What happens when you combine expensive metal, exquisite artwork, and a century of history? The 1888 silver dollar. This small coin contains a wealth of stories, scandals, and shocks. The 1888 silver dollar has seen it all, from being used in cowboy shootouts to being the topic of intense discussions among coin collectors. So what is the true worth of this piece of history?
In this article, we’ll look into the world of the 1888 silver dollar value and see what makes this coin so unique.
1888 Silver Dollar Value
- Denomination: $1
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Minted in: Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
- Total mintage: 19,183,791.
The 1888 silver dollar, part of the Morgan Silver Dollar series, is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike, with its value decided by a mix of rarity, condition, and historical relevance.
The 1888 silver dollar was produced in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and San Francisco, with coins from Philadelphia bearing no mint mark and coins from New Orleans and San Francisco bearing “O” and “S” mint markings, respectively. The coin weighs 26.73 grams and has a diameter of 38.1 mm. It is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. The coin’s edge is reeded, which helps to combat counterfeiting.
The 1888 silver dollar is constructed of a mix of metals. It’s made up of 90% silver and 10% copper, an alloy that is usually referred to as “coin silver,” a standard used for numerous American silver coins in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The inclusion of copper in the alloy gives the coin strength and longevity, while the silver content gives it inherent worth as a precious metal.
George T. Morgan, an assistant engraver at the United States Mint at the time, designed the famous coin. Morgan’s design showed Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap on the coin’s obverse or front. The headgear was a sign of freedom, and slaves often wore it when they were released to show their status and pride.
The reverse, or rear, of the coin, depicted an eagle with spread wings clutching an olive branch and arrows. The eagle was a popular American symbol, and the arrows and olive branches reflected the country’s readiness for battle and yearning for peace, respectively.
1888 Silver Dollar Value Chart |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1888 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value | $24 – $28 | $30 – $40 | $65 – $75 | $100 – $150 |
| 1888 “S” mint mark (San Francisco) Silver Dollar Value | $35 – $45 | $50 – $60 | $100 – $125 | $200 – $250 |
| 1888 “CC” mint mark (Carson City) Silver Dollar Value | $250 – $300 | $350 – $450 | $1,000 – $1,500 | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| 1888 “O” mint mark (New Orleans) Silver Dollar Value | $35 – $45 | $50 – $60 | $100 – $125 | $200 – $250 |
1888 Silver Dollar Value and Varieties Guides
1888 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Circulating commemorative silver dollar
- Mark category: No mint
- Materials: 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint mark: None (produced at the Philadelphia Mint)
- Place of minting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Year of minting: 1888
- Face value: $1.00
- Price: $35 for a coin in good condition and several hundred dollars or more for an uncirculated coin.
- Quantity: 12,150,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan and William Barber
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces)
- Diameter: 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches)
The 1888 silver dollar was minted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a face value of $1.00. Over 12 million of these coins were produced, making it relatively common compared to other silver dollars of the time. However, collectors value the coin for its historical significance and condition. An 1888 silver dollar in good condition can be purchased for around $35, while an uncirculated coin can go for several hundred dollars.
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1888 “S” mint mark Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Circulating commemorative silver dollar
- Mark category: S Mint Mark (San Francisco)
- Materials: 90% silver and 10% copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Place of minting: San Francisco, California, United States
- Year of minting: 1888
- Face value: $1.00
- Price: $60-70 for a good condition coin, and several hundred dollars or more for an uncirculated coin.
- Quantity: The mintage for the 1888 “S” Mint Mark Silver Dollar was 657,000.
- Designer: The obverse design of the coin was created by George T. Morgan. The reverse design was created by William Barber.
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces).
- Diameter: 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches).
The 1888 “S” Mint Mark Silver Dollar is a sought-after coin among collectors. Minted in San Francisco, California, in 1888, only 657,000 of these coins were produced. The coin bears the “S” mint mark, which identifies it as being produced in San Francisco. Due to its limited quantity, the 1888 “S” Mint Mark Silver Dollar has a higher price than other silver dollars of the same era. A coin in good condition can be purchased for around $60-70, and coins of uncirculated value can be several hundred dollars.
Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Morgan Dollars Worth Money
1888 “CC” mint mark Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Circulating commemorative silver dollar
- Mark Category: CC Mint Mark (Carson City Mint)
- Edge: Reeded
- Materials: 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Place of minting: Carson City, Nevada, United States
- Year of minting: 1888
- Face value: $1.00
- Price: A circulated coin in good condition may be worth around $300-400, an uncirculated coin can be worth several thousand dollars or more.
- Quantity: The mintage for the 1888 “CC” Mint Mark Silver Dollar was 1,497,000.
- Designer: George T. Morgan and William Barber.
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces).
- Diameter: 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches).
The 1888 “CC” Mint Mark Silver Dollar was minted in Carson City, Nevada, in 1888, and a number of 1,497,000 of these coins were produced. The coin bears the “CC” mint mark, indicating its origin from the Carson City Mint, which adds to its historical significance. A circulated coin in good condition may be worth around $300-400, but those in extremely fine condition can have prices of up to $1500.
1888 “O” mint mark Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Circulating commemorative silver dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mark Category: O Mint Mark (New Orleans Mint)
- Materials: 90% silver and 10% copper.
- Place of minting: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Year of minting: 1888
- Face value: $1.00
- Price: $80-90 for good condition, while an uncirculated coin may be worth several hundred dollars or more.
