The 1879 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 or more in pristine uncirculated grades. If you stumbled across one of these beautiful old silver coins in a drawer, a jar, or an estate collection, you’re in luck — this is one of the most collectible American coins ever made, and even average examples carry solid value.
What Makes the 1879 Morgan Dollar Special
The 1879 Morgan Dollar holds a unique place in American history. It was the very first year the Morgan dollar was struck, designed by George T. Morgan, whose initial “M” appears just above the eagle’s tail on the reverse side. That alone makes it iconic.
These coins were made of 90% silver and weighed 26.73 grams, giving them real metal value on top of their collector appeal. With over 14 million minted at the Philadelphia Mint alone in 1879, they’re not rare in a strict sense — but condition matters enormously.
Whether you’re a first-time coin finder or a seasoned collector, using a free coin identifier app is a smart first step to figure out exactly what you’ve got before making any decisions.
1879 Morgan Dollar Value by Grade and Mint Mark
The 1879 Morgan Dollar was struck at four different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC). The mint mark is found on the reverse side of the coin, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.”
Carson City issues are typically the most valuable due to their lower mintage. The 1879-CC is especially sought after by collectors and can fetch hundreds of dollars even in circulated grades.
Here’s a general value breakdown to give you a starting point:
| Mint Mark | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Uncirculated (MS-63) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1879 (Philadelphia) | $30–$35 | $38–$45 | $55–$75 | $175–$300 |
| 1879-O (New Orleans) | $30–$38 | $40–$55 | $65–$90 | $200–$400 |
| 1879-S (San Francisco) | $35–$45 | $48–$65 | $75–$110 | $300–$600 |
| 1879-CC (Carson City) | $150–$200 | $300–$450 | $700–$1,200 | $3,000+ |
For the most up-to-date pricing data on certified and auction examples, you can explore 1879 Morgan Dollar prices across mint state grades at CoinHix, which tracks real market values pulled from recent sales.
How Condition Affects the 1879 Morgan Dollar Price
Condition is everything in coin collecting. A well-worn 1879 Morgan Dollar with flat details and heavy scratches might only be worth its silver melt value — currently around $20 to $25 depending on the silver spot price. But a lightly circulated example with clear hair detail on Lady Liberty and a sharp eagle on the reverse can jump to $50 to $100 quickly.
Uncirculated coins — those that never saw use in everyday commerce — are where values really climb. Coins graded MS-65 or higher by services like PCGS or NGC can sell for thousands, especially for the Carson City and San Francisco issues.
If you want a thorough look at how different grades translate into actual dollar values, check out this detailed breakdown of 1879 silver dollar values by grade and mint mark — it covers everything from worn examples to gem uncirculated specimens.
How to Find Out What Your 1879 Morgan Dollar Is Worth
The quickest way to get a real-world estimate is to use CoinHix, a dedicated coin valuation app that pulls pricing data from actual market sales. Just snap a photo of your coin, and CoinHix will help identify the mint mark, grade range, and current value — no coin expertise required.
You’ll also want to check both sides of the coin carefully. Look for the mint mark on the reverse, assess the overall sharpness of the design, and note any nicks, cleaning, or damage. Cleaned coins lose significant collector value, so honesty about condition matters.
Professional grading through PCGS or NGC is worth considering if your coin looks uncirculated or if it’s a Carson City issue. Certification can dramatically increase buyer confidence and selling price.
Is the 1879 Morgan Dollar a Good Find
Absolutely. Even a common Philadelphia-mint example in average circulated condition contains about 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, giving it a solid base value tied directly to the silver market. On top of that, the collector demand for Morgan dollars is consistently strong — they’re among the most traded coins in the hobby.
CoinHix makes it easy to stay updated on silver prices and coin values simultaneously, so you always know what your collection is worth in real time.
Whether you’re thinking of selling, holding, or just satisfying your curiosity, the 1879 Morgan Dollar is a genuinely exciting coin to have on hand.
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my 1879 Morgan Dollar has a mint mark?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse (eagle side) and look just above the letters “DO” in the word “DOLLAR.” You’ll see a small letter — O for New Orleans, S for San Francisco, CC for Carson City — or nothing at all for Philadelphia.
Q: Can a cleaned 1879 Morgan Dollar still be valuable?
A: Yes, but significantly less so. Cleaned coins are considered damaged by collectors and typically sell for 20% to 50% less than uncleaned examples in the same grade. If you find an old coin, resist the urge to polish it.
Q: Where is the best place to sell a 1879 Morgan Dollar?
A: Options include local coin dealers, online auction platforms like eBay, or coin shows. For high-grade or Carson City examples, getting it certified first through PCGS or NGC and selling through a major auction house can maximize your return. Use CoinHix to research recent sale prices before committing to any offer.
