The value of an 1889 silver dollar, also known as a Morgan dollar, varies greatly depending on several key factors:
- Mint Mark: The mint mark indicates where the coin was produced. The 1889 Morgan dollars were struck at four different mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Carson City (“CC”), New Orleans (“O”), and San Francisco (“S”). The “CC” mint mark from Carson City is the rarest and most valuable.
- Condition/Grade: This refers to the coin’s wear and tear, and is graded on a scale of 1 to 70. Uncirculated (Mint State or MS) coins, those never used in transactions, are generally worth significantly more than circulated coins. Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC can significantly impact value.
- Rarity/Errors: Certain varieties or errors can increase the coin’s value. The 1889-CC coin, with a mintage of only 350,000, is the rarest regular-issue Morgan dollar. Rare errors like off-center strikes, double strikes, or re-punched mint marks can also make a coin more valuable.
Based on these factors, here’s a general overview of the potential value:
- Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark): Circulated coins are relatively affordable, while Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-68) can range from $250 to $35,000+.
- New Orleans Mint (“O”): Circulated coins typically fall within the $40-$225 range. Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-68) values are estimated between $250 and $45,000+.
- San Francisco Mint (“S”): Circulated coins range from $40 to $100. Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-68) can go from $300 to $30,000+.
- Carson City Mint (“CC”): This mint mark is the most sought after. Circulated 1889-CC coins can range from $786 to $27,300. However, Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-68) coins are extremely rare and valuable, fetching between $8,000 and $120,000+, with prices potentially rising to $850,000 for an MS67 graded coin.
- An 1889-CC Morgan dollar graded MS61 is currently listed for $37,500.
- A certified AU 53 (About Uncirculated) 1889-CC Morgan dollar is listed for $13,904.1.
- An 1889 Morgan dollar (Philadelphia) in Extra Fine condition is available for around $124.
- An 1889-CC Morgan dollar graded MS-68 sold for $881,250.
- An 1889-O Morgan dollar graded MS-66 has a listed value of $15,850.
Important Note: These values are estimates based on market data as of August 2025. The actual selling price of an individual coin can vary based on several factors, including the specific dealer, market demand, and the coin’s individual characteristics. If you have an 1889 Morgan dollar and want to determine its precise value, it’s recommended to have it authenticated and graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC.
How much is a dollar in 1889 worth today?
Great question! Value of $1 from 1889 to 2025
$1 in 1889 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $34.94 today, an increase of $33.94 over 136 years. The dollar had an average inflation rate of 2.65% per year between 1889 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 3,394.18%.
What is the error on the 1889 Morgan silver dollar?
Clashed Dies : Clashed die errors occur when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet in between, leaving impressions from one die on the other. A popular example is the 1889-P Morgan Silver Dollar with a clashed “E” visible on the reverse.