SILVER COIN FIELD GUIDE
Morgan Silver Dollar
Date and mintmark can outweigh the silver content. Separate the major regular-strike keys from the exceptional 1895 Philadelphia proof.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1878–1921
- Composition
- 90% silver
- Standard gross weight
- 26.73 g
- Fine silver per coin
- 0.7734 troy oz
- Face value
- $1.00
Write the whole issue into your comparison
An 1894 Philadelphia Morgan is not interchangeable with an 1894-O or 1894-S. Put the mintmark—or ‘no mintmark’—in your search, then compare coins with similar wear and surfaces.
Both Morgan and Peace dollars carry the 1921 date. They share a nominal silver-content baseline, but they are different series with different collector checkpoints. This guide covers the historical Morgan series, not modern tribute issues.
Where to look. Read the date on the front and the mintmark above DOLLAR on the reverse. Philadelphia has no mintmark. An 1894 or 1895 with O or S is a different issue from its Philadelphia counterpart.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
Semi-key. A scarcer issue worth separating from common dates; premiums depend on the exact coin.
Condition rarity. Scarce in a particular grade or strike designation, even if worn examples are available.
Proof issue. A distinct collector manufacturing method or proof variety, not a wear grade.
- Key date
1893-S
A major regular-strike key; authentication and surface review matter.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Key date
1889-CC
A Carson City key, especially in Mint State.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Key date
1894 · no mintmark
A major Philadelphia regular-strike key, not interchangeable with 1894-O or 1894-S. Removed mintmarks are a known risk.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Semi-key
1879-CC · 1893-CC · 1903-S
Selected scarcer regular issues. Compare the exact mint and grade; a CC or S mintmark by itself does not establish rarity.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Semi-key
1893-O · 1895-O · 1895-S
Other important branch-mint checkpoints. These are distinct from the 1895 Philadelphia proof, and their premiums vary substantially with condition.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Condition rarity
1884-S · 1892-S in Mint State
Much harder without wear than circulated examples of the same dates. Do not price a worn coin from a Mint State auction result.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Condition rarity
1901 · Philadelphia in Mint State
A major no-mintmark condition rarity. Lightly worn coins have sometimes been described as uncirculated; grade and authenticity need close review.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Proof issue
1895 Philadelphia proof
An exceptional proof rarity. Do not apply this identity to every 1895 Morgan; expert attribution is essential.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.7734 fine troy ounces of silver per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce silver quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- PCGS Morgan dollar checkpoints ↗
- 1901 · Philadelphia in Mint State — reference ↗
- 1895 Philadelphia proof — reference ↗
- NGC silver melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.