Cash registers throughout the United States were once stocked with genuine silver dollar coins, and a few of these vintage coins are still present in coin collections and change receptacles. The most uncommon silver dollars are worth significantly more than one dollar. Some items from decades ago can be sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The key is to identify silver dollars that are worth money.
If you conduct a thorough search of your grandfather’s concealed collection of antique coins, you may uncover a few of these gems among the scattered tobacco leaves, pocket lint, and takeout menus. However, the current dollar coin does not contain any actual silver. Now, your grandfather’s aspiration to acquire a lottery-sized prize from his coin collection may be realized if you are able to locate any of the most valuable silver dollars.
6 of the Most Valuable Silver Dollars
The nominal value of all dollar coins is at least one dollar. However, there are those who are worth significantly more. The following are the values of six of the most scarce silver dollars.
| Silver Dollar | Value |
|---|---|
| 1885 Trade proof silver dollar | $3,960,000 |
| 1893-S Morgan Silver dollar | $2,086,875 |
| 1870-S Liberty seated dollar | $1,092,500 |
| 1884-S Morgan silver dollar | $750,000 |
| 1892-S Morgan silver dollar | $630,000 |
| 1901-S Morgan silver dollar | $587,500 |
Rarest Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan silver dollars, which are named after their designer, George T. Morgan, are notorious for their auction prices that surpass all previous records. These historic silver dollars, which were produced at five distinct mints between 1878 and 1904 (and for a single year in 1921), are highly sought after by collectors.
Fast Fact
Inspiration for the Morgan dollar’s image remains somewhat obscure. The coin’s Goddess of Liberty design is believed by some to have been inspired by the classic Greek profile of Philadelphia teacher Anna Willess Williams. However, coin experts dispute this assertion and suggest that Morgan’s wife may have been the source of inspiration. In any case, it is an exquisite coin.
| Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars | Recent Sales Price |
| 1893-S | $2,086,875 |
| 1884-S | $750,000 |
| 1892-S | $630,000 |
| 1901-S | $587,500 |
One of the most collectible coins in existence, Morgan silver dollars have a nominal value of $1 and are 90% silver. Collectors of coins will go to great lengths to acquire a comprehensive collection, which is advantageous for those who possess one. The low hundreds are still the selling price for even the poorest-graded Morgan dollars. However, if you are truly interested in profiting from one of these rare coins, it is advisable to monitor the most sought-after examples.
1884-S
Although the 1884 Morgan silver dollar minted in San Francisco is not necessarily more valuable than the average Morgan dollar, a well-preserved example may be. A 1884-S Morgan silver dollar with a beautiful but clear patina, an excellent pedigree, and one of the highest grades available (PCGS MS68) was sold in 2020 for $750,000.
1892-S
It is not uncommon to discover substandard examples of these Morgan dollars at auction or in collections worldwide, as they were produced in 1892 in quantities of slightly more than one million. However, examples with an MS65 or higher grade are especially valuable. In reality, it is estimated that there are no more than 200 1892-S coins with an MS63 or higher grade. In 2020, Stack’s Bowers auctioned one of these rare MS68 1892-S coins, which sold for an impressive $630,000.
1893-S
Coin collectors were unaware of this Morgan silver dollar from 1893 until 2001. The Vermeule family had owned it for decades. This coin, which was ungraded at the time, was scheduled for auction on September 11, 2001. However, the tragedy of 9/11 delayed the sale and unavoidably affected its ultimate price. This was a fascinating development.
The Vermeule Dollar was graded and awarded an MS67 several years later, making it one of only two of these dollars to surpass an MS65 standard. In 2021, it was sold for a record-breaking $2,086,875.
1901-S
The 1901-S is the most difficult Morgan silver dollar to locate in genuine mint condition, as per the Professional Coin Grading Service. People were unaware of the mint coins’ rarity, which is why their initial sales do not accurately reflect their rarity. Some coin-collecting specialists suggest that there may be fewer than five examples in MS65 or higher condition, which would render them highly valuable. A little over half a million dollars ($587,500) was paid for the final one of these exceedingly rare coins that was auctioned in 2015.
Other Super Valuable Silver Dollars
While the Morgan silver dollar is considered the ultimate prize among dollar coin enthusiasts, it is possible to generate revenue from other silver dollars. The primary objective is to locate one of the most uncommon coins in pristine condition.
Liberty Seated Dollars
Liberty-seated dollars are an intriguing collection of U.S. coins that were produced in a variety of quantities and designs between the 1830s and 1870s era. The sole commonality among them is the identical image of a woman’s visage with her head drooping over her shoulder. In this collection of silver dollars, there are distinct and rare examples, with some in poor condition fetching a higher price than Morgan silver dollars that are similarly damaged.
Actually, one of the most costly was sold at a public auction in 2003 for $1,092,500. An 1870-S coin with a mint status, it is one of only 12 in existence. It is easy to understand why it would be worth so much money, as rarity can increase prices. Therefore, if you come across one of these marvels, it may still be quite valuable, despite the fact that it may not net you a cool million. Take it to a reputable coin appraiser to determine whether you can finally pay off those student loans.
