Ned Ludd Coins » 1885 Silver Dollar Value: are “S”, “O”, “CC”, No mint mark worth money?

1885 Silver Dollar Value: are “S”, “O”, “CC”, No mint mark worth money?

So, you have found or bought an 1885 silver dollar, and now you are wondering about its worth?

Whether you are a numismatist or occasionally share an interest in coins, collecting them is an exciting hobby because they are like tangible pieces of history that can tell us a lot about the period they come from and the value they had at the time.

On the other hand, selling them can be a very lucrative and adventure-infused business venture. Regardless of your motivation, if you are interested in the value of the 1885 silver dollar, you have come to the right place.

1885 Silver Dollar Details

1885 Silver Dollar Details
Credit: usacoinbook

As you already know, the 1885 silver dollar is also called the Morgan dollar, after its designer and United States Mint Assistant Engraver, George T. Morgan.

Depending on the opinion, these coins’ mintage is considered medium or low, mainly due to the limited amount of silver in the reserves at the time. Ultimately, the Morgan O silver dollar production was halted in 1904 due to a silver shortage.

Then, in 1921 the coin came back but shortly and completely disappeared afterward. These coins are collectible today and have a high value because of the low number of these coins in circulation.

On the obverse of the Morgan O dollar is Lady Liberty surrounded by the date (1885), thirteen stars, and the motto of the U.S. “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” which translates to “Out of many, one.” The thirteen stars represent the first states in the U.S. or previous colonies.

On the reverse of the 1886 silver dollar, we can see an eagle with spread wings in the center, holding an olive branch and three arrows in its talons and surrounded by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR, stuck alongside the rim. Above the head of the eagle, there is the well-known motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and underneath the eagle, there is a laurel wreath.

When it comes to the composition of Morgan 1885 silver dollar, it contains 90% silver and copper, weighing 0, 85939 troy ounces (26. 73 g).

The weight of silver in the compound is 0.77344 troy ounces (24.06 g), meaning that this coin’s value depends on the current silver rate, regardless of the coin’s condition.

  • Category: Morgan Dollar (1878-1921)
  • Mint: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Carson City, New Orleans
  • Obverse Designer: George T. Morgan
  • Reverse Designer: George T. Morgan
  • Composition: Silver 90% and 10% copper
  • Fineness: 0.9
  • Mass/ Weight: 26.73g
  • ASW:7734oz
  • Melt Value:$17,39 (2/7/2023)

Also Read: Top 21 Most Valuable 2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Coin Worth Money

1885 Silver Dollar Value Chart

Mint Mark Extremely Fine (EF 40) Fine

(F 12)

Mint State (MS 65) Mint State

63 (MS)

Silver No Mint Mark Silver Dollar $47  $38 $203 $3,200
1885 O Silver Dollar $47 $38 $203 /
1885 S Silver Dollar Value $63 $38 $57,096 /
1885 CC Silver Dollar $656 $563 $1,231 /

1885 Silver Dollar Value and Variety Guides

In 1885 these coins were struck at four different mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City.

The total mintage of Morgan 1995 silver dollar in Philadelphia is 17,787,000, while New Orleans is over 9,185,000. These coins were also struck in San Francisco, with a total mintage of 1,497,000. On the other hand, Carson City has the lowest mintage of this year, -238,000 000.

So, as far as total mintage-wise, New Orleans comes in third place with the lowest mintage in Carson City. The second lowest mintage was from San Francisco, and the highest mintage of 1885 was out of Philadelphia.

1885 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value

1885 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value
Credit: ma-shops
  • Type: Morgan Dollar
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Mint Mark: /
  • Place of Minting: Philadelphia
  • Year of minting: 1885
  • Face Value: One dollar ($1)
  • Price:  $33 -$20,000 and more
  • Quantity produced: 17,787,000
  • Designer: George T. Morgan
  • Composition:90% silver and 10% copper
  • Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches)

As mentioned, the highest mintage of the 1885 silver dollar was in Philadelphia, with 17,787,000 Morgan coins. These coins do not have a mint mark, so if you have come across one, it does not mean it is counterfeit.

Despite the high mintage, Morgan silver coins in good condition can go up to $30 per coin.

As noted earlier, the condition of the coins plays a major role in determining their price and value. For example, the cost of the Morgan silver coin with no mint in MS 60 ranges from $50 to $60.

On the other hand, the 1885 silver dollar in MS 68, which is the highest grade, is highly precious and expensive; they can cost over $20,000. The highest price for an 1885 silver coin in this condition was $39,950 at Legend Rare Coin Auction in 2015.

The 1885 No mint Morgan silver dollar in MS 67 can cost between $1,200 to $1,550, while the price of these coins in MS66 ranges between $315 and $385. Ultimately, the 1885 silver dollar with no mint mark in MS 65 costs from $180 to $220.

1885 “S” Morgan Silver Dollar

1885 "S" Morgan Silver Dollar

  • Type: Morgan Dollar
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Mint Mark: S
  • Place of Minting: San Francisco
  • Year of minting: 1885
  • Face Value: One dollar ($1)
  • Price:  $43 -54,000 and more
  • Quantity produced:1,497,000
  • Designer: George T. Morgan
  • Composition: Silver and Copper
  • Diameter:1 mm (1.5 inches)

Considering that the San Francisco mint struck 1,497,000 Morgan silver dollars in 1885, which is not a high number, is it expected that the prices of these coins will be higher compared to the 1885 No Mint silver dollar?

The price can skyrocket if the 1885 Morgan silver coin has a high grade and is in excellent condition.

