Quick Answer: Silver dollar values range from $25 (common circulated Morgan/Peace) to $50,000+ (rare key dates). Morgan and Peace dollars contain 0.7734 oz silver (melt ~$19). Eisenhower 40% silver Ikes: $8-$25. American Silver Eagles: spot + premium ($30-$50+). This guide covers every major U.S. silver dollar type.
From the classic Morgan and Peace dollars of the late 1800s and early 1900s to the modern American Silver Eagle, U.S. silver dollars have captivated collectors for over a century. Understanding what makes each type valuable—and how to identify what you have—is the key to accurate valuation.
Types of U.S. Silver Dollars
Quick Reference Table
| Type | Years | Silver Content | Circulated Value | Key Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan | 1878-1921 | 0.7734 oz (90%) | $25-$50 | 1893-S, 1895, 1903-O |
| Peace | 1921-1935 | 0.7734 oz (90%) | $25-$50 | 1921, 1928, 1934-S |
| Eisenhower | 1971-1978 | 0.3161 oz (40% S-mint) | $1.25-$25 | 1972 Type 2 |
| American Silver Eagle | 1986-present | 1.0 oz (99.9%) | Spot + $5-$15 | Varies by year |
Morgan Silver Dollar Values (1878-1921)
The Morgan dollar, designed by George T. Morgan for the U.S. Mint, is the most collected U.S. silver dollar. Over 650 million were struck across 96 different date-and-mint combinations.
Morgan Dollar Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Silver Content | 0.7734 troy oz |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
Morgan Dollar Value by Grade (Common Dates)
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25-$35 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $30-$40 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $35-$50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $40-$60 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $45-$75 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $60-$100 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $100-$200 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $300-$1,000+ |
Key Date Morgan Dollars
| Date | Mintage | MS-65 Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1893-S | 100,000 | $5,000-$15,000 |
| 1895 (proof only) | 880 | $50,000+ |
| 1903-O | 4,450,000 | $500-$2,000 |
| 1889-CC | 350,000 | $1,500-$5,000 |
| 1895-O | 450,000 | $300-$800 |
Peace Silver Dollar Values (1921-1935)
The Peace dollar, designed by Anthony de Francisci, commemorated the end of World War I. Production was limited compared to the Morgan.
Peace Dollar Specifications
Same as Morgan: 90% silver, 0.7734 oz, 26.73g, 38.1mm.
Peace Dollar Value by Grade (Common Dates)
| Grade | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $25-$35 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $30-$42 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $35-$50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $40-$60 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $45-$75 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $60-$100 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $85-$175 |
| Superb Gem (MS-67) | $300-$800 |
Key Date Peace Dollars
| Date | Mintage | MS-65 Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 (High Relief) | 1,006,473 | $750-$1,500 |
| 1928 | 360,649 | $500-$1,500 |
| 1934-S | 1,011,000 | $200-$600 |
| 1928-S | 1,632,000 | $150-$400 |
Eisenhower Dollar Values (1971-1978)
The "Ike" dollar honored President Eisenhower and featured the Apollo 11 mission on the reverse. Circulation strikes were clad; San Francisco produced 40% silver versions for collectors.
Eisenhower Silver Content
Only S-mint (San Francisco) Ikes contain silver—0.3161 troy oz. P and D mint coins are copper-nickel clad.
Eisenhower Value Summary
| Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Clad (P&D) circulated | $1.25-$2 |
| Clad (P&D) uncirculated | $3-$10 |
| 40% Silver (S) uncirculated | $8-$20 |
| 40% Silver (S) proof | $10-$25 |
| 1972 Type 2 (clad) | $50-$200 |
American Silver Eagle Values (1986-Present)
The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States. Each contains 1.0 troy ounce of .999 fine silver.
Silver Eagle Value Factors
- Bullion value: Spot price + $2-$5 (typical premium)
- Proof: Spot + $10-$20
- Reverse Proof, Burnished: Higher premiums
- Key dates: 1995-W, 2019-S Enhanced Reverse Proof, etc.
