Expert: Dan Moore - 12/29/2009

Question
Hi, recently my dad passed these coins to my family for my boys and I just would like to know a little history, and value on them. Three of the coins are dated 1881,1882, and 1883 and they are dollar coins and what I believe to be the Morgan set. I also have one more dollar coin which is from 1922, much larger and would like to know some history and value. I would like to put these away for my boys but need to know can we set them out or put them in a safe. Also how to clean them because except from being tainted like a dirty penny, they are in excellent condition no scratches, cracks or broken pieces.

Thank you,
Jennifer Kelsey

Answer
Jennifer,

Most likely your Morgan dollar coins are going to be worth $15 to $20 apiece.  If the 1883 has an "S" mintmark, or if any of them have a "CC" mintmark, then they will probably be worth more.  Mintmarks are located on the back, just above the "DO" in DOLLAR.  Let me know.

The 1922 Peace dollar should be the same size as the other dollars.  If not, then it is not a coin from the U.S. Mint, and I can't tell you what you have.  1922 is the most common date for Peace dollars -- value $12 to $15

History of Morgan Dollars : http://www.coinsite.com/CoinSite-PF/pparticles/$1morgan.asp

History of Peace Dollars : http://www.coinsite.com/CoinSite-PF/pparticles/$1peace.asp

As for cleaning them, that would be a mistake.  You will make them look unnatural and collectors won't buy them -- you will reduce them to about $12 worth of silver.

I hope this helps,

Dan