The 1880 Silver Dollar, a striking piece of American numismatic history, belongs to the Morgan Silver Dollar series. It bears the name of its renowned designer, George T. Morgan. This series was introduced in 1878, and its minting continued until 1904 and then had a brief resurgence in 1921.
The Morgan Silver Dollar series replaced the Seated Liberty Dollar, which had been minted from 1840 to 1873. Its design featured Lady Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield with her right and a flag with her left. This beloved design was retired partly due to the Coinage Act of 1873, and the design was not resumed after the act’s provisions relapsed.
Table of Contents
- 1 The 1880 Silver Dollar Design & Composition
- 2 The 1880 Silver Dollar Value
- 2.1 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Cart
- 2.2 1880 Silver Dollar No Mintmark
- 2.3 1880 CC Silver Dollar
- 2.4 1880 S Silver Dollar
- 2.5 1880 O Silver Dollar
- 2.6 1880 O Silver Dollar Value
- 2.7 How Much is an 1880 Silver Dollar Worth? Mini Summary
- 2.8 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Error List
- 2.9 80/79 Overdate
- 2.10 O/O Mintmark
- 2.11 Different Die Varieties
- 2.12 Clashed Dies
- 2.13 Misplaced Date
- 3 Conclusion
The 1880 Silver Dollar Design & Composition
Obverse Side
The obverse of the 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar is a masterclass in artistry. George T. Morgan’s design depicts Lady Liberty facing left in a bold and revolutionary departure from the traditional Greek-style portrayal.
Her profile, often described as “Miss Liberty,” is youthful, confident, and full of character. She wears a crown made of cotton and wheat, symbolizing the nation’s agricultural roots. The word “LIBERTY” arches above her, with the date “1880” below.
Running along the coin’s rim – from her eye line to the back of her head – is the famous Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one.” Thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, separate this motto from the mint year. The absence of the mintmark on the obverse side is notable, as it was reserved for the reverse.
Reverse Side
The reverse side of the 1880 Silver Dollar features a majestic American bald eagle with outstretched wings, grasping an olive branch and a bundle of arrows. Encircling the eagle are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Above the eagle is the U.S. motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and a wreath is on the lower side of the American bird.
Where is the Mint Mark on an 1880 Silver Dollar
The mintmark is located on the reverse side, just below the wreath, above the letters “D” and “O” in “DOLLAR.” Different mintmarks signify the mint where the coin was produced and play a significant role in determining its value.
1880 silver dollars minted in New Orleans bear the mint mark “O.” Those produced in Carson City have “CC,” while coins minted in San Francisco bear the mintmark “S.” The Philadelphia mint did not stamp a mintmark on silver dollars from 1880.
Composition & Dimensions
The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar is made of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each weighs 26.73 grams and has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters; hence, it is the largest U.S. coin ever minted. The coin’s reeded edge makes it distinct from counterfeit ones.
The 1880 Silver Dollar Value
The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar’s value varies by condition and mintmark, with general values ranging from $30 in average circulated condition to upwards of $29,000 for specific high-grade uncirculated mintmarks. Notable errors, such as the 80/79 Overdate, further enhance the coin’s value, with some errors fetching up to $298 or more.
1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Cart
| Mint Mark | Location | Mintage | Average Circulated Value | High-Grade Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No Mintmark (P) | Philadelphia | 12,600,000 | $47 | Up to $27,917 |
| CC | Carson City, Nevada | 495,000 | $209 | $653 – $1,167 |
| S | San Francisco | 8,900,000 | $33.50 – $63 | Up to $29,000 |
| O | New Orleans | 5,305,000 | $50 | Up to $11,500 |
1880 Silver Dollar No Mintmark
The 1880 silver dollar with no mintmark is the standard version minted in Philadelphia. In 1880, Philadelphia produced 12,600,000 Morgan Silver Dollars, registering the highest mintage of all the four mint facilities. As such, these coins are relatively common and are often found in well-circulated conditions.
1880 Silver Dollar No Mintmark Value
While more common than its counterparts, the 1880 Silver Dollar with no mintmark still holds value, especially in good condition. Such coins can be worth about $47 in extremely fine condition.
Coins graded MS60 go for about $70 in uncirculated condition, while MS65-graded specimens sell for about $500. In 2006, a Philadelphia Silver Dollar from 1880 graded MS67 was sold for $27,917 at auction.
1880 CC Silver Dollar
The “CC” mintmark denotes the Carson City Mint in Nevada. Collectors seek after Carson City Morgan Dollars due to their rarity, historical significance, and limited mintage of 495,000.
1880 CC Silver Dollar Value
The 1880 silver dollar from Carson City is precious among collectors due to its limited mintage. According to the USA Coin Book, an 1880 CC Morgan Silver Dollar (Reverse of Variety) is worth $209 in average condition. The value for a similar coin variety in uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition can fetch between $653 and $ 1,167. Its current melt value is $17.82.
1880 S Silver Dollar
The “S” mintmark stands for the San Francisco Mint, and 8,900,000 S Morgan Silver Dollars were minted in 1880, registering the second-largest mintage. However, most of these coins were never circulated and exist in mint state grades that are highly valuable to collectors and investors.
1880 S Silver Dollar Value
The 1880 silver dollar from San Francisco is another valuable variant, often sought after by collectors. As of October 2023, a low-end circulated 1880 S Silver Dollar is worth between $33.50 and $63. A high-grade, uncirculated coin certified by NGC, ANACS, or PCGS is worth around $29,000 on the open market.
