The first Silver Dollar (known as the “Morgan Dollar”) was minted in 1878. However, the 1880 Silver Dollar is one of the most desired minted coins of the series. You may wonder what’s so special about those minted that year. Also, how much is an 1880 Morgan Dollar worth today?
This guide will provide a definite answer to these questions and more. We’ll also be exploring everything there’s to know about the 1880 Silver Dollar, including its history, varieties, key features, error, and grading.
The 1880 Silver Dollar Details
The Morgan Dollar is a sought-after coin among American numismatic collectors and enthusiasts. This coin was produced at the Philadelphia, Carson City, and New Orleans Mints and is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper.
On the obverse (front) is a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty with the inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above and the year “1880” just below. On Lady Liberty’s curly hair is the inscription “Liberty;” she also dons a Phrygian cap adorned with wheat stalks, flowers, and leaves. Designed by George T. Morgan, the coin’s obverse also features seven stars to Lady Liberty’s left and six stars to her right.
The coin’s reverse (back) features an eagle with a shield on its chest, as well as the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above the eagle and “ONE DOLLAR” below. The eagle sits on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. Immediately above the eagle are the words “In God we trust,” while a half wreath of olive branches resides just below the eagle.
Even though the Morgan Dollar was intended to be a “business strike,” a small number of proof coins were struck by the Philadelphia Mint in 1880 and are highly valued by collectors.
The 1880 Silver Dollar is also notable for its low mintage and historical significance and marks the end of the “Seated Liberty” design series. Its condition, from well-worn “Good” to “Mint State” (uncirculated), affects its value, with proof coins being the most valuable. Still, the 1880 Silver Dollar is a top-rated coin among collectors and can bring a high price, especially in high grades and rare varieties.
Here’s a rundown of the 1880 Silver Dollar details:
- Category: Morgan Dollars
- Mint: No Mint Mark
- Mintage: About 27,000,000
- Obverse designer: George T. Morgan
- Reverse designer: George T. Morgan
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Fineness: 0.900
- Weight: 26.73 g
- ASW: 0.77344 oz
Also Read: Top 21 Most Valuable 2000 P Sacagawea Dollar Coin Worth Money
The 1880 Silver Dollar Value Chart
1880 Silver Dollar Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1880 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar Value | $22.52 | $23.90 | $26.19 | $26.19 |
| 1880 “CC” Silver Dollar Value | $122 | $172 | $267 | $584 |
| 1880 “O” Silver Dollar Value | $23.90 | $25.00 | $27.57 | $79.52 |
| 1880 “S” Silver Dollar Value | $22.52 | $22.52 | $25.00 | $45.79 |
1880 Silver Dollar Value and Varieties Guides
The 1880 Morgan Dollars were of different varieties, each minted in separate locations, as we’ll see below.
1880 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar
- Type: Morgan Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: Nil
- Place of minting: Philaphedia
- Year of minting: 1880
- Face Value: $1
- $ Price: $15 to $50 (for a coin in good condition)
- Quantity produced: About 12,600,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan (obverse and reverse)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Mass: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
The 1880 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar is a type of Morgan Dollar that was minted in Philadelphia in 1880 and accounts for the bulk of coins minted that year. It features a reeded edge and doesn’t have a mint mark. This coin has a face value of $1 and typically sells for between $15 to $50 in good condition. Designed by George T. Morgan, it’s composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, weighing 26.73 g and measuring 38.1 mm in diameter.
1880 “CC” Silver Dollar
- Type: Morgan Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: CC
- Place of minting: Carson City
- Year of minting: 1880
- Face Value: $1
- $ Price: $75 to $300 (for a coin in good condition)
- Quantity produced: About 495,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan (obverse and reverse)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Mass: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
The 1880 “CC” Silver Dollar are the Morgan Dollars minted in Carson City in 1880. It features a reeded edge and bears the “CC” mint mark. Boasting a face value of $1, this coin can typically fetch a value of $75 to $300 for one in good condition. Their relatively high value is due to the low mintage recorded in Carson City, making this coin variety somewhat rarer than the others.
1880 “O” Silver Dollar
- Type: Morgan Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: O
- Place of minting: New Orleans
- Year of minting: 1880
- Face Value: $1
- $ Price: $30 to $100 (for a coin in good condition)
- Quantity produced: About 5,000,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan (obverse and reverse)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Mass: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
The 1880 “O” Silver Dollar is a coin of the Morgan Dollar type, characterized by its reeded edge. This coin was minted in New Orleans in 1880 and has a face value of $1. The coin can be valued between $30 and $100, depending on its condition. About 5,000,000 of these coins were minted, so their value is lesser than those struck at Carson City but still higher than Philadelphia’s.
1880 “S” Silver Dollar
- Type: Morgan Dollar
- Edge: Reeded
- Mint Mark: S
- Place of minting: San Francisco
- Year of minting: 1880
- Face Value: $1
- $ Price: $25 to $100 (for a coin in good condition)
- Quantity produced: About 9,000,000
- Designer: George T. Morgan (obverse and reverse)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Mass: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 mm
The 1880 “S” Silver Dollar, part of the Morgan Dollar series, is a coin with a reeded edge and was minted in San Francisco in 1880. It has a face value of $1 and is designed by George T. Morgan. The coin’s value in good condition can range between $25 and $100, which is a good bargain, considering the total mintage of about 9,000,000.
Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Morgan Dollars Worth Money
The 1880 Silver Dollar History
The Morgan Dollar, named after its designer, George T. Morgan, the Mint’s Assistant Engraver, was first minted in 1878. It replaced the “Seated Liberty Dollar” and was produced annually from 1878 to 1904, with additional issues in 1921 and 2021.
