How Much Is a 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?
An 1879 Morgan silver dollar is worth between $35 and $65 in average circulated condition for common Philadelphia ("P") or San Francisco ("S") strikes, while uncirculated specimens typically range from $85 to $350+. However, value escalates dramatically depending on the mint mark stamped on the reverse side beneath the eagle’s tail feathers. An 1879 Morgan struck at the Carson City mint ("CC") commands between $250 in worn condition and over $3,500 to $10,000+ in pristine mint state, while rare die varieties like the 1879-S Reverse of 1878 can command thousands of dollars among specialized numismatists.
1879 Morgan Silver Dollar Mint Marks and Value Tiers
Struck during the second official year of the iconic Morgan silver dollar series, the 1879 issue carries historic significance and solid precious metal value. Every authentic Morgan dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver (90% silver and 10% copper), providing an unshakeable bullion floor based on prevailing global silver spot prices regardless of surface wear.
Four United States mint branches struck Morgan dollars in 1879: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), New Orleans (O), and Carson City (CC). Because Carson City produced only 756,000 coins that year compared to over 14.8 million produced in Philadelphia, the 1879-CC stands out as one of the most celebrated and fiercely contested collector rarities in nineteenth-century American coinage.
Evaluating auction records and dealer pricing catalogs demonstrates how mint location and certified Sheldon grades dictate market values.
| Mint Mark & Location | Mintage Total | Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12) | Extremely Fine (EF-40) | Mint State (MS-63 to MS-65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1879-P (Philadelphia) | 14,806,000 | $35 - $45 | $48 - $58 | $95 - $280 |
| 1879-S (San Francisco) | 9,110,000 | $35 - $45 | $48 - $60 | $90 - $220 |
| 1879-O (New Orleans) | 2,887,000 | $38 - $52 | $55 - $85 | $150 - $950 |
| 1879-CC (Carson City) | 756,000 | $250 - $450 | $650 - $1,400 | $3,500 - $12,500+ |
| 1879-CC Capped Die Variety | Included in CC | $350 - $650 | $1,200 - $2,500 | $6,000 - $25,000+ |
Grading Standards and Uncirculated Condition Premiums
The strike quality of 1879 Morgan dollars varies significantly depending on the mint of origin. San Francisco strikes from 1879 are celebrated among numismatists for displaying extraordinarily sharp die details, deep cartwheel luster, and satin-smooth cheek fields on Lady Liberty. Conversely, strikes from the New Orleans mint (reopened in 1879 following the Civil War) frequently exhibit softer, flat hair details over Liberty’s ear and granular luster due to lower die pressure and older refurbished steam coining presses.
The 1879-CC "Capped Die" variety represents one of the most coveted specialty varieties of nineteenth-century American numismatics. When Carson City mint workers prepared dies, an earlier rusty "CC" punch impression created raised metal bumps resembling a small cap or bowler hat over the top of the second letter "C". Certified uncirculated examples of this capped variety routinely command bidding wars exceeding $10,000 to $30,000 at Heritage and Stack’s Bowers auctions.
Understanding the physical metallurgical specifications of genuine 1879 Morgan dollars safeguards collectors against counterfeit coins.
| Specification Metric | Official Standard Value | Tolerance Limit | Significance for Authentication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Coin Weight | 26.73 grams | +/- 0.09 grams | Fakes often weigh 18 to 22 grams using base pot metals |
| Pure Silver Weight | 0.77344 troy ounces | 24.057 grams | Determines the baseline scrap melt value floor |
| Alloy Composition | 90% Silver, 10% Copper | Standard coin silver | Produces distinctive acoustic resonance ping tone |
| Diameter | 38.1 millimeters (1.5 in) | +/- 0.1 mm | Requires precise caliper measurement across outer rim |
| Edge Type | Reeded (187 reeds) | Standard count | Uniform reeding prevents rim shaving and clipping |
Carson City Rarity, Varieties, and Bullion Baselines
Counterfeit detection is critical when buying or selling 1879 Morgan dollars, especially Carson City issues. Sophisticated Chinese and European counterfeiters frequently take genuine, common 1879 Philadelphia dollars and solder an embossed "CC" mint mark onto the reverse fields, or electroplate cast pewter fakes with a thin silver veneer. Professional collectors utilize digital calipers, 0.01-gram scales, and magnetic slide testing—since genuine silver is non-magnetic but creates diamagnetic resistance when slid down a rare-earth neodymium magnet.
