1879 Morgan Dollar Value What This Classic Silver Coin Is Worth Today
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The 1879 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $30 in heavily worn condition to well over $1,000 or more in high mint state grades — and certain rare varieties can fetch tens of thousands of dollars at auction. If you found one of these silver coins tucked away in an old drawer or inherited it from a family member, you’re holding a genuine piece of American history, and it could be worth a lot more than you think.
What Makes the 1879 Morgan Dollar Special
The 1879 Morgan Dollar holds a unique place in U.S. coinage history. It was one of the very first Morgan dollars ever struck, with production beginning in 1878. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a powerful eagle on the reverse — imagery that has captivated collectors for over 140 years.
What makes these coins exciting for everyday finders is that they were produced at four different mint facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC). Each mint produced a different quantity, and that affects value significantly.
The Carson City mint mark in particular carries a major premium. An 1879-CC Morgan in circulated condition can easily be worth hundreds of dollars, while a Philadelphia issue in similar shape might be worth around $35–$50. Even if your coin looks worn, it’s made of 90% silver, which gives it a baseline value just from metal content.
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If you’re not sure what mint mark you’re looking at, a coin identifier and value app can help you scan your coin and instantly identify the mint mark, date variety, and current market value — no coin expertise required.
1879 Morgan Dollar Value by Mint Mark and Grade
The value of your 1879 Morgan Dollar depends heavily on two things: the mint mark on the reverse (just above the “DO” in DOLLAR) and the coin’s grade or condition. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:
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| Mint Mark | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | MS-63 | MS-65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1879 (Philadelphia) | $32 | $38 | $55 | $175 | $1,200+ |
| 1879-O (New Orleans) | $32 | $42 | $70 | $400 | $5,000+ |
| 1879-S (San Francisco) | $35 | $45 | $65 | $200 | $900+ |
| 1879-CC (Carson City) | $200 | $450 | $900 | $5,000+ | $25,000+ |
For a deeper look at current auction results and certified coin prices, you can browse 1879 Morgan Dollar MS grade price data to see what collectors are actually paying right now. Prices can shift with silver markets and collector demand, so real-time data matters.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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How to Grade Your 1879 Morgan Dollar at Home
You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to get a rough idea of your coin’s grade. Start by looking at the high points of the design — Lady Liberty’s cheek, hair above the ear, and the eagle’s breast feathers on the reverse. These areas wear down first.
If those areas look flat and dull, your coin is likely in “Good” or “Fine” condition. If the details are sharp and you can see clear feather definition on the eagle, you might have an “Extremely Fine” or even uncirculated coin.
Look for any shine or luster remaining on the coin’s surface. A coin that still has its original mint luster — even partially — is worth significantly more. Dirt or cleaning can hurt value, so resist the urge to rub or polish the coin.
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CoinKnow makes this process easy for beginners. Just take a clear photo of both sides of your coin under good lighting, and the app will give you an estimated grade range and value — all in under a minute.
The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Variety
One exciting variety to watch for is the 1879-S “Reverse of 1878.” In 1878, the Morgan dollar’s reverse featured eight tail feathers on the eagle; by 1879, the design shifted to seven. Some 1879-S coins were struck using the older reverse die, creating a collectible variety that commands a notable premium.
In MS-64 condition, this variety can be worth $300–$500 or more compared to the standard 1879-S. It takes a trained eye to spot the difference in tail feather count, but once you know what to look for, it’s a fun treasure hunt.
For complete 1879 Morgan Dollar value details including variety breakdowns and historical auction records, check out this detailed 1879 silver dollar value guide that covers everything from worn examples to top-tier certified specimens.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Should You Get Your 1879 Morgan Dollar Graded?
Professional grading through a service like PCGS or NGC can dramatically increase buyer confidence and, in many cases, the price you can get for your coin. If your 1879 Morgan Dollar appears to be in uncirculated condition, or if you believe you have a rare variety like the 1879-CC, it’s likely worth the grading fee.
For coins worth less than $100, grading usually isn’t cost-effective. But for anything that looks sharp, original, and problem-free, a certified grade can turn a $200 coin into a $500 coin — or more.
CoinKnow can help you decide whether professional grading is worth it before you spend the money. Just run your coin through the app to get a realistic value estimate first.
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Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find the mint mark on my 1879 Morgan Dollar?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse (eagle side) and look just above the “DO” in DOLLAR, at the bottom center of the design. You’ll see a small letter — O for New Orleans, S for San Francisco, CC for Carson City. No letter means it was made in Philadelphia.
Q: Is my 1879 Morgan Dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes. All Morgan dollars, including the 1879 issue, are struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver, giving it a melt value tied to the current silver spot price — usually around $25–$28 per troy ounce in recent markets.
Q: What’s the most valuable 1879 Morgan Dollar ever sold?
A: The 1879-CC in the highest certified grades has sold for over $30,000 at major auctions. A top-graded 1879 Philadelphia issue in MS-68 condition once sold for tens of thousands as well, proving that even the common dates can be extraordinary when the quality is truly exceptional.
