Many people rank Morgan silver dollars among their favorite U.S. coins. While certain 1886 coins may be rare, the vast majority are not, so you can quickly round out your collection. This article will teach you more about the 1886 silver dollar value.
George T. Morgan designed the 1886 Silver Dollar, a coin with a reeded surface and a diameter of 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) that contained 90% silver. The total weight of the coin is 26.73 grams, whereas the exact weight of the silver content is 24 g. But what is the 1886 silver dollar value? If you want to know more, keep on reading!
1886 Silver Dollar Value
There was a massive production of the Morgan Silver dollars, yet most ended up in secure basements. Because there are different types of 1886 Morgan silver coins, their values vary:
The 1886 Non-Mint Mark
This is one type of the Morgan silver dollar whose current value is proportional to the price of Silver. However, collectors place a higher value on any coin, regardless of its state. You should inspect the quality, uniqueness, and mint stamp on the back before purchasing one.
In 2015, the highest price ever paid for an 1886 Morgan silver dollar without a mintmark was $27,025 at auction.
The 1886-S Morgan Silver Dollar
In 1886, the San Francisco mint only produced 750,000 Morgan silver dollars, far less than the output of the New Orleans and Philadelphia mints. Due to the high quality of the Silver used in this minting, almost everyone is lovely.
Rare examples of these coins with a very crisp design may sell for thousands of dollars to severe collectors. – An 1886-S Morgan silver dollar sold for a remarkable $66,000 at auction in 2020, setting a record!
The 1886 O-Morgan Silver Dollar
The mint in New Orleans produced the fewest 1886 silver dollars (4.9 million) of all significant U.S. mints. Additionally, it is far more challenging to find them in higher grades. An 1886 New Orleans dollar-graded XF45 is worth twice as much as a Philadelphia dollar of the same quality with an estimated $100.
The highest auction price for an 1886-O Morgan silver dollar was $235,000 in 2015, setting a record.
1886 Silver Dollar Error
There is also the 1886 Silver dollar error, whose obverse die cap mistake is one of the most noticeable flaws. The coin features a curving, high rim that makes it seem like an ashtray when seen from a certain angle. On the tail side, it features an enlarged head, turned to the right, and shifted, which is a tiny inaccuracy. Of course, this is not the only type of error, nor is it the most valuable.
- 1886 Silver Dollar DDR Error-In MS 65: The 1886 Silver Dollar DDR Error-In MS 65 is a highly sought-after coin amongst coin collectors. The coin features a doubled die reverse, meaning the design on one side of the coin appears twice due to an error in the minting process. This makes this particular silver dollar even more unique and desirable.
- 1886 Silver Dollar Line-in-6 VAM: A 1886 Silver Dollar Line-in-6 VAM is a rare collectible coin that can fetch a hefty price. In AU 55 (About Uncirculated), the coin is worth $70. However, in MS 65, the same coin can sell for as much as $250.
- 1886 Silver Dollar 3 + 2 Clashed Reverse VAM: This coin can be sold for an impressive $80 in AU 55 condition, $135 in MS 63 condition, and an astonishing $260 in MS 65 condition. Collectors will be happy to know that this is one of the few coins that are worth investing in for its potential return.
- 1886 Silver Dollar Doubled Arrows VAM: This coin is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique design, which features two arrows on the reverse side of the coin. Based on its condition, an 1886 Silver Dollar Doubled Arrows VAM can be worth up to $240 in MS 65 condition. This makes it a great investment for those looking to add value to their collections.
- 1886 Silver Dollar Line-in-M VAM: Collectors of rare coins are sure to be interested in the 1886 Silver Dollar Line-in-M VAM. Starting at an attractive price of $140 for a coin graded as MS 63, its value nearly triples to $350 in pristine MS 65 condition. This rare find is sure to be prized by any connoisseur!
- 1886 Silver Dollar Six Strike Error: This coin, which sold for an impressive $3,995 in MS 64 condition, features a remarkable error that left it with six strikes – a feat that is incredibly rare for any coin. This valuable item is sure to be a centerpiece of any collection.
- 1886 Silver Dollar Partial Collar Error: The 1886 Silver Dollar Partial Collar Errors are worth an impressive $290. These coins feature an error in the collar used to press the coin blank into shape, resulting in a partial indentation on one side.
What Factors Determine the 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar value?
The condition of a coin is a central selling point for any collector. Examining the surface of the silver dollar with a magnifying lens and searching for evidence of damage and wear is the only reliable way to assess the coin's condition. The “grade” of these coins depends on the severity of their minor defects.
Uncirculated coins hardly have wear marks on their surfaces and are thus worth more than circulating coins. There is a beautiful preservation of the original mint sheen. Holding the dollar by its edges and turning it, you should see radiating bands of light from side to side. Moreover, if Liberty is going to show any signs of wear and tear, it will probably be on her face.
1886 Morgan silver dollars in excellent condition may show minor signs on Lady Liberty's hair. Also, the eagle's neck, breast feathers, and wings indicate wear on the coin's reverse.
For Morgan Silver dollars in good condition, the dollar will show considerable deterioration on leaves around the cotton blooms.
A Morgan silver dollar is in excellent condition if all the coin details have smoothed. For instance, Lady Liberty's cheek and forehead are often combined into one continuous surface and worn down at the rim. The stars and letters, however, remain distinct.
Where Did the 1886 Morgan Silver Dollar Originate?
George Thomas Morgan, assistant mint engraver, is credited with creating the design for the Morgan Dollar. Silver became scarce in 1904, so the mint stopped making Morgan silver dollars.
Anna was selected to play the role of lady liberty, and although she had opted to remain anonymous, someone leaked her cover. Morgan settled on a Phrygian cap for Anna's hat. For formerly enslaved people in Roman History, the cap symbolized Libertas, the Romans Goddess of Liberty.
Which Features Does The 1886 Silver Dollar Have?
The head side depicts Lady Liberty's head with a Phrygian cap covering her elaborately styled hair. A banner reading “liberty” between leaves and flowers are also attached to the hat. The word E Pluribus Unum is over the top collar, with a dot placed after each letter.
The minting date and the 13 stars, signifying the original states, are at the coin's base. The tail side shows an eagle raising its wings above its head, talons grasping an olive branch, three arrows, and a tail with seven feathers. The mint mark is placed right underneath the center of a wreath that encompasses the bird's body and has ten individual branches and a central bow.
Squeezed between the eagle's wings are the words “states of,” and the space between them is the phrase “In God We Trust.”
How Much Is a Dollar Bill with a Silver Certificate Worth Today?
Unfortunately, these certificates are no longer redeemable for Silver but are still valid currency at face value. Collectors still seek Silver certifications despite their relatively low market value compared to their face value because of their historical significance and aesthetic appeal.
Which Coins Are Made Entirely Out Of Silver?
For those looking to invest in silver bullion, the United States Mint offers American eagle coins that meet strict government standards for weight and purity. Additionally, you may contribute them to a traditional Individual Retirement Account. Each coin contains at least one troy ounce (28.35 milligrams) containing 99.9% pure silver and features a portrait of Adolph A.
How Should You Store Silver Dollars?
It is a great option to keep your Silver coins in a secure location away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent them from tarnishing. Since Silver may scratch and oxidize gold, reserving the two metals in separate storage areas is best. Lastly, to protect coins from being damaged while keeping them, you may put them in coin capsules.
Conclusion
George Thomas Morgan designed the silver dollar in 1886, but manufacturing ceased in 1904 owing to a silver shortage. The value of a silver dollar from 1886 may range from very low to very high, depending on its condition. Keep them in a dry location out of the light to avoid tarnishing.
