Expert: Dan Moore - 8/16/2008

Question
Hi Dan :)  I have the following used Morgan Silver Dollars that were given to me by a relative, and I'm trying to find out how much they're worth.  Unfortunately, I know nothing about coin collecting...I'm a stamp collector.  Here's what I have:
1880, 1882, 1887-O, 1888-O, 1889, 1890, 1891-O, and 1896. Did not find any O's, P's, CC's on the ones I listed with just a date. They all look used, some more than others, but appear to be in good shape.  I haven't cleaned them because I heard it would devalue them.  I checked on EBay, and some of them are going for $100's, others for much less.  With the limited info I've provided, what can you tell me about them?  Looking forward to hearing from you soon.  Thanks, Susan

Answer
Susan,

All the dates you listed are considered by collectors to be common dates.  In circulated (worn) condition, their values are in the $13 to $15 range each (some of them could be worth over $100 if they were in their original uncirculated condition).

Not cleaning them was the right thing to do.  If cleaned, these would only be worth the silver they contain -- currently about $10 worth.

I hope this helps,

Dan