A Morgan Silver Dollar contains 0.7735 troy oz of pure silver, worth $41.80 at today's spot price.
Designed by George T. Morgan, this large silver dollar was struck from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Silver $54.05 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 10:19 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Years | 1878–1904, 1921 |
|---|---|
| Face value | $1 |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Gross weight | 26.73 g |
| Fineness | .900 (90%) |
| Pure metal | 0.7735 troy oz (24.057 g) |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Standard roll | 20 coins |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure silver in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
26.73 g × .900 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.7735 troy oz
0.7735 troy oz × $54.05 spot = $41.80
How to identify it
- Liberty faces left; the reverse shows an eagle with outstretched wings inside a wreath.
- The mint mark is on the reverse, below the wreath above the DO of DOLLAR: CC (Carson City), O (New Orleans), S (San Francisco) or D (Denver, 1921 only). Philadelphia coins have none.
Melt value vs. collector value
Morgan dollars are among the most collected US coins, and even common dates usually sell for more than their silver. Carson City coins and key dates can be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. The 2021 and later anniversary Morgans are .999 fine and are not covered here.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: Domestic and Foreign Coins Manufactured by Mints of the United States, 1792–1965 — checked 2026-10-22
- Bland-Allison Act of 1878 (20 Stat. 25) — checked 2026-10-22
- Act of January 18, 1837 (5 Stat. 136) — checked 2026-10-22