
Morgan Silver Dollar mint mark locations can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The Philadelphia mint, for example, is one of the most common mint marks, and it's often referred to as the "No Mint Mark" because it doesn't have a mint mark.
The Philadelphia mint was the main mint producing Morgan Silver Dollars from 1878 to 1904, and during this time, it produced over 100 million coins. The mint mark was left off to save space and reduce costs.
Carson City, Nevada, was another major mint producing Morgan Silver Dollars, and its mint mark is a "CC". The Carson City mint produced coins from 1870 to 1893, and its mint mark is one of the rarest and most valuable.
Understanding Morgan Mint Mark Locations
The mint mark on a Morgan dollar is a small letter or symbol that indicates where it was produced or minted. It's located on the reverse side of the coin, below the wreath near the bottom.
To find the mint mark, you'll want to flip your Morgan dollar to the reverse side, often referred to as the "tails" side. The mint mark is typically placed just beneath the wreath, which is cradled in the eagle's talons.
The mint mark can greatly impact the coin's investment potential, and its location is a key factor in determining the coin's collectability and value.
Take a look at this: Minting Coins Meaning
Locations Explained
Morgan dollars, minted from 1878-1921, have mint marks on the reverse side of the coin, below the wreath near the bottom. The mint mark indicates which US mint produced the coin – Philadelphia (no mint mark), Carson City (CC), New Orleans (O), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).
The mint mark is located just beneath the wreath, which is cradled in the eagle's talons on the reverse side of the coin. It's a tiny letter placed above the "DO" in "DOLLAR".
Morgan dollars were produced at 5 mints across 40 years, making it challenging but rewarding for collectors to complete a full set.
If this caught your attention, see: Coin Mints in Usa
Distinguishing Between
The S mint mark on Morgan dollars tends to be larger and more elongated than the D mint mark.
The D mint mark is often smaller on Morgan dollars, but markings can vary from coin to coin, so it's best to use a comparative image guide if you're unsure.
The CC Carson City mint mark and Micro O mint marks can be tricky to distinguish, but the Micro O will appear small and uniform in shape compared to the larger, uneven CC letters.
These differences in mint marks can affect the collectability and value of a Morgan dollar, so it's essential to know what to look for.
Philadelphia Mint Mark Location
The Philadelphia Mint Mark Location is quite straightforward. Philadelphia mint marks are actually absent, so you won't find any marks on Morgan dollars minted there.
This lack of a mint mark is a distinctive feature of Philadelphia-minted Morgan dollars. It's a helpful way to identify these coins in your collection.
If you're collecting Morgan dollars, be sure to note that the Philadelphia mint mark is the only one that doesn't have a mark at all.
Expand your knowledge: What Is a Minted Coin
Where is the on?
The Philadelphia Mint Mark Location is a crucial detail for collectors and numismatists.
For the Silver Dollar, you can typically find the mint mark on the reverse side, just above the denomination.
On the Morgan Silver Dollar, the mint mark is located below the wreath.
On the Peace Silver Dollar, it's positioned near the eagle's tail feathers.
Readers also liked: What Is Morgan Silver Dollar
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Mint was the main US mint at the time, and as a result, it didn't put mint marks on any of its Morgan dollars from 1878-1921.
Philadelphia is known for producing the highest number of Morgan Silver Dollars out of any mint each year, with a few exceptions.
These coins are easily identifiable because they have no mint mark on their reverse side.
You'll know your coin is from Philadelphia if it has no mint mark on its reverse.
Consider reading: 1970 Quarter No Mint Mark Value
Finding and Identifying Morgan Coins
To find the mint mark on a Morgan Silver Dollar, simply flip the coin over to its reverse side. Below the tail feathers of the bald eagle and the wreath surrounding it, you'll see a small letter.

This letter is called the "mint mark", and it helps collectors identify which mint released that particular coin. The mint mark is a very small letter.
Coins without a mint mark were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the oldest and largest facility in the U.S. Mint system. The Philadelphia Mint didn't use a mint mark for many years, including during the production of Morgan Silver Dollars.
The various mint marks found on Morgan Silver Dollars tell a story of American history, industrial growth, and geographical expansion.
