Silver dollar coins hold a special place in the hearts of collectors, investors, and history enthusiasts due to their intrinsic value and rich historical significance. The United States Mint produced the first silver dollar in 1794 out of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper. It underwent many changes and evolutions over the decades, including years of non-production and altered silver content, before becoming a copper-nickel clad coin in 1965. So, what dollar coins are silver?
Dollar coins produced before 1965 are made from silver. Additionally, the U.S. Mint released proofs of 40% silver Eisenhower Dollars for collectors between 1971 and 1976. They also mint the American Silver Eagle, a 99.9% silver bullion coin that weighs one troy ounce.
What Dollar Coins Are Silver?
| Years Minted | Dollar Coin | Silver Composition | Silver Weight (troy oz) |
| 1794-1795 | Flowing Hair | 89.24% | .7738 |
| 1795-1804 | Draped Bust | 89.24% | .7738 |
| 1836-1839 | Gobrecht | 89.24 & 90% | .7734 |
| 1840-1873 | Seated Liberty | 90% | .7734 |
| 1873-1885 | Trade | 90% | .7874 |
| 1878-1904, 1921, 2021 | Morgan | 90% (99.9% in 2021) | .7734 (.858 in 2021) |
| 1921-1935 | Peace | 90% | .7734 |
| 1971-1978 | Eisenhower | 40% | .3164 |
| 1986-Present | American Eagle | 99.9% | 1.0 |
Flowing Hair Dollar Coin 1794-1795
Silver Composition: 89.24%
Silver Weight: .7738 troy ounces
The Flowing Hair Dollar, minted in 1794 and 1795, is a significant piece of American numismatic history. This early silver dollar comprises 90% silver and 10% copper, containing .7813 troy ounces of silver.
The obverse features a portrait of Lady Liberty with long, flowing hair, accompanied by the word “LIBERTY” and stars encircling the design. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a rock with the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounding it.
This remarkable design was the work of Robert Scot, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, and it represents the birth of American coinage during the early years of the nation’s existence.
Draped Bust Dollar Coin 1795-1804
Minted from 1795 to 1804, the Draped Bust Dollar is another iconic early American silver dollar coin. Comprising 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper, it had an approximate silver weight of .7738 troy ounces.
The coin’s obverse features a striking portrayal of Lady Liberty with her hair draped elegantly. Above her image is the inscription “LIBERTY,” accompanied by stars. The reverse depicts an eagle perched on a heraldic shield.
This classic design, representing the young nation’s ideals, was again created by Robert Scot.
Gobrecht Dollar Coin 1836-1839
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .7734 troy ounces
The U.S. minted the Gobrecht Dollar coin in 1836 after a 32-year hiatus of the dollar coin. It originally featured a composition of 89.24% silver and 10.76% copper until the legal standard was changed in 1937. Then, it became 90% silver and 10% copper, with approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of silver.
The coin’s obverse showcases a seated Liberty on a rock, holding a staff with a liberty cap encircled by stars. On the reverse, an eagle in flight, surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR,” takes center stage.
This elegant design, characterized by its artistic finesse, was the creation of Christian Gobrecht, who would later become the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. With its aesthetic appeal and historical significance, the Gobrecht Dollar remains a cherished collectible in the world of numismatics.
Seated Liberty Dollar Coin 1839-1873
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .7734 troy ounces
The Seated Liberty Dollar, minted from 1840 to 1873, is a renowned piece of American coinage history. Comprising 90% silver and 10% copper, it possesses a silver weight of approximately 0.7734 troy ounces.
The obverse features a graceful depiction of Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and an olive branch, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on a flowing banner. Encircling the image are stars, representing the states of the Union. On the reverse, a majestic eagle with outstretched wings clutches arrows and an olive branch.
Christian Gobrecht crafted this timeless design that embodies liberty and strength. The Seated Liberty Dollar remains an enduring symbol of American numismatic heritage.
Trade Dollar Coin 1873-1885
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .7874 troy ounces
The U.S. Mint made the Trade Dollar from 1873 to 1885 with a silver composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, equating to approximately 0.7874 troy ounces of silver.
The Trade Dollar’s obverse showcases a seated Liberty with a coiled flag and the word “LIBERTY” inscribed on a flowing ribbon, reflecting the coin’s original purpose for trade with Asian nations. On the reverse, a wreath surrounds the denomination, with the name of the issuing country, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and the phrase “TRADE DOLLAR” at the top.
