available on our website at: http://berners.com/buying/ship.htm
Preferred Shipper: Local UPS Store #3844, e-mail: store3844@theupsstore.com

1884 Morgan Silver Dollar Mint Mark

Buyer's Premium

1884 Morgan Silver Dollar Proof

21% Buyer's premium on all credit card purchases, 18 % if paid by cash or check. 5% Fee for online winning bids.

1884 Morgan Silver Dollar For Sale

Taxes on your purchase

SALES TAX
All sales are subject to Ohio and Clark County sales tax of unless purchased for resale and proper tax exemption form has been completed, the purchaser must possess a valid tax-exempt number. Berner's Auction Gallery must have a blanket exemption certificate with permit number and signature on any tax exempt sale.

1884 Morgan Silver Dollar Value

Condition Information

All property is sold 'AS IS, WHERE IS' and neither Berner's Auction Gallery nor the consignor makes any warranties or representations of any kind or nature with respect to property or its value, and in no event shall be responsible for the correctness of description, genuineness, attribution, provenance, authenticity, authorship, completeness, condition of property or estimate of value. No statement (oral or written) in this catalog, at the sale, or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty or representation, or any assumption of responsibility. All measurements are approximate. Antiques, by the very nature of their age, have wear that reflects their years of use. As a result, honest wear earned from use is to be expected and is sometimes the proof that an item is an antique. Normal wear will not be listed. Buyers who would like to know the fine points regarding condition should call.