Rare and Valuable Morgan Coins
The rare and valuable Morgan coins are a true delight for collectors. The Carson City (CC) mint is particularly prized, with a short lifespan that has made its coins extremely scarce.
The 1893-CC Morgan, with a mintage of just under 700,000, is a standout example, soaring to a whopping $161,000 value in MS66 condition. This is a testament to the allure of these coins among collectors.
Recommended read: Are Coins without Mint Marks Valuable
Carson City coins are generally the most prized by collectors, thanks to the Nevada mint's short lifespan. The CC mint was conveniently located near an active silver mine, which contributed to its rarity.
The rarest Morgan Silver Dollar mint marks come from the Carson City Mint, with some exceptions. A few other rare mint marks include the 1894 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and the 1893 San Francisco (S).
Here's a comparison of some of the rarest, low-mintage Morgan silver dollars by coveted mint marks and their approximate values in lightly circulated condition:
These coins are a true treasure for collectors, and their value is a testament to their rarity and historical significance.
Collecting Morgan Coins
Collecting Morgan Coins is a fun and rewarding hobby, but it can be overwhelming with so many different mint marks and dates to keep track of.
The Morgan Silver Dollar Design has been a staple of American numismatics since its introduction in 1878, with the first coins featuring the famous Lady Liberty design on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.

If you're just starting out, it's a good idea to focus on the most common mint marks, such as the Philadelphia (P) mint mark, which was used from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921.
The Morgan Silver Dollar Key Dates are also a great place to start, with coins like the 1889 and 1893 being particularly rare and valuable.
Here's a list of the most common Morgan Silver Dollar mint marks and their corresponding dates:
Morgan Coin Value and Rarity
The value of a Morgan Silver Dollar can vary significantly based on its rarity and condition. A typical circulated Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint can range from $20 to $50.
The rarity of a coin is a key factor in determining its value. Coins from the Carson City (CC) and New Orleans (O) mints, which had lower production numbers, are generally more valuable due to their rarity.
The 1895 issue, also known as the "King of the Morgan Dollars", is a prime example of a valuable Philadelphia-minted Morgan Silver Dollar. It's renowned because no circulation strikes are known to exist, only proofs with a mintage of 880.
Rarest
The rarest Morgan silver dollar mint marks are highly prized by collectors. These coins are scarce because of the short lifespan of the Carson City Mint.
The Carson City Mint had a tiny output, making its coins extremely rare. For example, the 1893-CC Morgan has a mintage of under 700,000 and can sell for up to $161,000 in MS66 condition.
Other rare mint marks include the 1894 Philadelphia (no mint mark), 1893 San Francisco (S), and 1899 Philadelphia (no mint mark). These coins are also highly sought after by collectors.
Here's a comparison of the rarest mint marks from each mint:
These numbers give you an idea of just how rare some of these coins are.
Do Increase Value?
The value of a Morgan Silver Dollar can be influenced by the presence or absence of a mint mark. A coin from the Philadelphia Mint without a mint mark can still be valuable, like the 1895 issue that sold for $575,000 in 2021.
Morgan Silver Dollars from the Philadelphia Mint are generally less rare than those from other mints, which can affect their value. Coins from the Carson City (CC) and New Orleans (O) mints often carry a higher value due to their lower production numbers.
The value of a Morgan Silver Dollar can vary significantly depending on its condition, year, and rarity. A typical circulated Morgan Silver Dollar from the Philadelphia Mint can range from $20 to $50.
A prime example of a valuable Philadelphia-minted Morgan Silver Dollar is the 1895 issue, also known as the "King of the Morgan Dollars." This coin is renowned because no circulation strikes are known to exist, only proofs with a mintage of 880.
Worth a look: Mints Gluten Free
Sources
- https://www.govmint.com/coin-authority/post/where-is-the-mint-mark-on-a-silver-dollar
- https://www.chroniclecollectibles.com/where-is-the-mint-mark-on-a-morgan-dollar/
- https://www.herobullion.com/morgan-silver-dollar-mint-marks/
- https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/morgan-silver-dollars-checklist
- https://www.usgoldbureau.com/news/post/how-mint-marks-value-morgan-silver-dollar
Featured Images: pexels.com