Why the 1883 Morgan Dollar Belongs in Every Coin Collection

1883 Morgan Silver Dollars Blog

If you’re a coin collector or just inherited a silver dollar from 1883, you’re in for a treat. The 1883 Morgan Dollar is a prized piece of American coinage history—and whether you’re collecting, appraising, or selling, understanding its value and rarity is key.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

  • ✅ How much your 1883 Morgan Dollar is worth today

  • 🔎 Why the 1883-S Morgan is so rare

  • 🏛 How many were minted

  • 💰 Where to sell your coin safely

  • 📚 Pro tips for collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

Let’s dive into the world of Morgans!

What is a Morgan Dollar?

1883-O Morgan Dollar MS62 End Roll
1883-O Morgan Dollar MS62 End Roll

The Morgan Dollar, minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, is one of the most iconic silver coins in U.S. history. Named after its designer George T. Morgan, this coin features Lady Liberty on the front and a majestic eagle on the reverse.

Key facts:

  • Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper

  • Weight: 26.73 grams

  • Diameter: 38.1 mm

  • Silver Content: 0.7734 troy ounces

It’s a favorite among collectors for its beauty, weight, and ties to the Wild West era.

How much is an 1883 Morgan Dollar Worth Today?

The value of a Morgan Dollar from 1883 depends on mint mark, condition, and rarity. Here’s a quick guide to current market values:

Mint Condition: Circulated Uncirculated (MS63+) Key Notes
1883 (No Mint) $35–$50 $70–$150+ Common, affordable
1883-CC $100–$200 $300–$600+ Popular from GSA Hoard
1883-O $40–$60 $75–$175+ Readily available
1883-S $60–$100 $600–$5,000+ Very rare in high grades

💡 Did you know? A pristine 1883-S Morgan Dollar in MS67 sold for over $60,000 at auction.

Why is the 1883-S Morgan Dollar So Rare?

1883-S Morgan Silver Dollar AU55 PCGS close up

While over 6 million 1883-S Morgans were minted in San Francisco, very few were preserved in top condition.

Why the rarity?

  • Most entered circulation and were heavily worn.

  • San Francisco Mint coins that year had weaker strikes.

  • High-grade examples are extremely scarce.

Today, the 1883-S Morgan is one of the toughest Morgans to find in Mint State, making it a crown jewel for serious collectors.

Mintage Numbers: How Many 1883 Morgan Dollars Were Made?

Here’s how many 1883 Morgans were minted by each U.S. Mint:

Mint Mintage Quantity
Philadelphia (no mintmark) 12,290,000
Carson City (CC) 1,204,000
New Orleans (O) 8,725,000
San Francisco (S) 6,250,000

While Philadelphia produced the most, Carson City and San Francisco coins are the real collector darlings.

How Can I Sell My 1883 Silver Dollar?

Whether you’re a casual seller or long-time collector, here are trusted ways to sell:

1. Local Coin Shop (such as Arnold Jewelers)

  • Fast, face-to-face deals

  • Money in hand without the need to take photos and list

2. Online Marketplaces

  • eBay: Great visibility, but know your coin’s worth first

  • Heritage Auctions: Ideal for rare or high-grade Morgans

3. Coin Shows & Clubs

  • You’ll find fellow enthusiasts, dealers, and potential buyers

  • Good for networking and getting multiple appraisals at once

TIP: Before you sell, have your coin professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. This adds legitimacy and can greatly increase value.

Tips for Collecting Morgan Silver Dollars

1883-S Morgan Dollar XF45 PCGS
1883-S Morgan Dollar XF45 PCGS

If you’re diving into Morgan collecting, start strong with these expert tips:

Learn to Spot Mint Marks

  • Found under the eagle on the reverse

  • CC = Carson City, S = San Francisco, O = New Orleans

Focus on Condition

  • Higher grades = higher value

  • Graded coins in MS63+ fetch premiums

Store Properly

  • Use coin flips or slabs

  • Keep in a cool, dry place—silver tarnishes easily!

Beware of Fakes

  • Morgan counterfeits are prevalent. A numismatist can tell a real from a fake.

  • Avoid cleaning your coin—it destroys value.

Spotlight: The 1883-CC GSA Morgan Dollar

A special mention goes to the 1883-CC Morgan Dollar, many of which were discovered in the GSA Hoard (a U.S. Treasury vault cache found in the 1960s).

In the 1960s, the U.S. Treasury unearthed millions of mint-condition silver dollars, many stored for decades in canvas bags at federal vaults. A large number of these were Carson City Morgans, struck between 1878 and 1893. These coins had never entered circulation—effectively forgotten for over 80 years.

To distribute them, the government launched a series of public sales from 1972 to 1980, placing each coin in a hard plastic holder marked with:

  • The coin’s year and mint

  • The words “Carson City Silver Dollar”

  • A certificate of authenticity (COA) from the U.S. Treasury

  • These coins often come in original GSA plastic holders.

  • Highly collectible and often in great condition!

1883-CC Morgan Dollar GSA w/ Box & CoA
1883-CC Morgan Dollar GSA w/ Box & CoA

❓ FAQs about the 1883 Morgan Dollar

Q: What’s the silver content in a Morgan Dollar?
A: Each coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.

Q: Should I clean my 1883 Morgan Dollar?
A: Never! Cleaning destroys numismatic value. Let the coin show its age.

Q: Is my 1883 Morgan Dollar rare?
A: Possibly. Check for the S mint mark. Get it appraised if you think it is uncirculated.

Final Thoughts: Is the 1883 Morgan Dollar Worth Collecting?

Absolutely. Whether you’re holding a common 1883 Philadelphia Morgan or a rare high-grade 1883-S, these coins are a solid foundation for any U.S. coin collection.

They’re:

  • Steeped in history

  • Made of real silver

  • Visually stunning

  • Increasing in value over time

Looking to Sell? 🔍 Get your coin appraised by our experts or shop our curated Morgan Dollar collection today.

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