Expert: Dan Moore - 1/15/2010

Question
Hi, I have a number of Silver Dollars in my possession, all pre 1934.  The most interesting is an 1880 Silver Dollar, with an Eagle on the back with its wings spread wide apart.  I cannot for the life of me find a mint identifier.  And its not due to poor quality, I can see everything on the coin in great clarity.  Can you tell me where to look, maybe I am missing it.

Would you surmise that this coin has value.  I would appreciate an experts answer.

I also have a number of other coins of different denominations, i would think there is a book you would suggest that i look them up in.

For the time being i am most interested in this 1880 Silver dollar.  Thank you for your time.

PS. Is it possible that there is no mint mark?

Answer
Martin,

Most likely your coin does not have a mintmark -- this would mean it came from the main mint in Philadelphia -- which makes sense since that's where the most were minted that year.

The mintmark would be located on the reverse, below the eagle, just above the "DO" in DOLLAR.  It could be an "O", an "S", a "CC", or nothing.

Without a mintmark, in circulated condition, it's currently worth about $16.00

For your other U.S. coins, I suggest you get a copy of the "Red Book".  You can get one from Amazon here :

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0794827667/theworkimansrare

I hope this helps,

Dan