Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most recognized coins in American history — a 90% silver dollar minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. Each coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, and most trade above their melt value due to collector demand, historical significance, and the scarcity of certain dates and mint marks. This page covers what the Morgan Dollar is, what drives its value, and what to know before you buy or sell.
Gold Silver Crypto buys and sells Morgan Silver Dollars. Call or text for a current quote on coins you want to buy or sell.
Images are for educational/reference use and may not represent current inventory.
Coin Specifications
| Metal | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Silver content | 0.7734 troy oz per coin |
| Weight | 26.73g |
| Diameter | 38.1mm |
| Mint | U.S. Mint (Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans, Denver) |
| Country | United States |
| Minted | 1878–1904, 1921 |
| Face value | $1 USD (legal tender) |
About the Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar was designed by U.S. Mint engraver George T. Morgan and first struck in 1878. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Liberty with a Phrygian cap, flanked by stars and inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The reverse features a bald eagle with outstretched wings, holding an olive branch and arrows, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR."
Morgan Dollars were struck at up to five mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), New Orleans (O), and Denver (D, 1921 only). The mint mark appears on the reverse below the eagle and is one of the key factors in determining a coin's value.
Unlike modern bullion coins, Morgan Dollars are 90% silver — not .999 fine. Each coin contains exactly 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver regardless of date or mint. Twenty Morgan Dollars together contain approximately 15.47 troy ounces of silver.
Our Take
Morgan Dollars are one of the most common coins we see come through — people inherit them, find them in collections, or buy them as part of a silver accumulation strategy. They are a legitimate way to hold silver, but they are not a pure bullion play. You are paying a premium above melt, and what you get back when you sell depends heavily on date, mint, and condition.
For buyers who want straightforward silver exposure, modern bullion coins like the American Silver Eagle are simpler. Morgan Dollars make more sense if you appreciate the history and design, or if you are building a collection with specific dates and grades in mind.
If you have Morgans to sell, do not assume they are all worth the same. Date and mint mark matter, and a few key dates can be worth far more than their silver content. Bring them in and we can take a look before you make any decisions.
Gold Silver Crypto buys and sells Morgan Silver Dollars. Call or text for a current quote on either side.