1880 O Silver Dollar
The “O” mintmark represents the New Orleans Mint, which produced 5,305,000 Morgan Dollars in 1880. These coins offer collectors an opportunity to own a piece of American history. Their distinct character and limited availability make them highly desirable.
1880 O Silver Dollar Value
While not as scarce as Carson City issues, New Orleans-minted Morgan Silver still carries a premium due to their historical significance. An 1880 O Morgan Dollar in extremely fine and circulated condition may be valued at around $50, while an uncirculated, MS60 grade specimen is worth about $180. Expect around $11,500 if you have an uncirculated specimen graded MS65.
How Much is an 1880 Silver Dollar Worth? Mini Summary
General Value:
- Average Circulated Condition: ~$30
- Uncirculated Mint State (MS+): ~$150 or more
By Mintmark and Location:
- No Mintmark (P) – Philadelphia:
- Circulated, Extremely Fine: ~$47
- Uncirculated, MS60: ~$70
- High-Grade Uncirculated, MS65: ~$500
- Auction Record (MS67 in 2006): $27,917
- CC – Carson City, Nevada:
- Average Condition: $209
- Uncirculated (MS+): $653 to $1,167
- Melt Value: $17.82
- S – San Francisco:
- Low-End Circulated: $33.50 to $63
- High-Grade Uncirculated by NGC, ANACS, or PCGS: ~$29,000
- O – New Orleans:
- Extremely Fine and Circulated: ~$50
- Uncirculated, MS60: ~$180
- High-Grade Uncirculated, MS65: ~$11,500
Notable Errors & Values:
- 80/79 Overdate: $38 to $74 (circulated) and up to $298 (brilliant uncirculated MS65)
- O/O Mintmark: $110 (as listed on eBay)
- Different Die Varieties: ~$43 (circulated) and $100 to $298 (uncirculated)
- Clashed Dies: $179.95 (MS63 graded by ANACs, as listed on eBay)
- Misplaced Date: Information not specified for value
1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Error List
The allure of collecting coins lies in their historical and artistic value and the potential for rare errors that can add significant worth to a coin. The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar is no exception and is known for various fascinating errors. Here are some of the notable ones:
| Error Type | Description | Average Value | High-Grade Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80/79 Overdate | 1880 die struck over 1879 die | $38 – $74 | Up to $298 |
| O/O Mintmark | Offset “O” over another “O” | $110 (on eBay) | – |
| Different Die | Variations in date, mintmark, design placement | About $43 | $100 – $298 |
| Clashed Dies | Impressions of one side on the other | $179.95 (on eBay) | Depends on grade |
| Misplaced Date | Part of “0” visible in the denticles | – | – |
80/79 Overdate
One of the most notable errors for the 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar is the “80 over 79” overdate. This peculiar phenomenon occurred when an 1880 die was struck over an 1879 die, leaving remnants of the “79” visible beneath the “80.”
This error adds a layer of historical intrigue to the coin, making it highly desirable among collectors. Coins with this error can command substantial premiums, especially if they are in excellent condition.
The USA Coin Book estimates the value of an 1880 S Morgan Dollar (80 Over 79 Variety) in circulated condition to be worth between $38 and $74. Expect between $100 for an uncirculated MS65 specimen and $298 or more for a coin in brilliant uncirculated MS65 condition.
O/O Mintmark
For coins minted in New Orleans (indicated with the “O” mintmark), there is a known variety where the mintmark “O” was struck over another “O,” but slightly offset. This results in a double impression of the mintmark, creating a distinct visual effect. Coins with this error are rare and highly sought after by collectors, contributing to their increased value. Such an error coin is worth $110 on eBay.
Different Die Varieties
Several die varieties are known for the 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar, especially for the Carson City (CC) minted coins. They can include differences in the placement and size of the date, mintmark, and other design elements.
Collectors often seek out these die varieties, appreciating the subtle nuances that make each coin unique. An 1880 Silver Dollar with this error is worth about $43 in average circulated condition and can fetch $100 to $298 or more in uncirculated Mint condition.
Clashed Dies
Clashed dies are another fascinating error found on 1880 Morgan Silver Dollars. This phenomenon occurs when the obverse and reverse dies come into contact without a planchet (coin blank), leaving impressions of one side on the other. For example, parts of the eagle’s wings might appear behind Lady Liberty’s head, creating a ghostly image.
Clashed die errors add an element of mystery to the coin, capturing the imagination of collectors and enhancing its desirability. An 1880 Silver Dollar graded MS63 by ANACs sells for $179.95 on eBay, and this value can increase significantly depending on the coin’s condition and grade.
Misplaced Date
Some 1880 Morgan Dollars exhibit a subtle yet intriguing error where a small part of the number “0” from the date is visible in the denticles (the small tooth-like projections around the edge) at the bottom of the coin. This misplaced date error is a testament to the intricate nature of coin minting and adds a unique characteristic to the coin, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Conclusion
The 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar is more than just a collector’s delight; it’s a tangible piece of America’s history. Its intricate design, coupled with the allure of mintmarks and unique errors, transforms it into a captivating tale of craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Each coin, with its individual quirks, is a doorway to the past, inviting enthusiasts to explore the rich tapestry of American numismatic heritage. So, as we hold this silver relic, we hold not just a coin but a tangible connection to a bygone era, reminding us that the echoes of history are stamped in metal and etched in time.