1885 Proof Trade Silver Dollar
This coin from the U.S. Mint, the 1885 Trade Silver Dollar, is intriguing due to its classically inspired designs on both sides. Only five exceptionally high-quality proof examples are known to exist, while this coin is considered one of the rarest ever issued in the history of American currency. Unlike a significant number of collectibles, all five are present andaccounted for. Therefore, the potential price of any one of them at auction is a million dollars. Most recently, one of these was sold for $3,960,000 in a Heritage Auctions lot.
Valuable Susan B. Anthony Dollars Worth Finding
Although your parents are likely most familiar with the Susan B. Anthony “silver” dollars that were minted for three years, 1979-1981 (with a random single-year 1999 series tossed in), they are not actually made of silver. In contrast, they are predominantly composed of copper, and they are currently beginning to compensate for the value they lacked during their original production.
The value of these Susan B. Anthonys is not as high as that of the rarest silver dollars; however, they are considerably more plentiful than coins from one hundred years ago, which allows for a fast profit.
1979-P Wide Rim
This series, which is referred to as the “wide rim” Susan B. Anthony dollar, was produced in response to the U.S. Mint’s requests for a larger rim. The 1979-P batch’s initial run was relatively limited, and this design became the standard after the batch was produced. Today, it is estimated that only approximately 25,000 examples remain. Circulated coins are not worth much (approximately $5-$10) due to the fact that they have been subjected to wear and tear over the years. However, uncirculated coins can be sold for as much as $6,500.
1979-S Type I and Type II
The 1979-S model Susan B. Anthony is available in two distinct designs: Type I and Type II. The Type II is more uncommon and displays a distinct ‘S’ mintmark with ends that appear to merge, resulting in an almost figure 8 shape on the coin. These are considerably less prevalent than Type Is; consequently, they can be priced at auction for $25 or more in low grades and in the mid-100s for higher grades. Similar to Type Is, they will be sold for approximately $100 to $400 in the finest condition (i.e., the highest grades).
On occasion, however, an error may be encountered at an auction. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information regarding this specific 1979 Susan B. Anthony coin, with the exception of its NGC Genuine rating. A record-breaking $15,000 was paid for it on eBay in 2021.
1980-S Proof Repunched Mintmark Dollar
It is enjoyable to accumulate repunched mintmark coins, as the errors are typically visible to the naked eye. The mintmarks of repunched coins are typically double-punched, resulting in either an intensifying effect or a shadow of the area where the mold was punched over an existing mark. These mintmarks are the capital D, P, S, and other symbols that are commonly found on coins. These are significantly more valuable than their regular fancy Proof counterparts, as numerous 1980-S Proof Susan B. Anthony coins were repunched.
Regular 1980-S Proofs are currently priced between $25 and $80, as per PCGS. While there are no recent transactions of these repunched dollar coins, they are likely to fetch at least $100, if not more, at an auction in a quality grade.
What to Look For When Selling Silver Dollars
You likely lack a significant amount of experience in examining coins and discerning the concealed value if you are a novice in the coin-collecting game. As coin collecting is one of the oldest forms of collecting in the industry, there is a wealth of information available to assist you in establishing a collection. Yet, if you are unwilling to wade through pages and pages of intricate terminology, you may wish to contemplate the following fundamental guidelines.
Pedigree/provenance is highly beneficial. Silver dollars that have a documented history of the hands through which they passed over the years (provenance) can have additional validity (particularly for non-circulated ones) and be worth more money.
Grading is strictly necessary. Coin collectors who are serious about their hobby prefer to acquire graded coins, and they are typically the wealthiest individuals. Most collectors prefer PCGS for the purpose of evaluating the condition of their coins; however, any certified numismatic evaluator will suffice.
Collectors consistently long for Morgan notes. Similar to precious metals, the value of coins fluctuates; however, Morgan dollars remain fashionable. Discovering one of these is comparable to selecting a successful scratch-off in the realm of coin collecting.
Not every dollar that is classified as “silver” is of significant value. Although a substantial number of silver dollars have been produced throughout American history, their age and silver composition do not render them valuable to all collectors. While they will always be worth their face value in silver, it is not a wise investment of time and money to have a coin graded, as it is unlikely to be worth much more than its face value.
All That Glitters Might Be Silver
As evidenced by these exceedingly valuable silver dollars, not all that glitters is gold. While coin collecting may not have the same level of coolness as it once did, the price tags alone may be enough to convince you to join the trend before it makes a significant comeback.
FAQs
1. What makes a silver dollar valuable?
Its rarity, condition, historical significance, and unique features like mint errors or limited mintage increase its value.
2. How can I tell if my silver dollar is rare?
Check the coin’s date, mint mark, and condition. Research its history or have it appraised by a professional.
3. Are all old silver dollars valuable?
Not all are valuable, but coins with limited production, historical relevance, or excellent preservation may be worth a lot.
4. Where can I sell a valuable silver dollar?
You can sell it at auctions, to coin dealers, or through trusted online platforms specializing in collectible coins.