Morgan, brought to the US from London by recommendation of the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint, C. W. Fremantle, served as a support to the Chief Engraver, William Barber. Each coin comprises 90% silver and 10% copper (for added strength), measures 1.5 inches, and weighs nearly 27 g.
The Morgan Dollar was produced in high quantities, with the 1880 issue alone accounting for about 27 million strikes. Different mints, such as Philadelphia, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City, contributed to the production, which was mandated by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878.
The constitution required the Treasury to purchase between $2 million and $4 million worth of silver monthly to be converted into coins. The production and circulation of the Morgan Dollar were significantly impacted by government legislation.
In 1890, the Bland-Allison Act, which had mandated the production of the coin, was repealed and replaced with the Sherman Silver Purchase Act. This increased mintages until 1893 when the economy struggled, and the Act was repealed.
The coin’s production continued until the Barber series was introduced in 1904. Then, despite the Pittman Act’s 1918 passage causing a shortage of Silver Dollars, minting of the coin resumed in 1921. The remaining government-owned silver was used to mint Morgan Dollars until 1904, marking the end of the series.
Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Silver Eagles Worth Money
1880 Silver Dollar Grading
The assessment of the condition of the 1880 Silver Dollar is used to determine its value, with the best quality being referred to as “Mint State” (uncirculated) and the lowest being “Good” (well-worn).
Coins that are in better condition are considered to be more valuable by collectors. The evaluation process is carried out by professional coin grading firms (like the PCGS or NGC) who assign a numerical grade and authenticate the coin’s authenticity and condition.
Here’s a YouTube video explaining in detail the grading process for 1880 Silver Dollar coins
Lists of 1880 Silver Dollar Errors
The 1880 Silver Dollar coin mintage did include errors, which are surprisingly more valued than regular coins of the same series. This is possibly due to their unique design and their high level of scarcity.
Here are the most common ones:
1. 1880 Silver Dollar Overdate in Reverse
The 1880 No Mint Mark Silver Dollar was produced in large quantities, meaning several error coins abound on the market. These include coins struck in 1879 in Carson City and dated 1880 but paired with the reverse for the 1878 coins. An example graded MS67 sold at auction in 2013 for almost $55,000.
Other varieties include an 1880 dollar with an “overdate” — a 0 over a 9. An auction record for this coin was set in 2012 for a piece graded MS68, which sold for $17,250. Another overdated coin from San Francisco, a slightly different variety, sold at auction in 2019 for $48,000.
2. 1880 S Morgan Dollar Doubled Date
The most common cause of a doubled date error on an 1880 S Morgan Dollar is the use of a worn or damaged die that had been used to strike coins before; this results in the misalignment of the date when it’s used again. The end product is double digits, with one set appearing slightly displaced from the other. Some coins may exhibit only a slight doubling, while others may show a very noticeable doubling.
The value of an 1880 S Morgan Dollar With a Doubled Date depends on its condition, the rarity of error, and the degree of doubling. The value increases with greater doubling intensity and better condition on coins.
1880 Silver Dollar Value FAQ
Where is the mint mark on an 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar?
On an 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar, the mint mark is located on the coin’s reverse side, just between the letters “D” and “O” of the word “DOLLAR.” Coins minted in Philadelphia don’t have a mint mark, while those minted in San Francisco, New Orleans, and Carson City have an “S,” “O,” and “CC” mint mark, respectively.
What year Silver Dollars are the most valuable?
Some of the most valuable Silver Dollars include the 1804 Silver Dollar, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel, and the 1894-S Barber dime.
Additionally, the early years of Morgan and Peace Dollars are more valuable than later years. Coins in high grades, with slight wear and tear, are also considered more valuable. Finally, coins produced in small quantities, like the Carson City minted coins, are more valuable than those produced in large quantities.
How much silver is in an 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar?
An 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar comprises 90% silver and 10% copper, which amounts to approximately 0.77344 troy ounces of silver.
How do I know if my Silver Dollar is worth money?
To determine the value of a Silver Dollar, you should first identify the date and mint mark of the coin. Then, examine the coin’s condition, as better-quality coins are generally more valuable.
Research the coin’s rarity, historical significance, and mintage. You can also consult coin value guides or have the coin appraised by a professional coin dealer or grading service (such as PCGS or NGC). The value of a Silver Dollar can vary greatly, so it’s essential to gather as much information as possible before determining its worth.
How do I know if my 1880 Silver Dollar is real?
One way to check if your 1880 Silver Dollar is genuine is to check its magnetism. While silver isn’t magnetic, some counterfeit coins might be made of other magnetic metals. You could also examine the coin under a microscope or loupe, as counterfeits often have less intricate details than genuine coins.
Another good idea is to compare your coin to a known genuine example to see if there are any differences in the coin’s design, engraving, or other features.
Conclusion
The 1880 Silver Dollar, or Morgan Dollar, is a popular and valuable collectible coin highly sought-after by collectors due to its design, historical significance, and rarity. Several factors influence the coin’s value, including its condition, rarity, and demand, with specific dates and mint marks fetching higher prices.
However, with the proper knowledge and expertise, collectors can find great value in owning an 1880 Silver Dollar. Lastly, remember it’s vital that you seek the advice of a professional numismatist or coin expert before making any purchases of coins to ensure their authenticity and condition.
I have 2 Morgan dollars 1880s and 1887s. I weighed them and each with the kitchen scale I am using is only 25g each. What does this mean?