Silver Eagle Value Ranges
| Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Bullion (common) | Spot + $3-$8 |
| Proof | Spot + $10-$25 |
| Key date proofs | $100-$500+ |
| 1995-W (rare) | $3,000-$10,000+ |
Silver Content and Melt Values
| Coin Type | Silver Content | Melt at $25/oz |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan/Peace | 0.7734 oz | ~$19.34 |
| Eisenhower (40%) | 0.3161 oz | ~$7.90 |
| Silver Eagle | 1.0 oz | ~$25.00 |
Melt value provides a floor. Collector coins typically sell above melt. Use CoinID to check current silver prices and estimate melt value for any silver dollar.
How to Identify Your Silver Dollar
Morgan Dollar
- Liberty with cap, profile left
- Eagle with spread wings, arrows and olive branch
- "E PLURIBUS UNUM" in arc
- Dates: 1878-1904, 1921
Peace Dollar
- Liberty with radiate crown
- Eagle on rock, "PEACE" below
- Dates: 1921-1935
Eisenhower Dollar
- Eisenhower portrait
- Apollo 11 eagle on moon
- Dates: 1971-1978
- Clad = copper edge; Silver = silver edge
American Silver Eagle
- Walking Liberty design (obverse)
- Heraldic eagle (reverse)
- "1 oz. Fine Silver" on reverse
- Dates: 1986-present
Grading Silver Dollars
Condition dramatically affects value. Key factors:
- Wear: High points (cheek, hair, eagle breast) show wear first
- Luster: Uncirculated coins retain original mint luster
- Marks: Bag marks, scratches reduce grade
- Strike: Sharpness of detail
- Eye appeal: Overall attractiveness
Professional grading (PCGS, NGC) adds credibility for valuable coins.
Where to Buy and Sell
Buying: Coin dealers, Heritage Auctions, eBay, APMEX, local coin shows. Certified coins reduce authenticity risk.
Selling: Get multiple offers. Auctions often yield best results for quality pieces. Know melt value as your minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most valuable silver dollar?
The 1895 Morgan (proof only, 880 struck) routinely sells for $50,000+. The 1893-S Morgan is the key circulation strike ($5,000-$15,000 in MS-65).
Are all silver dollars 90% silver?
No. Morgan and Peace dollars are 90% silver. Eisenhower S-mint coins are 40% silver. American Silver Eagles are 99.9% silver. Clad Eisenhower P and D coins have no silver.
How do I know if my silver dollar is real?
Check weight, diameter, and design details. Counterfeits exist—professional authentication (PCGS, NGC) is recommended for valuable coins.
Should I clean my silver dollar?
Never. Cleaning destroys value. Leave coins in their natural state.
Conclusion
U.S. silver dollars span 150 years of American history. From the iconic Morgan and Peace dollars to the modern Silver Eagle, each type offers collectibility and—in most cases—precious metal content. Whether you inherited a coin or are building a collection, understanding type, date, mint mark, and condition is essential for accurate valuation.
Use CoinID to identify your silver dollar and get instant valuation guidance based on current market data.
Silver Dollar Storage and Care
Silver dollars are durable but require proper care. Store in inert holders—no PVC, which can damage surfaces over time. Use Mylar flips, Air-tite capsules, or archival holders. Avoid touching the coin surfaces; hold by the edge. Climate control prevents toning from becoming too dark or spotty. Silver coins can develop attractive natural toning; they can also develop unattractive spots or corrosion in poor conditions. For valuable coins, consider professional grading—slabs protect the coin and authenticate it for future buyers.
Counterfeit Silver Dollars
Counterfeit Morgan and Peace dollars exist. Common fakes: base metal with silver plating, or altered dates/mint marks. Red flags: wrong weight, wrong diameter, magnetic (silver isn't magnetic), soft details, wrong color. When buying valuable coins, purchase from reputable dealers or buy certified (PCGS, NGC). The authentication cost is worth the peace of mind. For common circulated coins, the risk is lower—counterfeiters often focus on higher-value pieces.
Silver Dollars as Gifts
Silver dollars make excellent gifts for collectors and non-collectors alike. A Morgan or Peace dollar in a display holder is a tangible piece of American history. For birth year or milestone years, Eisenhower dollars (1971-1978) or Silver Eagles (1986-present) offer modern options. A complete set of common-date Morgans in a folder makes a memorable graduation or retirement gift. The combination of beauty, history, and intrinsic value makes silver dollars universally appreciated.