Professional grading through PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) dramatically enhances marketability and realized pricing. An uncertified 1879 dollar sold raw to a pawn shop often yields only melt value or a fraction of collector worth. Encapsulating the coin inside a sonically sealed plastic holder guarantees authenticity, provides an undisputed Sheldon numeric grade from 1 to 70, and opens access to nationwide certified collector exchange networks.
Long-term market appreciation for Morgan silver dollars continues to outpace generic bullion bars due to dual-demand drivers. While physical silver spot fluctuations influence common-date circulated coins, rare dates like the 1879-CC behave as blue-chip historical tangible assets. Over the past four decades, high-grade mint state Morgan dollars have demonstrated resilient purchasing power preservation through inflation cycles, banking panics, and currency depreciations.
How to Determine the Exact Value of an 1879 Morgan Dollar
Follow this step-by-step numismatic appraisal procedure to identify mint marks, verify physical authenticity, and estimate market value.
Inspect the Reverse for Mint Marks
Use a 10x jeweler loupe to examine the space beneath the eagle’s wreath ribbon on the reverse; look for CC (Carson City), O (New Orleans), S (San Francisco), or no mark (Philadelphia).
Verify Weight and Dimensions with Digital Tools
Place the coin on a calibrated gram scale to verify it weighs approximately 26.73 grams, and check the 38.1mm diameter with digital calipers to rule out crude counterfeits.
Assess Liberty Hairlines and Breast Feathers
Examine high-wear focal points on Liberty’s ear hair curls and the eagle’s central breast feathers to distinguish circulated grades from uncirculated mint state.
Refrain from Cleaning or Polishing the Surface
Never use metal polish, silver dips, or abrasive cloths; cleaning strips original mint luster and instantly destroys 50% to 80% of numismatic collector value.
Submit to PCGS or NGC for Professional Certification
If the coin is an 1879-CC or appears uncirculated with blazing luster, submit it to PCGS or NGC through an authorized coin dealer for certified authentication and encapsulation.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much silver is in an 1879 Morgan silver dollar?
An authentic 1879 Morgan silver dollar contains exactly 0.77344 troy ounces (24.057 grams) of pure silver alloyed with 10% copper for structural durability.
Q2: Where is the mint mark on an 1879 silver dollar located?
The mint mark is located on the reverse side (back of the coin), centered directly beneath the bow ribbon of the laurel wreath and above the letters D and O in DOLLAR.
Q3: Why is an 1879-CC Morgan dollar worth so much money?
The Carson City mint produced only 756,000 coins in 1879, making it a low-mintage rarity that is heavily sought after by historic Wild West coin collectors.
Q4: What is the melt value of an 1879 silver dollar?
The scrap melt value equals 0.7734 times the current spot price of silver per troy ounce, typically fluctuating between $20 and $30 based on metals markets.
Q5: How can you tell if an 1879 Morgan dollar is uncirculated?
Uncirculated coins retain full original cartwheel mint luster across Liberty’s cheek and show zero flat friction wear on the high points of the eagle’s breast feathers.
Q6: Does cleaning an 1879 silver dollar ruin its value?
Yes, cleaning causes microscopic hairline abrasions and alters natural surface patina, permanently cutting numismatic value by half or more.
Q7: What is an 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Morgan dollar?
It is a transitional variety where the 1879 San Francisco dollar was struck using an older 1878 reverse die featuring parallel top arrow feathers and a flat eagle breast.
Q8: Can you spend an 1879 Morgan dollar as legal tender?
Yes, Morgan dollars remain legal tender in the United States for their face value of one dollar, but spending a coin worth $35 to thousands of dollars would be a severe financial loss.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much is a 1879 morgan silver dollar worth? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.