What is the Value of Uncirculated Silver Dollars?

The silver dollar was a popular coin in U.S. history and was struck by the U.S. Mint between 1794 and 1935. It underwent several design changes through its history, from the early Flowing Hair variety to the final Peace dollar. Silver dollars found in uncirculated, or Mint State-60, condition generally have little to no wear but may have contact marks.

Flowing Hair

This first design, minted in 1794 and 1795, is called a Flowing Hair dollar because the representation of Liberty on the front has long, wavy hair. Only 1,758 of the 1794 dollars were minted, and specimens in uncirculated condition can bring more than $600,000. The 1795 dollars are more common, but they still can bring $50,000 to $100,000 in an uncirculated condition.

Draped Bust

This design, called a Draped Bust dollar because it includes Liberty's clothed shoulder, was minted from 1795 to 1804. Uncirculated ones, which are difficult to find, are worth $20,000 to $50,000.

Seated Liberty

This design, of Liberty sitting while holding a shield and an American flag, also was used on the U.S. half dollar, quarter and dime for much of the 19th Century. The silver dollar version was minted from 1840 to 1873, with some years harder to find than others. In MS-60 condition, the Seated Liberty dollar tends to bring $2,000 to $5,000 for common dates.

Morgan

This popular coin is named after its creator, George T. Morgan. It was minted from 1878 to 1921. During the later years of this coin's production, people began to set aside the ones they found in better condition. So coins in uncirculated grade do not bring premiums as large as those for older silver dollars. Common examples of the Morgan silver dollar in MS-60 condition tend to be valued between $40 and $100.

Peace

The final regular-issue silver dollar made of 90 percent silver was the Peace dollar, produced from 1921 to 1935. The coin was made to commemorate the end of World War I and what was thought to be a new era of world peace. It is named for the word "Peace" on the reverse. The Peace dollar isn't hard to find in uncirculated condition, and tends to sell for $20 to $40 for common dates.

References

• Whitman's Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009; R.S. Yeoman; 2009