Morgan Dollar Mintages
The Morgan Silver Dollar is a famous United States silver coin minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921. Morgan Silver Dollars represent a pivotal time in the United States’ development and have become iconic and sought silver coins. This coin was designed by Mint Chief Engraver George T. Morgan (1845-1925) and symbolized the country’s progress in westward expansion and industrial growth during the late 1800s.
Here are some details about the mintages of Morgan Dollars:
- 1878: The first year of Morgan Dollar production saw minting at four different facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and New Orleans (O). The total mintage across all mints was approximately 22,758,000 coins.
- 1879-1885: During this period, Morgan Dollars were minted at various locations, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, and New Orleans. The mintages varied significantly, ranging from a low of around 296,000 coins for the 1885-O to a high of over 27 million for the 1881-S.
- 1886-1889: 1886 Morgan Dollar production shifted exclusively to the Philadelphia Mint for a few years. During this time, Morgan Dollars were not minted at the branch mints, which resulted in lower overall mintages.
- 1890-1895: Morgan Dollar minting resumed in 1890 at the branch mints, including San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City. Mintages during this period remained low compared to earlier years.
- 1896-1904: The last decade of regular Morgan Dollar production saw varying mintages. The San Francisco Mint played a significant role in producing most of the coins during these years.
- 1921: After a hiatus of nearly 17 years, the Morgan Dollar was briefly revived in 1921 due to the passage of the Pittman Act, which required melting millions of older silver dollars. Morgan Dollars were minted in large numbers at the Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco Mints, with San Francisco producing the most.
It is worth noting that some Morgan Dollars are scarcer and more sought after by collectors due to their lower mintage or historical significance. Coins minted in Carson City (marked with “CC”) are often highly valued, as the Carson City Mint operated briefly and produced fewer coins overall. The final-year 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar had much higher mintages, so these remain popular as they can be found at a cheaper price than other years.
About The Commemorative 2021 Morgan Dollar
The U.S. Mint released the Morgan Dollar in 2021 to commemorate the Morgan Dollar series’ last year of circulation in 1921. This coin is a part of the Morgan and Peace Dollar Anniversary Coin Program.
Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon approved the Peace Dollar in December 1921 to replace the Morgan Dollar. This coin was minted from 1921 to 1935 to celebrate the peace between Germany and the United States during that time. The Peace Dollar represented the United States’ growing power on the world stage and honored Americans who fought in World War I.
The Mint created the 2021 Morgan Dollar with an uncirculated finish and five versions of the reverse to honor the historical Mint facilities that originally minted the coin. The Denver and San Francisco Mint facilities marked the coins with “D” and “S,” respectively. The Philadelphia Mint produced three versions:
- One without a mint mark in honor of the historic Philadelphia Mint
- One with an “O” privy mark to recognize the landmark mint in New Orleans, LA
- One with a “CC” privy mark for the historic mint in Carson City, NV
In 2023 the Morgan Dollar’s uncirculated, proof, and reverse proof finishes will be released.
Morgan Dollar Mintages
| Issue | Mintage |
| 1878 8TF | 749,500 |
| 1878 7TF | 9,759,300 |
| 1878-CC | 2,212,000 |
| 1878-S | 9,774,000 |
| 1879 | 14,806,000 |
| 1879-CC | 756,000 |
| 1879-O | 2,887,000 |
| 1879-S | 9,110,000 |
| 1880 | 12,600,000 |
| 1880-CC | 591,000 |
| 1880-O | 5,305,000 |
| 1880-S | 8,900,000 |
| 1881 | 9,163,000 |
| 1881-CC | 296,000 |
| 1881-O | 5,708,000 |
| 1881-S | 12,760,000 |
| 1882 | 11,100,000 |
| 1882-CC | 1,133,000 |
| 1882-O | 6,090,000 |
| 1882-S | 9,250,000 |
| 1883 | 12,290,000 |
| 1883-CC | 1,204,000 |
| 1883-O | 8,725,000 |
| 1883-S | 6,250,000 |
| 1884 | 14,070,000 |
| 1884-CC | 1,136,000 |
| 1884-O | 9,730,000 |
| 1884-S | 3,200,000 |
| 1885 | 17,787,000 |
| 1885-CC | 238,000 |
| 1885-O | 9,185,000 |
| 1885-S | 1,497,000 |
| 1886 | 19,963,000 |
| 1886-O | 10,710,000 |
| 1886-S | 750,000 |
| 1887 | 20,290,000 |
| 1887-O | 11,550,000 |
| 1887-S | 1,771,000 |
| 1888 | 19,183,000 |
| 1888-O | 12,150,000 |
| 1888-S | 657,000 |
| 1889 | 21,726,000 |
| 1889-CC | 350,000 |
| 1889-O | 11,875,000 |
| 1889-S | 700,000 |
| 1890 | 16,802,000 |
| 1890-CC | 2,309,041 |
| 1890-O | 10,701,000 |
| 1890-S | 8,230,373 |
| 1891 | 8,693,556 |
| 1891-CC | 1,618,000 |
| 1891-O | 7,954,529 |
| 1891-S | 5,296,000 |
| 1892 | 1,036,000 |
| 1892-CC | 1,352,000 |
