The United States Mint unveiled a new coin in the late 19th century that would quickly become a mainstay of American money. The 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar, so named for its creator, George T. Morgan, became well-known very fast and is still highly sought-after by coin collectors today.
The 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar is more than simply a piece of money because of its elaborate design and extensive history; it’s a fascinating window into America’s past. In this piece, we’ll delve into the intriguing past of the 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar and learn the tales and secrets behind its real worth.
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Details
- Denomination: One dollar
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams (0.77344 oz)
- Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 in)
- Edge: Reeded
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Minted in: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco
- Total mintage: 21,726,000
The 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar is a coin with a rich history. This coin, which had a one-dollar face value and was 90% silver and 10% copper, was a mainstay of American money in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Morgan Silver Dollar was a large coin, weighing 26.73 grams (0.77344 oz) and having a diameter of 38.1 mm (1.5 in). Its elaborate design, which was developed by British engraver George T. Morgan, added to its attraction and elegance. Its reeded edge gave it a distinctive and unmistakable appearance.
Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco were among the cities in which the Morgan Silver Dollar was struck. Collectors sought out these coins from particular mints to add to their collections because each mint had its own distinctive mark.
Because there were only 21,726,000 1889 Morgan Silver Dollars produced, they are expensive and in high demand among investors and collectors. These coins continue to awe and fascinate individuals who value the beauty and history of rare and priceless coins and serve as a tribute to America’s rich history and numismatic heritage.
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1889 No Mint Mark Morgan Silver Dollar Value | $30 | $35 | $55 | $85 |
| 1889 “O” New Orleans Morgan Silver Dollar Value | $30 | $40 | $80 | $150 |
| 1889 “CC” Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar Value | $150 | $300 | $600 | $1,500 |
| 1889 “S” San Francisco Morgan Silver Dollar Value | $30 | $40 | $80 | $150 |
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Value and Varieties Guides
1889 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia) Morgan Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Morgan Silver Dollar
- Mark Category: No Mint Mark
- Materials: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia Mint)
- Place of Minting: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Year of Minting: 1889
- Face Value: $1 USD
- Price: Ranges from $30 in Good condition to $85 in Uncirculated condition
- Quantity: 21,726,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.77344 oz)
- Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 in)
The 1889 Philadelphia Morgan Silver Dollar Value is unique among other Morgan Silver Dollars in that it lacks a mint mark, proving that it was produced in Philadelphia.
It was struck in massive quantities, having a mintage of 21,726,000, and a face value of $1 USD. The 1889 Philadelphia Mint Mark Morgan Silver Dollar still has value as a collectible currency despite having a large mintage. This coin costs between $30 in Good condition and $85 in Uncirculated condition, depending on the condition.
1889 “O” (New Orleans Morgan) Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Morgan Silver Dollar
- Mark Category: O Mint Mark
- Materials: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: “O” (New Orleans Mint)
- Place of Minting: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Year of Minting: 1889
- Face Value: $1 USD
- Price: The price ranges from $30 in Good condition to $150 in Uncirculated condition
- Quantity: 11,875,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.77344 oz)
- Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 in)
The 1889 New Orleans Morgan Silver Dollar is a coin that was minted in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1889. It was one of the many Morgan silver dollars made at that time and had a face value of $1 USD. The 1889 New Orleans Morgan Silver Dollar, which had a mintage of 11,875,000, is more prevalent than other Morgan silver dollars. It’s worth is still dependent on its state, with prices ranging from $30 for fair condition to $150 for uncirculated condition.
1889 “CC” (Carson City) Morgan Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Morgan Silver Dollar
- Mark Category: Regular Issue
- Materials: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: “CC” (Carson City Mint)
- Place of Minting: Carson City, Nevada
- Year of Minting: 1889
- Face Value: $1 USD
- Price: Varies based on condition and other factors, but typically ranges from $150 in Good condition to $1,500 in Uncirculated condition
- Quantity: 350,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.77344 oz)
- Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 in)
In 1889, the Carson City, Nevada mint produced the 1889 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar. This coin has a face value of $1 USD and features Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on the reverse. Its true worth, however, is substantially higher and depends on a number of variables, including how it is maintained.
The 1889 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar, in good condition, is valued about $150, while an uncirculated coin can be worth up to $1,500. The 1889 Carson City Morgan Silver Dollar’s low mintage of just 350,000 coins makes it even more collectible.
