Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/11/2007

Question
how much is these silver dollars worth dates.

1878 , 18779 ,1886 , 1883 1897

Answer
Hello Dave,                                      

I could use more information to answer this question properly.
For a start they are worth in circulated grades from $15 to $36 for most mints and the CC mint from $50 to hundreds of dollars.

Coins are valued on a scale from 1 to 70. And on how rare a coin is. With no or little experience it is sometimes easier letting another collector look at them, and even most coin shops will help for free.
Most circulated coins range from Good (grade-G4) to Almost Uncirculated (grade-AU50) on the scale. If the coins are in high grade you will make more selling them to a collector (online or otherwise) and if they are mint state never circulated you will get multiples of the market value.

First look for a mint mark letter they were made at four mints. Philadelphia has no mint mark but the New Orleans, Carson City and San Francisco Minted coins show a mint mark on the back below the eagle (above and between the letters "D" and "O" in the word DOLLAR).
Without seeing the coins I can only supply you with a range of values.

IMPORTANT: Let me also note that you should never clean your coins. This removes the surface protection and cuts the value from 40% to 90%!


In each series of coin type like your "Morgan Dollar" there are some quick reference points of wear to be seen on the high points that are known to show wear first.
Most of these are covered in the book titled “A Guide Book of UNITED STATES COINS” (Red Book) by R.S. YEOMAN. If you can borrow a copy it will help. The grading details it describes at the start of each coin series is taken from the American Numismatic Association Standard. And uses the 1 to 70 scale recognized by all professionals since the 1970's.

Most circulated coins range from Good (grade-G4) to Almost Uncirculated (grade-AU50) on the scale.

Here's a quick wear/Grading guideline:

GOOD or Grade 4 :
Letters and date clear no feathers on reverse but no wear to the outside rim from letters.

VERY GOOD or Grade 8:
Normal wear, flat looking, very little sharpness remains but all major details visible.

FINE or Grade 12:
All details strong and definition remains on some high areas of the coin.  

VERY FINE or Grade 20:   
Two thirds of hairlines show. Ear is well defined. Feathers on eagle’s breast worn.

EXTREMELY FINE or Grade 40:  
All hairlines are strong. Only slight wear on eagles breast and wing tips. Some Original Mint Luster shows.

MINT STATE Grades 60 TO 70 :
STRICTLY NEVER CIRCULATED.  NO TRACE OF WEAR. Nice luster on coin.

The Morgan Type silver dollars are 90% silver. This makes the value of an extremely worn coin still worth 8 or 9 times its face value just due to the precious metal content. Depending on the state of preservation (or Grade) and the Mint Mark (if any) they can vary greatly in value. Common issue dates in circulated condition are plentiful.

If you write me back with specific date and mints include the approximate grade of the coin I can give you a more accurate range of value.
Or, if you want, write back with some local zip codes in your area, I can direct you to an AMERICAN NUMISMATIC ASSOCIATION MEMBER/DEALER near there. They are ethical and trustworthy.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack