1881 Silver Dollar Value
The following post is pulled from Coin World editor Steve Roach’s Market Analysis column in the Oct. 27 issue.
Value of 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar. The 1881 Morgan silver dollar was struck in large quantities at the Philadelphia mint. Quite a few bags were released in the 1950s and 1960s; indeed, so many that in 1955 one dealer offered rolls of 20 Uncirculated coins for $25, equivalent to $1.25 per coin. 1881-O MORGAN SILVER DOLLAR GEM+ UNCIRCULATED+ EXCELLENT COLOR!! 1881 O Morgan 90% Silver Dollar Ungraded You Decide the Value Nice Coin. Calculate 90% silver value: (26.96 ×. × 26.73 ×.90) = $323 $20.8522 is the rounded silver value for the 1878-1921 silver Morgan dollar on February 05, 2021. This is usually the value used by coin dealers when selling these coins at melt value. However, the total melt value is continued below. Calculate 10% copper. About 1881 Morgan Dollars The 1881 Morgan dollar is an extremely common coin in all grades through MS65, though it becomes more challenging in MS66 and rare in MS67 or higher. Expectedly, PLs and DMPLs are much scarcer and are extremely rare in MS65 or better grades.
Few coin series have as broad collector interest as Morgan silver dollars. Like fans of any long-running series with many date and Mint mark combinations, collectors often specialize while others just want a single example for type purposes. One area that experiences huge demand and often crazy auction results can be found in toned Morgan dollars. Especially on high-grade Mint State coins, some Morgan dollars have spectacular rainbow toning and when these coins are offered at auction, it’s anyone’s guess as to what they’ll bring. Here are three from Bob Simpson’s Sunnywood Collection that soared at Legend’s Oct. 2 Regency auction in Las Vegas, Nev:
1921 Silver Dollar Value
1881-S Morgan dollar, MS-68+, CAC, $45,825
The 1881-S Morgan dollar is the quintessential type dollar as it’s widely available in high grades up to and including Mint State 67. In MS-68 it’s scarce, and while a handsome untoned example in this grade might cost $5,000, or so, at auction, when the example is magnificently toned, all bets are off.
On Oct. 2, one graded by Professional Coin Grading Service MS-68+ with a green Certified Acceptance Corp. sticker indicating quality within the grade brought $45,825; the presale estimate of $25,000 to $27,500 proved irrelevant. The magnificent dollar was described as follows: “Considered by some enthusiasts to be the ultimate finest toned Morgan known to the collecting community, this paradigm of perfection features rich vibrant banded rainbow toning over essentially flawless and highly lustrous surfaces.” If that wasn’t enough, it was the star of an ANACS marketing campaign as it was once housed in an ANACS MS-68 holder, and is used by PCGS in its marketing, too.
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The 1881 Morgan silver dollars have value as both numismatic coins and as silver bullion. Keep reading to learn more about these coins.
Specifications
Type: Morgan Silver Dollar
Year: 1881
Face Value: $1.00
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Silver Weight: .77344 oz.
Total Weight: 26.73 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $21.07
The US minted the 1881 silver dollar with no mint mark and also the 1881 CC silver dollar, 1881 O silver dollar, and 1881 S silver dollar. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the reverse side of the coin below the wreath.
| Series | Location | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| 1881 | Philadelphia | 9,163,000 |
| 1881 CC | Carson City | 296,000 |
| 1881 O | New Orleans | 5,708,000 |
| 1881 S | San Francisco | 12,760,000 |
Value
This coin in circulated condition is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $21.07 as of February 09, 2021. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $27.24 per ounce.
The 1881 silver dollar with no mint mark is worth around $30 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $37. In uncirculated condition the price is around $53 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $450.
The 1881 CC silver dollar is worth around $400 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $425. In uncirculated condition the price is around $475 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $750.
The 1881 O silver dollar is worth around $40 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $42. In uncirculated condition the price is around $50 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $875.
The 1881 S silver dollar is worth around $30 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $33. In uncirculated condition the price is around $45 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $120.
Proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $3,000 in PR 63 condition. There were only 984 proof coins minted.
Click here to search for 1881 silver dollars on Amazon.
Grading System
Very fine- About two thirds of Liberty's hair lines from above her forehead her ear are visible.
1881 Silver Dollar Value Circulated
Extremely fine- Liberty's hair lines and ear look strong.
MS 60 Uncirculated condition- There are no signs of wear. The coin has luster, but there may be a few stains, abrasions, or surface marks.
MS 65 Uncirculated condition- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks are present but they are barely noticeable.
PR 63 proof- This coin has reflective surfaces and only a few blemishes away from the major focal points. There are no major flaws.
Sources:
See also:
1882 Silver Dollar
1880 Silver Dollar
1879 Silver Dollar