What is the value of an 1890 US silver dollar?

  Improve

Look on the back of the coin to see if there's a small mint mark letter above the DO in DOLLAR. It may be blank or there may be an O, S or CC. (The M on the front of the coin is the designer's monogram and not a mint mark.)

Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 08/2011. In lower grades, all mint marks except CC are worth only a bit more than their silver melt value of roughly 0.77 times the current price of silver.

No mint mark (Philadelphia):
Very worn condition - $38
Moderately worn - $39
Slightly worn - $40
Almost no wear - $42
Uncirculated - $50 to $15,940 depending on quality

"O" mint mark (New Orleans):
Very worn - $38
Moderately worn - $39
Slightly worn - $40
Almost no wear - $42
Uncirculated - $60 to $9,590

"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Very worn - $38
Moderately worn - $39
Slightly worn - $40
Almost no wear - $43
Uncirculated - $58 to $8,910

"CC" mint mark (Carson City):
Very worn - $69
Moderately worn - $87
Slightly worn - $107
Almost no wear - $218
Uncirculated - $390 to $40,300

DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.

FAQ's about Morgan dollars

E Pluribus Unum
The motto E Pluribus Unum (Latin for "Out of Many, One") is on ALL $1 coins minted since 1878 so that's not specific enough to ID any one coin.

Silver Eagles
Silver eagles are bullion coins minted since 1986 for sale to collectors but not for spending. Morgan dollars were made for use in ordinary circulation just like dimes and quarters.

First answer by WorkingMan. Last edit by JayKay. Contributor trust: 2400 [recommend contributorrecommended]. Question popularity: 54 [recommend question].