Coin Values Moving with Precious Metals: Up-Dated 2/8/2021: Gold $1813 | Silver $26.90
Pushed higher by bullion prices your 1921 Morgan silver dollar value is a minimum of $24.55 . And of higher value to collectors are those found today in top preservation.
Note: Two designs were used in 1921: if your dollar does not match the image see Peace Dollar Values.
The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar: A Popular Silver Coin for the Ages The 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar is a popular coin for collectors all over the world. It was an important coin that helped usher in the westward expansion of the United States. – Minted from 1878-1904, and once again in 1921, the Morgan silver dollar is one of America's most popular collectible coins. To fully understand the history of these 90% silver beauties, we first have to go back to the era of our nation's great gold and silver rushes – particularly 1859 and the great Comstock Lode!
Quality of preservation is the key driver to realizing higher potential with your coin. Although a very old coin, 1921 Morgan dollars are available in large quantities in circulated, worn condition. Today's collectors focus on examples that are in the top range of 'uncirculated' condition.
Pictured to the right is a gem uncirculated 1921 silver dollar. It is of the quality that commands a significant premium. Lustrous, no wear, few abrasions and eye appeal place it high on collectors want list.
Another consideration is the mint that struck your coin. Mintmarks were used to identify the various mints at the time, each is collected and valued separately. Below the value chart are sections covering both identifying mintmarks and determining condition. Accurate 1921 Morgan silver dollar value relies on these details.
Mintmarks placed on these 1921 dollars indicate the branch mint that struck your coin. Philadelphia the main mint did not use a mintmark, however look on the reverse above the DO in DOLLAR for marks indicating the other mints. San Francisco struck coins using an 'S', and Denver used a 'D' mintmark. Historically; 1921 is the only year the Denver mint produced Morgan silver dollars.
| 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Values | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Values Updated | 2/8/2021 | |||
| 1921 | $24.55 | $25.44 | $28.24 | $45.19 |
| 1921 D | $24.55 | $25.44 | $28.24 | $49.49 |
| 1921 S | $24.55 | $25.44 | $28.24 | $49.49 |
Top Quality 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Value
Special in many ways, the coin pictured is one of the finest survivors of all the 1921 silver dollars minted at the Denver mint. Of the over 20 million struck, this coin is one of just an elite few this nice. Also notable; it is the only year Morgan dollars were minted at the Denver facility, giving it extra collector appeal.
From a distance the radiating blue and white luster captures the eye highlighting the bold, well defined strike. Adding character, a slight amount of natural deep blue toning has developed along parts of the rim framing Liberty.
Close-up this stunning example displays why it is so special. Virtually no contact marks are seen and only tiny disruptions or abrasions to the delicate luster. A coin with extraordinary handling since the moment it was struck.
Drawing the attention of many collectors and dealers it reached a bid of $1600 at a David Lawrence rare coin auction. A price multiples above other uncirculated 1921 dollars. A special combination of great looks and preservation sets this 1921 Morgan silver dollar value high.
Judge Condition to Accurately Value Your 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar
Follow along with the images and descriptions as a Morgan dollar begins to wear from freshly minted 'Uncirculated' condition, to a very worn example in 'Good' condition. By judging the different stages of wear, a 'Grade' is determined. The greater the detail remaining, the greater your 1921 Morgan silver dollar value.
Uncirculated: To reach 'uncirculated' condition all original, as minted detail must remain. None has been removed due to wear. OK are nicks and abrasions from contact with other coins, this is normal due to the minting and storage process of silver dollars. Confirming the uncirculated grade is mint luster remaining on the entire surface, including her chin, neck line and hair below and above the ear. These areas are the first to wear and exhibit a dull and smooth texture once in circulation.
Extremely Fine: Once silver dollars begin to show slight wear their condition is graded as 'extremely fine.' Noticeable within the hair above Liberty's forehead and behind her neck, flattening is evident. Wear and loss of roundness also shows atop the folds of her cap. Your coin in this condition is still very sharp and crisp.
Fine: Circulation has now reduced most of the finer design detail to the point of merging. Clearly visible, moderate wear describes silver dollars in 'fine' condition. Liberty's hair both above and below the ear is noticeably worn with wide flat spots now replacing the original fine lines. Turning to the reverse, the leaves in the wreath are now very flat, most feathers in the eagle's neck have merged and the very tip of the wings lack any detail.