These coins, minted in San Francisco that are in circulated condition, cost up to $200; however, those that are rare and in the mint state go for a considerable amount. Coins that

1885 S Morgan silver dollar in an MS 67 grade is worth between $45,000 -$54,000, while in an MS 66, the price can range from $4,000 to $4,500. In an MS 65, these coins cost from $1,600 – $1,700.

The most expensive 1886 S Morgan Silver coin was sold in 2012 for an astonishing $48,875.

1886 “O” Morgan Silver Dollar

1886 "O" Morgan Silver Dollar
Credit: pcgs
  • Type: Morgan Dollar
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Mint Mark: O
  • Place of Minting: New Orleans
  • Year of minting:1885
  • Face Value: One dollar ($1)
  • Price:  $34 -$26,500 and more
  • Quantity produced: 1,497,000
  • Designer: George T. Morgan
  • Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper
  • Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 inches)

With 9,185,000 coins produced, New Orleans had the second-highest mintage in 1885. Therefore, you can expect these coins to be less expensive than the 1885 S Morgan silver dollar or the 1885 CC Morgan silver dollar.

You can expect to pay a hefty amount for the 1885 O Morgan silver dollar if they have a high grade. Those in mint condition are highly priced and can cost from $180 to 26,500, which also depends on their state and wear. In average shape, these coins cost from $30 to $60.

However, these coins are rare and attractive to avid collectors, justifying their pricing. For example, an 1885 O Morgan silver dollar in an MS 67 can cost from $1,150 to $1,175.

Just in case you are unsure what it means if a coin is considered in MS 67, the coin with this grade has the original luster and a normal strike for date and mint.

Those with the highest grade, MS 68, cost between $21,000 -$26,000. However, the price can even go higher- in 2015, an 1885 O Morgan silver coin was sold for $37,600 at Heritage Auction.

1885 “CC” Morgan Silver Dollar

1885 "CC" Morgan Silver Dollar

  • Type: Morgan Dollar
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Mint Mark: CC
  • Place of Minting: Carson City
  • Year of minting: 1885
  • Face Value: One dollar ($1)
  • Price:$450 -$60,000 and more
  • Quantity produced: 228,000
  • Designer: George T. Morgan
  • Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper
  • Diameter:1 mm (1.5 inches)

Since Carson City stuck the least amount of these precious coins, they are very collectible, sought after, and cherished. It stands as the most coveted and expensive in the series. These have a distinctive “CC” mint mark.

In an average circulated condition, the 1885 CC Morgan silver dollar is worth from $450 to $500, but it is not surprising to see it go for a higher amount. Those in good or excellent condition can cost from $600 to $8,500.

Specimens highly preserved from a regular strike in an MS 68 can cost from $45,000 to $60,000. Given that this is the rarest coin in the collection, some collectors will pay up to 75,000 or $90,000 for one in pristine or proof-like condition.

The highest amount paid for 1886 CC Morgan silver in an MS68+ condition is $135,125.

Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Morgan Dollars Worth Money

History of 1885 Morgan Silver Dollar

These Morgan dollars produced from 1885 to 1903 and later in 1921 are all highly collectible, especially among passionate numismatists. They are unique and easily distinguishable by the heavy Morgan (Liberty Head).

Interestingly, 1885 Morgan silver dollars were the first that contained silver after the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which restored silver as a legal tender with the goal of inflating the US currency and helping the farmers. This coin appeared after the longest silver strike.

In 1873, the Coinage Act halted the production of silver coins in the US because the value of silver depreciated. However, the Bland-Allison Act brought the coin back to life until the 1900s, when the shortage of silver struck.

From 1905 to 1920, the production of the silver dollar was suspended in all US Mints. Considering that San Francisco and New Orleans depended on the production of silver, the Mint facilities in these cities were shut down.

Then, in December 1921, the Treasury chose to replace the Peace Dollar with Morgan Dollar. Fun fact: The 1885 Morgan silver dollar mainly circulated in the West, where it was named “Cartwheels” because of its large size and weight.

Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Silver Eagles Worth Money

1885 Morgan Silver Dollar Grading

If you have doubts about the grading system, here is a simple explanation. All coins are graded from 1 to 70, with 1 being the worst condition and 70 being the perfect or pristine state.

What adds to the confusion is that some coin agencies use half grades or add + to distinguish between coins that are in mint condition. For example, the coin graded 65+ is obviously in better condition than 65.

1885 Morgan Silver Dollar Errors

When it comes to the 1885 Morgan silver dollar errors, the truth is that there are no errors. The US Mint destroyed all the coins with errors before they were released into circulation for not meeting the technical requirements.

Some collectors report minor errors such as obverse struck through, off-center, or the wrong mint mark. However, there are no noted errors for the 1885 Morgan silver dollar. On the other hand, you might be faced with a fake 1885 Morgan silver dollar because there are many in circulation.

However, you can quickly check whether your coin is an original by looking for the minting year (1878 to 1904), mint marks (S, O, CC, or no mint mark), weight, diameter, metal composition, and thickness.

1885 Morgan Silver Dollar FAQ

What makes an 1885 Morgan silver dollar rare?

The rarity of the 1885 Morgan silver dollar depends on the location of the minting and the number of coins that were struck. The most valuable and rarest 1885 Morgan silver dollar is struck in Carson City (CC) because of the low mintage-228,000.

Not many of these coins have survived; therefore, those in pristine condition are very rare, hence the price. The most valuable 1885 CC Morgan silver dollar in excellent condition can be worth between $75,000 and 90,000.

What does CC mean on the 1885 silver dollar?

The CC on the 1885 silver dollar refers to the location where the coin was minted, in this case, CC refers to Carson City. There are other coins in this series with different marks such as S, O, and No Mint Mark.

Is an 1885 Morgan dollar worth anything?

1885 Morgan silver dollar in circulated condition can cost between $33 to $63, depending on its condition and the location where it was minted.

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