1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Value: How Much Is It Worth?

1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Reverse

The 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar is a significant issue in the series, with notable varieties from different mints.

Let's explore the values, mintages, and varieties of this year's production.

Varieties and Mintages

  1. Philadelphia Mint (No mintmark): 14,807,100 minted
  2. New Orleans Mint (O): 2,887,000 minted
  3. San Francisco Mint (S): 9,110,000 minted
  4. Carson City Mint (CC): 756,000 minted

How Much Are They Worth?

Condition Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) San Francisco (S) New Orleans (O) Carson City (CC)
EF-40 $50 $190 $55 $1450
AU-50 $55 $265 $60 $2450
MS-63 $75 $875 $125 $5750

Carson City (CC) Varieties

The 1879-CC is highly sought after due to its low mintage. Two major varieties exist:

  1. Normal CC: The standard issue with a clear, well-defined CC mintmark.
  2. Capped Die (CC/CC): Also known as the "Capped CC" or "Filled CC". This variety shows a larger CC mintmark punched over a smaller, partially effaced CC.

Value ranges for 1879-CC:

  • Circulated: $200 to $2,500
  • Uncirculated: $5,000 to $125,000
  • Capped Die variety: Generally commands a 10-20% premium

San Francisco (S) Varieties

The 1879-S has two significant reverse varieties:

  1. Reverse of 1878: Features a flatter eagle breast and parallel arrow feathers.
  2. Reverse of 1879: Shows a more rounded eagle breast and slanted arrow feathers.

Value ranges for 1879-S:

  • Reverse of 1879 (Common): $40 to $500 in most grades
  • Reverse of 1878 (Scarce): $100 to $10,000, depending on condition

Die Varieties

Several notable die varieties exist for 1879 Morgan dollars:

  1. 1879-CC VAM-3 (Capped Die): The most famous CC variety.
  2. 1879-S VAM-9 (Reverse of 1878 / Reverse of 1879): A transitional die variety.
  3. 1879-O VAM-4 (Doubled Die Obverse): Shows doubling on Liberty's ear and cotton bolls.

Factors Affecting Value

  1. Mint mark: CC issues are the most valuable, followed by O, then S and Philadelphia.
  2. Condition: Well-preserved coins command significant premiums.
  3. Variety: Scarce varieties like the CC Capped Die and S Reverse of 1878 are more valuable.
  4. Demand: Strong collector interest keeps prices high for key dates and varieties.
1879 Morgan Dollar

Grading Considerations

When grading 1879 Morgan dollars, pay attention to:

  • Strike quality: CC issues often have weaker strikes.
  • Luster: S-mint coins typically have the best luster.
  • Contact marks: Common on Carson City issues due to rough handling.

Tips for Collectors

  1. Authentication is crucial, especially for CC issues.
  2. Study die varieties to identify potentially valuable coins.
  3. Consider both condition and rarity when assessing value.

Conclusion

The 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar offers a range of collecting opportunities, from common issues to rare varieties.

The Carson City and certain San Francisco varieties are particularly valuable, with condition playing a significant role in determining price.

As always, market demand can influence values, making the 1879 Morgan dollar an interesting and potentially rewarding coin for collectors and investors alike.

Learn more about coin collecting at Lost Treasure HQ.


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