Expert: Ronald Fern - 1/31/2012

Question
QUESTION: My Grandfather gave my a Morgan silver dollar dated 1881.  What would this coin bring in today's market if I wanted to sell it?

ANSWER: Clint:

Date, mintmark, and grade all go into establishing the value of your coin. You don't give mintmark or condition of the coin.

Silver dollars during this time frame were struck in .9 fine silver and contain just a little over 3/4 ounces of pure silver. Well circulated common date dollars go for a dollar or two above melt. With silver at $32, your dollar has a melt value of about $25.

Your coin could be worth $25 to over $500 (with a CC mintmark).

To grade your dollar: http://coinauctionshelp.com/How_To_Grade_Morgan_Dollars.html

For values, see: http://www.us-coin-values-advisor.com/morgan-silver-dollar-prices.html

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to it's value and if it is authentic at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I wrote you back in early January about a 1881 (S) morgan silver dollar it is a MS65, does this make a difference in it's value?

Answer
Clint:

A true MS65 1881-S Morgan Dollar would retail for about $125. There is a big jump between MS-64 and MS-65. The MS-64 only retails for about $65, less than half of the value for a coin one point higher.

You may want to refer to the earlier grading link and compare your coin to the photos. For a full recap of your date, see: http://www.us-coin-values-advisor.com/morgan-silver-dollar-prices.html#1881-S

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.