
The 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors. It was minted in Philadelphia, with a total production of 9,163,000 coins.
The value of an 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar can range from a few dollars to over $100, depending on its condition and rarity. The coin's condition is a major factor in determining its value.
In mint condition, an 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar can be worth around $50. However, if it's in poor condition, its value can drop to just a few dollars.
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Value of Morgan Silver Dollar 1881
The 1881 Morgan silver dollar was struck in large quantities at the Philadelphia mint, making circulated specimens very common today. Circulated 1881 Morgans are basically just worth their silver value.
Finding a lustrous, sharply struck coin with superior eye appeal is a challenge, especially for high grades. Lustrous, sharply struck coins with superior eye appeal are hard to find.
For collectors, eye appeal matters a lot for high grades. MS-65 and 66 pieces are not uncommon, but be sure to cherrypick for strike and surface quality.
The obverse text on the Morgan Dollar reads “Liberty; E Pluribus Unum; 1881.” The reverse text on the Liberty dollar reads “United States of America; In God We Trust; One Dollar.”
In the past, rolls of 20 Uncirculated coins were available for $25, equivalent to $1.25 per coin. Today, you can easily find a Mint State 1881 Morgan dollar, regardless of the grade you prefer.
Proofs of the 1881 Morgan dollar are common, but be selective when choosing one. Selecting a coin with few hairlines and good all-around eye appeal is essential.
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Pricing and Condition
The condition of your 1881 Morgan silver dollar plays a huge role in determining its value. A coin in Uncirculated condition, with no signs of wear, can be worth significantly more than one in Good condition, where the design is heavily worn.
The condition of your 1881 Morgan silver dollar will affect its value, with prices ranging from $39 for a Fine coin to $42 for an Uncirculated one, according to the Red Book. The type of coin you own also matters, with some mint marks like CC being worth more than others.
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Here's a breakdown of the prices for different conditions and types of 1881 Morgan silver dollars:
Keep in mind that rare coins can be worth significantly more, with some 1881 Morgan silver dollars selling for over $200 due to their condition and rarity.
Core Condition Judging Key
To determine the value of your 1881 Morgan silver dollar, you need to understand the core condition judging key.
The first step is to examine your coin's condition, which is divided into four main categories: Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, Fine, and Good.
An Uncirculated coin has never been used in commerce and retains its original mint luster, with no signs of wear.
In Extremely Fine condition, your coin will show slight wear on the highest points of the design, but still retain a pleasing sharpness.
Moderate wear that reduces the distinct features of Liberty lowers the grade to Fine condition, where the leaves surrounding the cotton blossoms are only outlines.
Heavy wear that removes most detail leaves only a few elements, designating your coin as Good condition.
Additional reading: Uncirculated Coin
Rising Above $100

A 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar can be worth more than $100 if it's in good condition and has a high collector value. This is due to its rarity and demand.
To be worth above $100, your 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar must be in collector quality, with a condition that's hard to find. A coin with light wear and a nice original antique look can command a high value.
You can expect to find coins worth above $100 in Extremely Fine or Uncirculated condition, as these are the grades that collectors look for.
Here's a rough guide to the condition grades that can make your 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar worth above $100:
Note that these values are based on the chart in Example 2, and the actual value of your coin may be higher or lower depending on its condition and other factors.
Are Silver?
The 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar is made of 90% silver, which is a significant factor in its value. This means that if you have one of these coins, it's worth something in terms of its silver content alone.

The coin contains 0.7735 troy oz of pure silver, which is equivalent to 24.05 grams. This is a substantial amount of silver, and it's one of the reasons why these coins are so valuable.
To give you a better idea of the silver content of the 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar, here's a quick breakdown of the coin's composition:
So, if you have an 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar, it's definitely worth something in terms of its silver content.
Understanding the Value
The 1881 Morgan Silver Dollar is a widely available coin, but its value can vary greatly depending on its condition and appeal. Circulated specimens are common, but finding a coin with superior eye appeal is a challenge.
Circulated coins with VF and EF grades often sell for just a tad over bullion value, which means they're worth basically just the value of the silver they contain. However, a well-struck and lustrous coin can be a rare gem.
For high-grade coins, especially Mint State 1881 Morgans, eye appeal matters a lot. You can easily find MS-65 and 66 pieces, but selecting a coin with a sharp strike and good surface quality can be a task.
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What Determines a Dollar's Value?
The value of a dollar can be determined by several factors. The rarity of a coin can greatly impact its value, as seen with the 1881-S Morgan dollar, which can sell for a staggering $45,825 in high grade and with spectacular toning.
Circulated coins, on the other hand, are often worth only their silver content. The 1881 Morgan dollar, for instance, is considered to be worth only a tad over bullion value in circulated grades.
The condition of a coin is also crucial in determining its value. A coin in poor condition may still be worth more to a collector than its intrinsic value, as seen with the 1893 CC Morgan Silver Dollar, which is worth $299.73 more than its silver content.
Eye appeal matters a lot for high-grade coins, and finding a coin with good strike and surface quality can be a challenge. The 1881 Morgan dollar, for example, is hard to find in lustrous, sharply struck coins with superior eye appeal.
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The mint mark and the quality of the coin can also impact its value. The 1881-S Morgan dollar, for instance, is the quintessential type dollar and is widely available in high grades, but a magnificently toned example can bring a much higher price.
The text on the coin can also be a factor in determining its value. The Morgan dollar's obverse text reads "Liberty; E Pluribus Unum; 1881" and the reverse text reads "United States of America; In God We Trust; One Dollar".
History, Information
The 1881 Morgan Dollar has a rich history that's worth exploring. This particular coin was minted in Carson City, Nevada, and is one of the rarest Morgan Dollars.
The Carson City Mint, where the 1881-CC Morgan Dollar was produced, had a limited production run, which contributes to its scarcity. This mint was known for producing coins with unique characteristics.
The 1881 Morgan Dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper, giving it a distinctive look and feel. This composition also affects its value.
The coin's mintage was relatively small, with only 1,000 coins produced. This limited supply is a major factor in its value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which year Morgan silver dollars are most valuable?
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is the rarest and most valuable, with prices reaching over $1,000,000 for the finest examples. If you're looking to collect or invest, be aware that fakes are common and authenticity is crucial.
What makes a 1881 silver dollar rare today?
A well-preserved 1881 silver Morgan dollar is considered rare due to its age and limited availability. Error coins from the production process are also highly sought after by collectors.
Sources
- https://coinappraiser.com/coins/value-of-1881-silver-morgan-dollar/
- https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/what-makes-an-1881-s-morgan-dollar-worth--45-825-.html
- https://www.coinstudy.com/1881-morgan-silver-dollar-value.html
- https://cointrackers.com/coins/14464/1881-cc-morgan-silver-dollar/
- https://www.jmbullion.com/coin-info/us-silver-dollars/morgan-dollars/1881-morgan-dollar/
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