Good: Noticeable, heavy wear has reduced the entire design to just a few elements. A silver dollar with extensive wear is designated as 'good' condition. Wear has removed most detail leaving Liberty as an outline in low relief. Remaining are a few and now flattened hair curls showing behind her neck and ear. However the eagle on the reverse does show a few feathers close to the legs. In this condition your 1884 Morgan silver dollar value is tied mostly to bullion silver price.
Coin Values | CoinStudy Articles
Date by Date
In Depth Morgan Silver Dollar Value
1878 to 1921
1878 | 1885 | 1892 | 1899 |
1879 | 1886 | 1893 | 1900 |
1880 | 1887 | 1894 | 1901 |
1881 | 1888 | 1895 | 1902 |
1882 | 1889 | 1896 | 1903 |
1883 | 1890 | 1897 | 1904 |
1884 | 1891 | 1898 | 1921 |
Many rare and valuable dates and mintmark combinations are found throughout the entire 1878 through 1921 history of Morgan silver dollars. With a minimum value of $24.55 and rising from there, accurately determine how much your rare silver coins are worth.
No surprise here, the large size and classic designs insure Silver Dollars are one of the favorites with collectors. Each series is covered in detail, with values listed for all dates and mintmarks, including more on your 1921 Morgan silver dollar value. Compare your coins to images in the sections 'How to grade Silver Dollars' and accurately discover how much your old dollars are worth.
★Coin Values Discovery finds... 1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Value and...
Today there is a wide range of common to rare coin values found in your box of old coins. From your old pennies to gold coins, all US coin series are covered. Check value charts, identify mintmark locations and judge condition using grading images… all combine to accurately discover the value of your old coins.
Preparing to Sell Silver Coins
Silver dollars, the Morgan and Peace series, are in demand by dealers. These old coins are very liquid in the coin collecting market. There are always buyers interested in purchasing your coins. Receive the highest price by separating the collectable from the bullion priced pieces. For more info see the Sell Silver Coins article.
Morgan silver dollars range in price from as low as $20 to as high as tens of thousands of dollars. It depends on their condition and the date they were minted, among other factors.
You're probably thinking: That's quite a wide range! This is why you should consult a numismatic expert to appraise the value of your coin when you’re ready to sell.
Each Morgan dollar is struck from 90% silver. Its fine silver weight is 0.77344 troy oz. (Gold and silver are measured in troy ounces.)
Popular Morgan Dollars
If your Morgan dollar is a special variety, it will likely command a higher price. These varieties are commonly known as VAMs. Some of them have earned fascinating nicknames. Most VAMs can only be seen under magnification, but a handful are visible with the naked eye.
Numismatists have even traced the history of each VAM to the dies used to strike the coins.
The abbreviation comes from 'Van Allen Mallis.' These are the last names of the experts who first documented the varieties.
Here are a few of the most popular VAM Morgan silver dollars.
1888-O 'Scarface'
'Scarface' Morgan dollar. Image source: VAMWorld
A die break caused one of the most famous Morgan dollar VAMs called 'Scarface.' A fracture in the die used to strike these coins left a prominent raised line on Lady Liberty's cheek.
1888-O 'Hot Lips'
'Hot Lips' Morgan dollar VAM. Image source: VAMWorld
The 'Hot Lips' VAM is the result of a mint error known as a doubled die. This causes parts of the design to appear doubled or overlapped. In this case, the effect is most obvious on Lady Liberty's lips. The Hot Lips variety is not especially rare but it is highly collectible.
1878-S 'Funky Feather'
1878-S 'Funky Feather' Morgan dollar. Image source: VAMWorld
This variety is from the first year the Morgan dollar was issued. The wing feathers of the eagle on the reverse design are noticeably crude. A portion of the wing exhibits a grainy appearance and is characterized by small raised dots.
Other varieties of the 1878 coin feature different numbers of tail feathers on the eagle.
A noteworthy pedigree will also influence the price of a Morgan silver dollar. In other words, who owned the coin before? Was it part of a famous collection or hoard? Sometimes this is also called the coin's provenance.
The 'PL' designation also adds collectible appeal to any silver coin. This stands for proof-like, meaning the coin has mirrored surfaces. Once unknown, these are now a favorite among collectors.
