Silver dollars once played a vital role in American currency, with some still surviving in collections today. Though these coins have long been out of circulation, certain rare silver dollars are worth a lot more than just a dollar. Some of these historic coins can fetch hundreds of thousands, or even millions, at auction.
Knowing how to identify these valuable silver dollars is the key to turning an old coin into a major windfall. While today’s dollar coins are no longer made of silver, if you happen to come across an old stash from a family member or your collection, you might just be sitting on a fortune.
Here are six of the most valuable silver dollars in U.S. history that could bring you big bucks.
The 6 Most Valuable Silver Dollars:
| Silver Dollar | Value |
|---|---|
| 1885 Trade Proof Silver Dollar | $3,960,000 |
| 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar | $2,086,875 |
| 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar | $1,092,500 |
| 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar | $750,000 |
| 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar | $630,000 |
| 1901-S Morgan Silver Dollar | $587,500 |
The Rarest Morgan Silver Dollars
Morgan silver dollars are among the most sought-after coins by collectors. Named after their designer, George T. Morgan, these coins were minted between 1878 and 1904, and once again in 1921. They’re composed of 90% silver and are a popular target for collectors. Some of these coins have set record-breaking prices at auctions.
Here are some of the most valuable Morgan silver dollars to keep an eye out for:
1. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
This coin is a treasure for any collector. Its rarity, combined with its incredible condition, helped it fetch a staggering $2,086,875 at auction. With only a few examples graded higher than MS65, this coin is truly one-of-a-kind.
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2. 1884-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1884-S Morgan dollar from the San Francisco Mint might not seem like much at first, but well-preserved versions are rare and highly valued. One of these coins in pristine condition (graded MS68) sold for $750,000.
3. 1892-S Morgan Silver Dollar
While over a million of these coins were minted, finding one in excellent condition is extremely rare. The highest-graded examples can sell for more than $630,000.
4. 1901-S Morgan Silver Dollar
Despite being a rare find in mint condition, early sales of the 1901-S didn’t reflect its true value. It wasn’t until collectors realized its rarity that its price skyrocketed, with the most recent sale going for $587,500.
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Other Highly Valuable Silver Dollars
While Morgan silver dollars are the most famous, there are other valuable silver dollars worth mentioning, such as Liberty Seated Dollars and the incredibly rare 1885 Proof Trade Dollar.
5. 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar
Minted in the 1800s, these coins are famous for their beautiful design and scarcity. An 1870-S Liberty Seated Dollar, in mint condition, fetched $1,092,500 at auction. Only 12 examples of this coin are known to exist today.
6. 1885 Trade Proof Silver Dollar
This is one of the rarest coins ever minted in the U.S. Only five of these Proof Trade Dollars were ever made, and all are accounted for. One recently sold at Heritage Auctions for an incredible $3,960,000.
What to Look for When Selling Silver Dollars
If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare silver dollars, you might be wondering how to get the most value out of your coin. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Condition and Grading Matter
The condition of your silver dollar can significantly impact its value. Coins in mint condition or those that are professionally graded are always more valuable. The higher the grade (especially anything MS65 and above), the higher the price you can expect to get. - Historical Importance or Provenance
A coin that has a clear documented history, showing who owned it previously, can sometimes fetch a higher price. Collectors are often willing to pay more for coins that have a well-known or interesting provenance. - Collector Demand
Morgan dollars are consistently in high demand among coin collectors. Even lower-graded versions can sell for decent amounts of money, but finding a rare high-grade example can result in significant profit. - Beware of Imitations
With so much value attached to certain silver dollars, counterfeits and reproductions can be a concern. Always have your coin authenticated by a professional before attempting to sell it.
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Final Thoughts
While not every old silver dollar you come across will be worth millions, some truly rare ones can bring in life-changing amounts of money. If you’re lucky enough to own one of the coins mentioned above, it’s worth having it professionally appraised to see just how much it’s worth today. Silver dollars may no longer be in everyday use, but their value continues to climb, making them one of the most sought-after collectibles in the world.