1880 Morgan Silver Dollar

The 1880 Morgan silver dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, was minted during the height of silver coinage in the United States. This iconic coin features Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse. The 1880 Morgan dollar is valued by collectors for its historic significance and overdate varieties, especially the "80 over 79" version. Despite its wide availability, high-grade uncirculated examples and proofs attract significant interest.

Lloyd'sANA MemberPCGSNGCBBB Accredited
Lloyd'sANA MemberPCGSNGCBBB Accredited

Historical context

The 1880 Morgan silver dollar was minted at four U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco. The coin was produced under the requirements of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the purchase of large amounts of silver for coinage. Despite millions being minted, many ended up in Treasury vaults, as silver dollars were not popular in circulation. The overdates using leftover 1879 dies make the 1880 Morgan silver dollar particularly interesting to numismatists.

Specifications
Size 38.1 millimeters
Denomination 1 USD
Gross Weight 26.73 grams
Actual Silver Weight 0.7734 troy ounces of silver
Fineness/Composition 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter 38.1 millimeters
Thickness 2.4 millimeters
Specific Gravity ~10.34
Numismatic Price Range $35 - $27917

Coin description

Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of Liberty facing left, adorned with a cap and small crown and surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The inscription "E Pluribus Unum" and the year "1880" are present. Reverse: The reverse shows a bald eagle with spread wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and strength. A wreath surrounds the eagle, and the inscriptions "United States of America," "In God We Trust," and "One Dollar" are displayed.

Cultural and
numismatic significance

The 1880 Morgan silver dollar is highly regarded among coin collectors due to its historical background and the distinctive overdate varieties. The "80 over 79" versions are particularly prized for their rarity and die variations. In higher mint states, such as MS-65 and above, the coin commands a significant premium. The Morgan dollar series is one of the most popular in U.S. numismatics, and the 1880 issue is no exception, especially with its mintmarks from Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco.

Numismatic value

The value of an 1880 Morgan dollar varies based on condition:
* Circulated Grades:
* Very Fine: $35
* Extremely Fine: $40
* About Uncirculated: $50
* Uncirculated (Mint State) Grades:
* MS-61: $65
* MS-63: $85
* MS-65: $375
* Auction Record (MS-67): $27,917
Proof versions and overdates are valued higher, and bag marks can affect prices. The value in circulated conditions is often tied to the silver content.

Frequently Asked Questions

At Coinfully, we pride ourselves on transparency. Our appraisals are based on the current market value of your dimes, including their silver content (for pre-1965 dimes) and their numismatic value. We provide a detailed breakdown of how we determine your offer so that you can be fully informed and confident in the price you receive.

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We buy all types of U.S. dimes, including Draped Bust, Liberty Seated, Barber, Mercury, and Roosevelt dimes, and other collectible dimes. Whether your dimes are valuable for their silver content or their collectibility, we’re interested in making you a competitive offer.

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