Silver Dollar Value Chart

Most common-date Morgan dollars in circulated (Good to Very Fine) condition are worth $20–$40, reflecting a small premium over their silver melt value. Key dates like the 1893-S, 1889-CC, and 1879-CC command significantly more. Mint state Morgan dollars in MS-63 and above are worth $50–$200+ for common dates, with key dates worth thousands. The most valuable Morgan dollar is the 1895, a proof-only issue worth $50,000+. For deeper coverage see our Morgan Silver Dollars guide.

Both are 90% silver dollar coins containing .7734 oz of pure silver, but they differ in design, era, and collector profile. Morgan dollars (1878–1921) feature a classic eagle and Liberty head design by George T. Morgan — bold, detailed, and widely considered among the most beautiful U.S. coin designs. Peace dollars (1921–1935) feature a more modern, art-deco Liberty design by Anthony de Francisci. Morgan dollars generally have more key dates and higher price ceilings; Peace dollars are often easier to complete as a full date set.

Standard copper-nickel Eisenhower dollars (1971–1978) in circulated condition are worth face value — $1. The 40% silver collector versions (sold in blue and brown government packaging) contain .3161 oz of silver and are worth $12–$20 in typical condition. High-grade uncirculated examples (MS-65+) of any Ike dollar can be worth $30–$150+ due to their large size and the difficulty of finding problem-free specimens. The 1972 Type 2 reverse is the most collected variety among specialists.

Genuine Morgan and Peace dollars weigh 26.73 grams — a digital scale is your first tool. The coin should produce a clear, ringing tone when tapped. Counterfeit coins often weigh less or have a dull thud. Check for sharp details, correct edge reeding (150 reeds on a Morgan), and proper diameter (38.1mm). For high-value key dates, professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is essential — never buy an uncertified key-date Morgan dollar at significant cost.

For common-date circulated Morgans and Peace dollars, precious metals dealers typically pay 90–100% of silver melt value. eBay often returns slightly above melt when sold to collectors. For key dates, certified examples consistently bring the strongest prices at major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers, or directly through eBay with PCGS/NGC attribution. Avoid pawn shops, which rarely pay numismatic value. Get multiple offers before selling any significant coin.

GSA (General Services Administration) hoard coins are Carson City Morgan dollars sold directly by the U.S. government in the 1970s in special hard plastic holders with a black-and-white insert card. A CC Morgan still sealed in its original GSA holder typically commands a premium over the same coin graded raw, because the holder itself verifies an unbroken chain of custody back to the Treasury vaults. Breaking a coin out of its GSA holder to send it for third-party grading can actually reduce collector interest for some varieties — check current market demand before removing one.