Below are some general guidelines to help you determine the value of your Morgan dollar.
How To Identify the Branch Mints
Several different branches of the U.S. Mint struck Morgan dollars. This is important to know because certain mints produced less coins in a given year than others.
Each branch corresponds to a mintmark. This is a short abbreviation on the coin that tells you the location where it came from:
- P (Philadelphia Mint)
- D (Denver Mint)
- O (New Orleans Mint)
- S (San Francisco Mint)
- CC (Carson City Mint)
In the case of coins from the Philadelphia Mint, the mintmark is omitted. You won't find a 'P' anywhere on the coin.
So if there is no mintmark, you'll know your coin comes from Philadelphia. As a general rule, these coins had higher mintages. That makes them less expensive than their counterparts from other mints.
How To Find the Mintmark
1921 Morgan Silver Dollar Vam
You will find the mintmark on the reverse of your Morgan near the bottom of the design.
Morgan dollar CC mint mark. Image source: CoinStudy
Silver dollar coins minted in Carson City, Nevada are prized by collectors. The mint sourced its silver from the legendary Comstock Lode. It was only briefly in operation, however.
Morgan Silver Dollar Price Chart
Here is a list of values for every Morgan dollar minted from 1878 through 1904, as well as 1921.
Keep in mind that these prices are only a general guide. Actual market prices will vary slightly when you sell your coins. Again, it will always depend on the exact condition of the coin. Uncirculated silver Morgan dollar coins garner the highest prices.
| Date & Mintmark | Mintage | G | AU | MS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1878 | 10,509,300 | $30 | $60 | $150 |
| 1878-S | 9,774,000 | $30 | $50 | $80 |
| 1878-CC | 2,212,000 | $100 | $180 | $300 |
| 1879 | 14,807,100 | $20 | $50 | $75 |
| 1879-S | 9,110,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1879-CC | 756,000 | $180 | $2,000 | $4,000 |
| 1879-O | 2,887,000 | $30 | $50 | $100 |
| 1880 | 12,601,335 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1880-S | 8,900,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1880-CC | 495,000 | $180 | $325 | $500 |
| 1880-O | 5,305,000 | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| 1881 | 9,163,975 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1881-S | 12,760,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1881-CC | 296,000 | $320 | $450 | $520 |
| 1881-O | 5,708,000 | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| 1882 | 11,101,100 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1882-S | 9,250,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1882-CC | 1,133,000 | $80 | $180 | $250 |
| 1882-O | 6,090,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1883 | 12,291,039 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1883-S | 6,250,000 | $30 | $120 | $1,000 |
| 1883-CC | 1,204,000 | $60 | $150 | $275 |
| 1883-O | 8,725,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1884 | 14,070,875 | $20 | $40 | $55 |
| 1884-S | 3,200,000 | $25 | $250 | $9,000 |
| 1884-CC | 1,136,000 | $100 | $200 | $250 |
| 1884-O | 9,730,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1885 | 17,787,767 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1885-S | 1,497,000 | $35 | $110 | $350 |
| 1885-CC | 228,000 | $500 | $620 | $700 |
| 1885-O | 9,185,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1886 | 19,963,886 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1886-S | 750,000 | $50 | $150 | $375 |
| 1886-O | 10,710,000 | $30 | $45 | $60 |
| 1887 | 20,290,710 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1887-S | 1,771,000 | $25 | $55 | $160 |
| 1887-O | 11,550,000 | $20 | $50 | $100 |
| 1888 | 19,183,833 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1888-S | 657,000 | $120 | $200 | $350 |
| 1888-O | 12,150,000 | $20 | $40 | $75 |
| 1889 | 21,726,811 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1889-S | 700,000 | $40 | $110 | $290 |
