1880 Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1880 Morgan silver dollar, designed by George T. Morgan, was minted during the height of silver coinage in the United States. This iconic coin features Liberty on the obverse and a bald eagle on the reverse. The 1880 Morgan dollar is valued by collectors for its historic significance and overdate varieties, especially the "80 over 79" version. Despite its wide availability, high-grade uncirculated examples and proofs attract significant interest.
Historical context
The 1880 Morgan silver dollar was minted at four U.S. Mint locations: Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco. The coin was produced under the requirements of the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which mandated the purchase of large amounts of silver for coinage. Despite millions being minted, many ended up in Treasury vaults, as silver dollars were not popular in circulation. The overdates using leftover 1879 dies make the 1880 Morgan silver dollar particularly interesting to numismatists.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Size | 38.1 millimeters |
| Denomination | 1 USD |
| Gross Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Actual Silver Weight | 0.7734 troy ounces of silver |
| Fineness/Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 38.1 millimeters |
| Thickness | 2.4 millimeters |
| Specific Gravity | ~10.34 |
| Numismatic Price Range | $35 - $27917 |
Coin description
Obverse: The obverse features a portrait of Liberty facing left, adorned with a cap and small crown and surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies. The inscription "E Pluribus Unum" and the year "1880" are present. Reverse: The reverse shows a bald eagle with spread wings clutching an olive branch and arrows, symbolizing peace and strength. A wreath surrounds the eagle, and the inscriptions "United States of America," "In God We Trust," and "One Dollar" are displayed.
Cultural and
numismatic significance
The 1880 Morgan silver dollar is highly regarded among coin collectors due to its historical background and the distinctive overdate varieties. The "80 over 79" versions are particularly prized for their rarity and die variations. In higher mint states, such as MS-65 and above, the coin commands a significant premium. The Morgan dollar series is one of the most popular in U.S. numismatics, and the 1880 issue is no exception, especially with its mintmarks from Philadelphia, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco.
Numismatic value
The value of an 1880 Morgan dollar varies based on condition:
* Circulated Grades:
* Very Fine: $35
* Extremely Fine: $40
* About Uncirculated: $50
* Uncirculated (Mint State) Grades:
* MS-61: $65
* MS-63: $85
* MS-65: $375
* Auction Record (MS-67): $27,917
Proof versions and overdates are valued higher, and bag marks can affect prices. The value in circulated conditions is often tied to the silver content.
Frequently Asked Questions
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