1889 “S” (San Francisco) Morgan Silver Dollar Value
- Type: Morgan Silver Dollar
- Mark Category: Regular Issue
- Materials: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: “S” (San Francisco Mint)
- Place of Minting: San Francisco, California
- Year of Minting: 1889
- Face Value: $1 USD
- Price: Varies based on condition and other factors, but typically ranges from $30 in Good condition to $500 in Uncirculated condition
- Quantity: 700,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Mass: 26.73 grams (0.77344 oz)
- Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5 in)
This 38.1mm coin, which was minted in San Francisco, California, has a reeded edge and is comprised of 90% silver and 10% copper. This regular-issue piece was created by George T. Morgan and displays the well-known Lady Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse. This piece, which had a mintage of 700,000, is more widely available than previous Morgan Silver Dollars. Yet, depending on several variables, its worth might vary from $30 in Excellent condition to $500 in Uncirculated condition.
Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Morgan Dollars Worth Money
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar History
America was a nation of opportunity and growth in the late 19th century. The population was growing at a never-before-seen rate, and new industries were springing up everywhere. The United States Mint decided to produce a new silver dollar at this time to symbolize the nation’s rising affluence and success.
The Morgan silver dollar was created as a result in 1878. This coin bears the name of its creator, George T. Morgan, a skilled engraver and artist who worked for the United States Mint. Morgan was tasked with designing a new silver dollar that would honor the principles of the country and reflect its success.
The coin’s reverse depicted an eagle with wings outstretched seated atop a bundle of arrows and an olive branch, while the obverse featured a stunning representation of Lady Liberty.
The Morgan silver dollar evolved into a representation of the might and pride of the United States. It was frequently utilized as a store of value during periods of economic uncertainty and was produced in huge numbers throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
But the coin that represented the era was the 1889 Morgan silver dollar. The design of this specific piece, which was struck in Philadelphia, was incredibly detailed and showed off every nuance of Lady Liberty’s royal profile. Also, the eagle on the reverse was very highly detailed, with its feathers appearing in startling relief.
One of the most sought-after coins worldwide is still the 1889 Morgan silver dollar. Its worth has only increased with time, and everyone values it. This coin will always occupy a particular place in the hearts of those who understand its rich history as a representation of America.
Also Read: Top 21 Most Valuable 2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Coin Worth Money
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar Grading
The 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar’s grading procedure is crucial when it comes to such a well-known currency. An important stage in estimating a coin’s value is coin grading, which is the process of determining a coin’s condition.
A coin’s condition has an impact on its value, and grading aids investors and collectors in estimating a coin’s worth. It considers elements like the degree of wear on the coin, any scratches or other flaws, and the general excellence of the strike.
Here you can take a look at a video about seeing how to grade Morgan Silver Dollars.
List of 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar errors
Off-Center strike
An off-center strike happens when the coin was not struck in the exact center of the blank planchet, causing the image to be out of alignment with the coin’s edge.
Double strike or incomplete strike
A double strike occurs when the coin is struck twice by the dies, causing the design to appear doubled or overlapped. On the other hand, a coin with weakly struck or detail-lacking sections is the consequence of an incomplete strike, which happens when the dies fail to fully stamp the design into the coin.
Clipped planchet
An incorrectly fed blank planchet into the coining press can lead to a clipped planchet error, which causes a portion of the edge to be removed by the machine. As a result, the edge of the coin appears straight, as though a piece of it were missing.
Die break
When the dies that are used to strike the coins break, the design is deformed or has gaps in it. This is known as a die break error.
Die crack
The coin design may appear deformed or missing pieces due to a die crack error, which happens when the dies used to strike the coins fracture.
Repunched mint mark
When the mint mark is repeatedly punched onto the die, it appears doubled or overlapping, which is known as a repunched mint mark error.
1889 Morgan Silver Dollar FAQ
How much is the 1889 Morgan silver dollar worth?
A Morgan silver dollar from 1889 may be worth more or less based on its rarity, historical relevance, and condition. A circulated 1889 Morgan silver dollar might be worth between $25 and $40 as of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, although a well-preserved, uncirculated specimen could bring upwards of $200 or more.
What makes an 1889 silver dollar rare?
A silver dollar from 1889 is unique because of its low mintage. Despite the fact that more than 21 million Morgan silver dollars were made in that year, the bulk were quickly melted down or actively circulated. Some variations of the 1889 coin, like those with proof finishes or unique mint markings, are regarded by collectors as being considerably rarer and more expensive.
Where is the mint mark on an 1889 Morgan silver dollar?
On the back of the coin, close to the wreath that encircles the eagle, you’ll see the mint mark for an 1889 Morgan silver dollar. The mint mark on a coin lets you know where it was produced; for instance, a coin with an “O” mint mark was made at the New Orleans Mint.
Which year Morgan silver dollars are most valuable?
Depending on a number of variables, including mintage, quality, rarity, and historical significance, Morgan silver dollars from some years are more valuable than others. Even while the 1889 Morgan silver dollar is unquestionably a prized coin among collectors, some of the most valued Morgan silver dollar years include 1893, 1895, and 1896, all of which have low mintage numbers and are regarded as rare.