| 1889-CC | 350,000 | $600 | $7,000 | $22,000 |
| 1889-O | 11,875,000 | $25 | $60 | $300 |
| 1890 | 16,802,590 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1890-S | 8,230,373 | $20 | $40 | $100 |
| 1890-CC | 2,309,041 | $75 | $200 | $600 |
| 1890-O | 10,701,000 | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| 1891 | 8,694,206 | $25 | $50 | $100 |
| 1891-S | 5,296,000 | $25 | $50 | $140 |
| 1891-CC | 1,618,000 | $75 | $250 | $650 |
| 1891-O | 7,954,529 | $20 | $60 | $275 |
| 1892 | 1,037,245 | $30 | $100 | $400 |
| 1892-S | 1,200,000 | $50 | $1,400 | $55,000 |
| 1892-CC | 1,352,000 | $200 | $750 | $1,750 |
| 1892-O | 2,744,000 | $25 | $80 | $300 |
| 1893 | 378,792 | $200 | $400 | $1,400 |
| 1893-S | 100,000 | $2,500 | $20,000 | $225,000 |
| 1893-CC | 677,000 | $250 | $2,000 | $5,000 |
| 1893-O | 300,000 | $215 | $800 | $4,000 |
| 1894 | 110,972 | $800 | $1,500 | $3,500 |
| 1894-S | 1,260,000 | $65 | $470 | $1,000 |
| 1894-O | 1,723,000 | $50 | $180 | $1,800 |
| 1895 (proof only) | 880 | n/a | $40,000 | $52,500 |
| 1895-S | 400,000 | $300 | $1,600 | $4,000 |
| 1895-O | 450,000 | $225 | $1,200 | $15,000 |
| 1896 | 9,976,762 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1896-S | 5,000,000 | $40 | $800 | $3,000 |
| 1896-O | 4,900,000 | $30 | $120 | $1,500 |
| 1897 | 2,822,731 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1897-S | 5,825,000 | $20 | $45 | $100 |
| 1897-O | 4,004,000 | $20 | $100 | $1,250 |
| 1898 | 5,884,735 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1898-S | 4,102,000 | $30 | $100 | $390 |
| 1898-O | 4,440,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1899 | 330,846 | $125 | $200 | $290 |
| 1899-S | 2,562,000 | $35 | $150 | $500 |
| 1899-O | 12,290,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1900 | 8,880,938 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1900-S | 3,540,000 | $30 | $90 | $275 |
| 1900-O | 12,590,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1901 | 6,962,813 | $40 | $300 | $3,000 |
| 1901-S | 2,284,000 | $35 | $200 | $500 |
| 1901-O | 13,320,000 | $20 | $40 | $60 |
| 1902 | 7,944,777 | $20 | $45 | $65 |
| 1902-S | 1,530,000 | $100 | $230 | $400 |
| 1902-O | 8,636,000 | $20 | $35 | $50 |
| 1903 | 4,652,755 | $35 | $50 | $65 |
| 1903-S | 1,241,000 | $80 | $1,600 | $4,500 |
| 1903-O | 4,450,000 | $275 | $325 | $400 |
| 1904 | 2,788,650 | $30 | $65 | $140 |
| 1904-S | 2,304,000 | $40 | $50 | $2,000 |
| 1904-O | 3,720,000 | $30 | $40 | $55 |
| 1921 | 44,690,000 | $20 | $30 | $40 |
| 1921-S | 21,695,000 | $20 | $40 | $50 |
| 1921-D | 20,345,000 | $20 | $40 | $50 |
Price guide excludes all proofs and special varieties. Non-proof varieties are accounted for in annual mintage totals.
1921 Peace Silver Dollar
Prices derived from NGC Coin Explorer, PCGS price guide, and USA CoinBook.
The price chart above is provided for general information purposes. It should not be used or construed as investment advice.
Historical Significance of the Silver Morgan Dollar
Two pieces of legislation in the United States bookend the history of the Morgan dollar. These are the Bland-Allison Act and the Sherman Silver Purchase Act.
The Bland-Allison Act gave birth to the Morgan silver dollar. It marked the first $1 coin issued in the U.S. in five years (aside from the 'Trade dollar').
There was very little demand for dollar coins, however. In 1890, the Sherman Silver Purchase Act attempted to address this problem. The law required the U.S. government to buy $4 million of silver every month from miners in the American West.
The coin is named for its designer, George T. Morgan. His design of Lady Liberty was modeled after Anna Willess Williams. She was a teacher and writer in Philadelphia at the time.
1891 portrait of Anna Willess Williams. Image source: Chalkboard Champions
The 1921 Morgan dollar was the last coin in the series. That year also saw the introduction of the Peace dollar. The theme of 'peace' was a celebration of the end of the First World War.