| 1892-O | 2,744,000 |
| 1892-S | 1,200,000 |
| 1893 | 378,000 |
| 1893-CC | 677,000 |
| 1893-O | 300,000 |
| 1893-S | 100,000 |
| 1894 | 110,000 |
| 1894-O | 1,723,000 |
| 1894-S | 1,260,000 |
| 1895-O | 450,000 |
| 1895-S | 400,000 |
| 1896 | 9,976,000 |
| 1896-O | 4,900,000 |
| 1896-S | 5,000,000 |
| 1897 | 2,822,000 |
| 1897-O | 4,004,000 |
| 1897-S | 5,825,000 |
| 1898 | 5,884,000 |
| 1898-O | 4,440,000 |
| 1898-S | 4,102,000 |
| 1899 | 330,000 |
| 1899-O | 12,290,000 |
| 1899-S | 2,562,000 |
| 1900 | 8,830,000 |
| 1900-O | 12,590,000 |
| 1900-S | 3,540,000 |
| 1901 | 6,962,000 |
| 1901-O | 13,320,000 |
| 1901-S | 2,284,000 |
| 1902 | 7,994,000 |
| 1902-O | 8,636,000 |
| 1902-S | 1,530,000 |
| 1903 | 4,652,000 |
| 1903-O | 4,450,000 |
| 1903-S | 1,241,000 |
| 1904 | 2,788,000 |
| 1904-O | 3,720,000 |
| 1904-S | 2,304,000 |
| 1921 | 44,690,000 |
| 1921-D | 20,345,000 |
| 1921-S | 21,695,000 |
| 2021 | 175,000 |
| 2021-CC Privy Mark | 175,000 |
| 2021-D | 175,000 |
| 2021-O Privy Mark | 175,000 |
| 2021-S | 175,000 |
History of Morgan Silver Dollars
The Morgan Silver Dollar, named after its designer, George T. Morgan, is significant in American numismatic history. These well-known silver coins were minted from 1878 to 1904 and then briefly revived in 1921.
The Morgan Silver Dollar originated from the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a designated amount of silver bullion each month to produce silver dollars. The coin’s design featured Lady Liberty on the obverse, wearing a crown with the word “Liberty” inscribed and surrounded by thirteen stars to represent the original colonies. The reverse displayed an eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows, and an olive branch, encircled by a wreath and the inscriptions “United States of America” and “One Dollar.”
Minted in several locations, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City, Morgan Silver Dollars have distinct mint marks denoting their origin. They were minted in .900 fine silver, weighing 26.73 grams, and measuring 38.1 millimeters (about 1.5 in) in diameter.
The production of Morgan Silver Dollars ended in 1904 due to the Pittman Act of 1918, which authorized the melting of millions of silver dollars to meet the demand for silver during World War I. However, the silver dollars were produced for the last time in 1921, following the passage of the Coinage Act of 1920. The 1921 Morgan Dollars have a slightly different design with a higher relief, making them distinct from the earlier issues.
Today, Morgan Silver Dollars are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. Their generous size, intricate design, and historical significance contribute to their appeal. Many examples remain in circulation, while others are preserved in collections and numismatic markets, reminding us of the fascinating era when these coins were integral to American currency.
Most Valuable Morgan Silver Dollars
Here is a look at ten of the most valuable Morgan Silver Dollars as of 2023. CoinTrackers.com, a website specializing in coin and silver market valuing, created this list to help coin hunters better understand the coins available on the market and how much they are going for.
- 1893 S Morgan Silver Dollar - $550,000 According to CoinTrackers.com, an 1893 S Morgan Silver Dollar in average condition is estimated to be worth around $3,000, while one in mint state could be worth around $500,000.
- 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar - $425,500 An average 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar will go for $43, while one in mint state could be priced around $425,500.
- 1889 CC Morgan Silver Dollar - $280,000 An 1889 CC Morgan Silver Dollar in average condition is worth $1,591, while a mint state condition coin could go for $280,000.
- 1884 S Morgan Silver Dollar - $250,000 This coin in average condition is valued at $30 and $250,000 in mint state condition.
- 1893 O Morgan Silver Dollar - $180,000 An average 1893 O Morgan Silver Dollar is estimated at around $250. This coin is estimated to be worth $180,000 in mint state condition.
- 1895 O Morgan Silver Dollar - $165,000 This Morgan Silver Dollar is worth around $350 in average condition and $165,000 in mint state.
- 1896 O Morgan Silver Dollar - $140,000 An 1896 O Morgan Silver Dollar is valued at $50 in average condition and at $140,000 in mint state condition.
- 1886 O Morgan Silver Dollar - $140,000 Average condition 1886 O Morgan Silver Dollars are worth $35, while the mint state editions are estimated at $140,000.
- 1892 S Morgan Silver Dollar - $130,000 This coin is worth $35 in average condition and $130,000 in mint condition.
- 1893 CC Morgan Silver Dollar - $70,000 An average 1893 CC Morgan Silver Dollar is valued at $550. In mint condition, this coin is worth $70,000.
If you want to add more Morgan Dollars to your collection, APMEX has a wide range of these desirable coins and may have just the one you need! Browse our selection of Morgan Dollars today.
