Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 2/21/2010

Question
I have an uncirculated 1887-O silver dollar.  However, the plastic got cut and the top has some discoloration.  What would be the range of value for this coin in this condition?

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Heather, the 1887O is not a rare Morgan date, even in poor uncirculated condition.  In uncirculated (MS) 60 (the lowest uncirculated grade) it lists for about $40.  Get up to MS 63 and you're looking at a $90 coin in MS64 $300.  Unclear what you mean my "some discoloration" that would be key.  Go to www.ebay.com and do a search for 1887O dollar and you'll see some selling and can look at the pictures and the prices.  The better uncirculated pieces will be "certified" as to grade.  You may want to try to take your piece to a coin show, particularly a larger one where one of the certifying companies (like PCGS, ANACS or NGC or ICG) might come and do free grading.  You might try going to their websites (do a search on www.google.com for "coin grading service" to find them), to see where they might be coming.  Or take your piece to a local coin dealer, Jim