1887/6 Morgan Dollar Value What This Rare Overdate Is Really Worth
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1887/6 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $40 in heavily worn condition to well over $500 in mint state, with some high-grade examples fetching thousands at auction. If you’ve come across one of these coins, you may be sitting on something genuinely special — this is one of the most talked-about overdates in the entire Morgan Dollar series.
What Makes the 1887/6 Morgan Dollar So Unique
The 1887/6 Morgan Dollar gets its name from a fascinating minting error. When the U.S. Mint prepared the dies for 1887, workers inadvertently used a leftover 1886 die and punched a new “7” over the old “6.” The result? A coin that clearly shows traces of both digits in the date — a telltale sign collectors call an “overdate.”
These overdates happened fairly regularly during the late 19th century, mostly because the Mint wanted to reuse expensive dies rather than destroy them. But the 1887/6 is particularly prized because the underlying “6” is often clearly visible even on worn examples.
If you’re trying to identify whether your coin is truly an overdate variety, a coin identifier and value app can make the process much easier — just snap a photo and let the technology do the heavy lifting.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How to Tell If Your Coin Is the 1887/6 Overdate
Look closely at the date on your Morgan Dollar. On a genuine 1887/6, you’ll notice the bottom curve of a “6” peeking out beneath the “7” in the date. You may need a basic 5x or 10x magnifying loupe to see it clearly.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
It’s worth noting that not every 1887 Morgan Dollar is an overdate. The regular 1887 issue is far more common, so confirming the overdate feature is critical before assuming extra value.
Once you’ve identified your coin, pay attention to the overall condition. Is the face of Liberty sharp and detailed? Are the eagle’s feathers crisp? Higher-grade coins are worth dramatically more than worn ones, so condition is everything in this hobby.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
1887/6 Morgan Dollar Value by Grade
The value of an 1887/6 Morgan Dollar changes significantly based on its grade. Below is a general value guide to help you understand what the market looks like:
| Grade | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| G-4 (Good) | Heavily worn, date visible | $40 – $60 |
| VF-20 (Very Fine) | Moderate wear, some detail | $100 – $175 |
| EF-40 (Extremely Fine) | Light wear on high points | $200 – $350 |
| MS-60 (Mint State) | No wear, but may have marks | $500 – $800 |
| MS-63 and above | Sharp, lustrous, few blemishes | $1,000+ |
For a deeper look at how this coin performs at auction and in dealer markets, you can review current 1887 Morgan Dollar price data across multiple grades to see real-world pricing trends.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Where Was It Minted and Does That Matter
The 1887/6 overdate was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which means there is no mint mark on the coin — Philadelphia-issued coins of this era were struck without one. You’ll find the mint mark location on the reverse, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR,” but if it’s blank, you’ve got a Philadelphia coin.
The New Orleans Mint also struck Morgan Dollars in 1887 (with an “O” mintmark), but the documented overdate variety is specifically tied to the Philadelphia issue. So mint mark — or the lack of one — matters quite a bit when identifying this variety.
CoinKnow is a handy tool for collectors who want quick information about mint marks, varieties, and values without digging through dense reference books. It puts essential coin knowledge right in your pocket.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Should You Get It Graded and What’s the Best Next Step
If your 1887/6 Morgan Dollar appears to be in EF condition or better, professional grading through PCGS or NGC is absolutely worth considering. A certified grade adds credibility and can significantly increase resale value, especially for mint-state examples.
For circulated coins in lower grades, the cost of grading may exceed the coin’s value — so weigh that decision carefully. Either way, knowing your coin’s true condition is the first step.
CoinKnow can help you quickly estimate a grade before deciding whether to send your coin off to a professional service. It’s a great starting point for everyday collectors who don’t want to spend money grading a coin that turns out to be common.
For a comprehensive breakdown of 1887 silver dollar values across all conditions and varieties, you’ll find detailed information to help guide your next move.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my 1887 Morgan Dollar is the overdate variety?
A: Look at the “7” in the date under magnification. On the 1887/6 overdate, you’ll see the curved base of a “6” underneath the “7.” If the date looks clean with no underlying digit, you likely have the standard 1887 issue, which is more common and less valuable.
Q: Is the 1887/6 Morgan Dollar rare?
A: It’s considered a scarce variety rather than a true rarity. Enough examples exist that collectors can find them, but they’re far less common than the regular 1887 Morgan Dollar. In higher mint-state grades, they become genuinely difficult to find, which drives prices up considerably.
Q: What’s the best way to sell an 1887/6 Morgan Dollar?
A: If your coin is circulated, selling to a local coin dealer or through an online marketplace like eBay is straightforward. For higher-grade examples, consider having it certified first and then listing it through a reputable coin auction house. CoinKnow can also help you research recent sale prices so you don’t leave money on the table.