- Quantity: The mintage for the 1888 “O” Mint Mark Silver Dollar was 10,710,000.
- Designer: George T. Morgan and William Barber
- Mass: The total weight of the coin is 26.73 grams (0.859 troy ounces).
- Diameter: 38.1 millimeters (1.5 inches).
The 1888 “O” Mint Mark Silver Dollar is a fascinating coin, minted in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1888, and over 10 million of these coins were produced. The coin bears the “O” mint mark, indicating its origin from the New Orleans Mint, which was one of the oldest and most important mints in the United States. While the 1888 “O” Mint Mark Silver Dollar is not as rare as some other silver dollars of the time, a coin in good condition can be purchased for around $80-90, while an extremely fine coin can go for as much as $150.
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1888 Silver Dollar History
The 1888 silver dollar is a classic coin that collectors and coin lovers all over the world treasure. This silver dollar was manufactured in a variety of sites throughout the United States, including San Francisco, Carson City, and New Orleans, and each variant of the coin has its own distinct story to tell.
The obverse of the 1888 silver dollar depicts Lady Liberty as imagined by George T. Morgan, an assistant engraver at the United States Mint at the time. Morgan’s design was groundbreaking for its time since it deviated from typical images of Lady Liberty and instead depicted her as a youthful and confident figure. William Barber created the coin’s reverse, which depicts an eagle with expanded wings and a shield on its chest.
Several individuals thought the coin’s design was too daring and futuristic, and some even accused it of being “un-American” in its image of Lady Liberty. Yet, the 1888 silver dollar gained popularity over time and became a symbol of American development and modernity.
The country was witnessing an increasing demand for silver coinage in the late nineteenth century, notably in the western states where silver was mined in huge quantities. The 1888 silver dollar was part of a larger push to boost silver coin production in order to meet this demand.
The 1888 silver dollar was produced in quite significant amounts in terms of mintage. For example, the New Orleans Mint produced almost 10 million of these coins, while the Carson City Mint produced slightly under 1.5 million. Despite its limited mintage, the 1888 silver dollar is a popular and desirable piece among collectors.
1888 Silver Dollar Grading
Grading an 1888 silver dollar is a critical process for collectors and investors alike, as it can have a significant impact on the coin’s value. When grading an 1888 silver dollar, experts look for signs of wear and tear, strike quality, and other factors that can affect its condition.
List of 1888 Silver Dollar Errors
Errors can occur during any stage of the minting process, from the preparation of the planchet to the striking of the coin. Errors can add interest and value to a coin, especially when they are rare or unusual. Some collectors actively seek out coins with errors, while others focus on collecting coins that are free of errors and are in pristine condition.
There were several varieties and errors of the 1888 Morgan silver dollar that were minted, including
Overdate Error
The 1888 Morgan silver dollar was struck from dies that had a leftover 7 from 1878. This resulted in some of the coins featuring a “7” that is visible beneath the “8” in the date. This is known as an “overdate error.”
Doubled Die Obverse
A doubled die obverse error occurs when the die that strikes the obverse side of the coin is double-struck, resulting in a doubling of the image. This can occur in various areas of the coin, including the date, lettering, or portrait of Lady Liberty.
The doubling effect can be slight or dramatic, and the value of the coin will depend on the extent of the doubling and the overall condition of the coin. This coin can be found in good condition for $225 to $350.
Repunched Mint Mark
The mint mark on an 1888 Morgan dollar was stamped separately onto the die. In some cases, the mint mark was stamped twice or more in slightly different positions, resulting in a repunched mint mark.
Die Cracks
A die crack is a raised line or ridge on the surface of a coin that is caused by a crack or break in the die. These cracks can occur anywhere on the coin’s surface and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as repeated striking or metal fatigue.
Die cracks can add character to a coin and can increase its value, especially if they are extensive or unusual. A sculpture like this can range in price from $1,600 to $11,500.
Planchet Flaws
Planchet flaws are imperfections in the metal planchet before it is struck into a coin. These can include pits, scratches, or other blemishes on the surface of the coin. These flaws can be caused by impurities in the metal or by damage during the planchet preparation process. The presence of planchet flaws can lower the value of a coin, especially if they are extensive or noticeable.
1888 Silver Dollar FAQ
How much is an 1888 silver dollar worth today?
The approximate value of an 1888 Morgan silver dollar in the average circulated condition is around $30 to $40. Coins with special characteristics, such as rare mint marks or errors, can also be worth up to thousands of dollars.
Is an 1888 silver dollar rare?
The 1888 Morgan silver dollar is not considered a rare coin in the context of United States coinage. In fact, it is one of the more common dates of the Morgan dollar series, which was minted from 1878 to 1921.
However, the condition and rarity of individual coins can vary widely, depending on any special characteristics or errors that the coin may have.
How much should an 1888 Morgan silver dollar weigh?
An 1888 Morgan silver dollar should weigh 26.73 grams, as this was the standard weight of a Morgan silver dollar issued by the United States Mint.
Is there an 1888 cc Morgan silver dollar?
Yes, there is an 1888 Morgan silver dollar with the CC mint mark, which stands for the Carson City Mint. The Carson City Mint was one of the US Mint’s branch mints that operated from 1870 to 1893 in Carson City, Nevada, and produced a limited number of coins each year.