This distinctive design, created by William Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, embodies the coin’s role as a token of commerce and cultural exchange during the late 19th century. The Trade Dollar is a numismatic relic and a testament to America’s engagement with the global economy.
Morgan Dollar 1878-1904, 1921 and 2021
Silver Composition: 90% (99.9% in 2021)
Silver Weight: .7734 troy ounces (.858 in 2021)
The Morgan Dollar, a popular American coin with collectors and investors, was minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. The 1921 Morgan Dollar coin is one of the most sought-after in the series. It has a silver composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of silver.
A .999 fine silver Morgan Dollar was struck in 2021 to commemorate one hundred years since the Morgan Dollar’s last issuance. This coin has .858 troy ounces of silver and was released in five varieties. Each variety had a limited mintage of only 175,000 coins.
The coin’s obverse features a striking left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty with a Phrygian cap, symbolizing freedom, along with the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse showcases a majestic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows, and an olive branch, accompanied by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
This enduring design, considered one of the most captivating in American coinage, was the creation of George T. Morgan, a British-born engraver, and remains a cherished piece of numismatic history.
Peace Dollar Coin 1921-1935
Silver Composition: 90%
Silver Weight: .7734 troy ounces
The Peace Silver Dollar, minted from 1921 to 1935, is a revered American coin with a silver composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of silver.
Its obverse showcases a serene left-facing image of Lady Liberty, crowned with a radiant crown and the word “LIBERTY,” signifying the end of World War I and a desire for peace. The reverse features a bald eagle perched on a rock, holding an olive branch, symbolizing peace under the word “PEACE.”
This design, the work of Italian American sculptor Anthony de Francisci, was chosen through a nationwide competition, capturing the prevailing sentiment of the era. The Peace Dollar remains a cherished symbol of hope and reconciliation in American numismatic history.
Eisenhower Dollar Coin 1971-1978
Silver Composition: 40% (only in proof sets)
Silver Weight: 0.3161 (only in proof sets)
The Eisenhower Dollar was minted between 1971-1978 and is commonly mistaken as being a silver dollar. However, the U.S. only made dollar coins out of silver before 1965. The Eisenhower dollar produced for common circulation was copper nickel clad like the dime, quarter, and half-dollar.
However, the San Fransisco mint produced Eisenhower Dollars between 1971 and 1976 with 40% silver. These silver Eisenhower Dollars contained .3161 troy ounces of silver and were minted exclusively as proofs for collectors.
Frank Gasparro designed both sides of the coin, and the coin’s obverse features a dignified portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. On the reverse, an eagle lands on the Moon, commemorating the historic Apollo 11 mission and its patch designed by Michael Collins. A Bicentennial Eisenhower Dollar was released in 1975 and 1976, with the coin’s reverse portraying the Liberty Bell and the Moon.
American Silver Eagle Dollar Coin 1986-Present Day
Silver Composition: 99.9%
Silver Weight: 1 troy ounce
The United States Mint has produced the American Silver Eagle since 1986. It is a beloved bullion coin distinguished by its high purity, consisting of .999 fine silver, and weighing one troy ounce.
The obverse features the iconic Walking Liberty design by Adolph A. Weinman. On the reverse, John Mercanti’s majestic eagle design is displayed alongside the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. FINE SILVER,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
As a collector’s item and a precious metal investment, the American Silver Eagle has earned its place as a symbol of American excellence.
Other Silver Dollar Coins
The 1804 Dollar is one of the most famous and sought-after coins in the world of numismatics. Despite its date, it was not minted in 1804 but in the 1830s and 1850s as unique presentation pieces for diplomatic purposes and to meet collector demand. With just 15 known specimens, the 1804 Dollar is exceedingly rare and carries a legacy of intrigue and mystery. Its design is like the Draped Bust Dollar, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. These rare coins, known as “King of American Coins,” are coveted by collectors and often fetch astronomical prices when they appear at auctions.
The Enduring Legacy of Silver Dollar Coins
From the earliest Flowing Hair and Draped Bust Dollars, which symbolize the nation’s fledgling identity, to the iconic Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars commemorating pivotal moments in American history, silver dollar coins offer a vivid glimpse into the nation’s past. Special collectors’ editions, like the Eisenhower Dollar, pay homage to individuals and milestones shaping the country’s cultural fabric. Meanwhile, the modern American Silver Eagle continues to captivate collectors and investors, embodying the enduring allure of silver and the nation’s commitment to quality coinage. The enduring legacy of silver dollar coins transcends their tangible worth, as they serve as time capsules of American history and artistry.
