Silver Dollar Value
Today, few forms of currency are worth more than the value printed on the currency. This is the situation for the silver dollar. At a store, these are worth, well, a dollar. But the reality is that they are actually worth much more than that. They have stood the test of time by increasing in value with age. Because of this, the silver dollar can withstand any economy and any situation.
American Silver Eagle $1 (1986-Date) Melt Value: $27.02 Last Updated: 2/6/2021 7:16 AM EST This page shows trends for American Silver Eagle $1 melt values. A coin's numismatic value may be higher than its melt value. See pricing for U.S. Silver Coins in the NGC US Coin Price Guide. Coin Specifications. Coin value us susan b anthony dollar how much is a silver dollar worth the susan b anthony dollar turns 40 wide rim anthony s for tad under rare lira coin rarest italian Susan B Anthony One Dollar Coin Values. Our guide covers silver dollar coins issued by The United States from 1794 up until 1935. We have information and value data for one dollar coins worth anywhere from $15 to $10,000,000, and just about every price point in between.
This article looks to examine today’s value of older silver dollars and the most recent produced ones. It will also look at how it has stood the test of time in terms of value.
What Is Silver Dollars Value Based On?
You may think that the value of silver has a lot to do with the value of a silver dollar. It does play a small role, but the value resides in aspects such as a coin’s grade, age, and historical significance. The grade of a coin is dependent on the amount of wear on the coin. The article “How to Grade Peace Silver Dollars-What is the Grade of My Peace Silver Dollar?” explains the grading technique in more detail. Essentially, the coins are graded on a sliding scale in terms of “About Good 3” to “Mint State-65.” Variables that affect the grades include wear, detail, abrasions, etc. A perfect coin is in “Mint State-65.” These will pull the most money.
How Much is a Silver Dollars Worth?
When you hear someone refer to a silver dollar, they are likely referring to a coin minted between the 1870s and the 1930s. While there are still coins minted in the United States, they no longer carry that name. The current silver coin being minted carries the name “American Silver Eagle Bullion,” because, in fact, it is actually a bullion. The most popular one is the older Morgan Silver Dollar. It was minted from 1874 to 1904 and then once more in 1921.
Morgan Silver Dollar
The Morgan Silver Dollar’s value fluctuates, especially depending on the year and rarity, among other factors. The circulated usually value of it is between $15-$30. If it’s an uncirculated coin, the Morgan Dollar’s value rises to between $30-$50 in good condition. This is not to say that there aren’t exceptions to this. Some are worth far more. For instance, the 1893-s can go for $2,000-$3,000 in good condition.
This video “ Morgan Silver Dollar Values- Quality Silver Bullion” covers how these rates can vary. Towards the end of the video, the author discusses how the 1893-S he has could go for at least $5,000 in its current condition.
Peace Silver Dollar
Other older type, such as the Peace Silver Dollar, which was released in the 1920s and the 1930s is worth around $15-$20 in “good condition.” This is only 90% silver, as opposed to the Morgan dollar which is 99.99%.
Peace Dollars also can hold significant value, such as a rare 1922 High-Relief Proof Coin that was featured on the History Channel show “Pawn Stars” in 2014. That coin was valued between $50,000-$100,000.
American Silver Eagle Bullion
American Eagle Silver Eagle is the current official silver bullion of the United States. It has been minted since 1986 and features one troy ounce of silver. It is also the only coin in the world to have its composition be guaranteed by the issuing agency. There have been over 200 million of these minted, which makes it the most successful coin.
Value and Worth
The American Eagle Silver Eagle carries the $1 amount on it as a tip of the hat to past silver dollars. Because the number is symbolic, the United States mint is able to sell them for more than their face value. However, the coin is considered legal tender and is worth $1 if you tried to spend it.
The value of these coins, like the other coins discussed, is largely dependent on its grade, historical significance, age, etc. These coins fall into a similar pricing structure, as they can be bought for around $15-$20 on the low end.
Why Silver Dollars Stand The Test of Time
Silver dollars stand the test of time due to the nature of the coin. First, it contains silver. It is one of the most affordable rare metals you can get. Its prices can fluctuate pretty heavily, but the values of these coins aren't based off the silver value.
The real value of these coins is in the age, historical significance and the amount of which were minted. Because of this, these coins are able to maintain their value much easier than being based off the price of silver. That is why, many opted to invest in silver dollars. Check out our main page Personal Income to learn more about investing.
However, on the other end of the spectrum, if the coins lost their value, they could always be broken down and sold at the silver value at that time to be re-purposed. You can learn more here on how to invest in silver bullion.
Conclusion
Silver dollars have managed to not only keep their value, but even grow in value over their lifespan. Even today’s silver bullion has seen a growth in what it is worth in just a few decade’s time. This is due in part to the value rising steadily over the last decade, but also a higher demand for the coins.
The silver dollar is able to stand the test of time due to the fact that it is not tied directly to the price of itself. The prices have fluctuated greatly over the last 100 years, while the silver dollar coin value has continued to go up. This is due to the valuing process of the coins, in which coins are valued not by their content, but their age, historical significance, and rarity.
If you're considering venturing into precious metals, it is best to get yourself well-versed on not just their value, but also on techniques on how to maximize that value and all its fluctuations so that you get yourself some decent returns. Here's an interesting webinar to get you started.
In order to find out the amount of silver in a silver dollar, you first need to know the 'type' of silver dollar, because the silver content has been changed at various times. Use our super reference chart to check the precious metal content of your US dollar coins and calculate their silver value!
As a 'general' rule-of-thumb, United States silver dollars dated 1964 or earlier are made from 90% silver, 10% copper - with a total silver content of around 0.77-0.78troy ounces. However with silver dollars from 1965 onwards, things get more complex. For example, 'Eisenhower' silver dollars (1971-1978) were issued in both proof and circulation versions; the circulation versions contained no silver, the proof versions contained 40% silver. More recently, some dollars are made from copper-nickel and have no silver, others are90% silver.
In the modern era, coins made for general circulation are not made with precious metals any more. 'Proof sets' and other special commemorative coins issued as collectors items may well contain precious metals in varying amounts. Bullion coins are special coins made to contain a specific amount of precious metal.
Silver Dollar Silver Content Chart:
Silver Dollar Value 1921
'Flowing Hair' Silver Dollar (1794-1795)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Flowing Hair' Silver Dollar | 1794-1795 | 27 grams | 39-40mm | 0.900 silver | 0.7813 oz t |
'Draped Bust' Silver Dollar (1795-1804)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Draped Bust' Silver Dollar | 1795-1804 | 27 grams | 39-40mm | 0.900 silver | 0.7813 oz t |
Note - only 15 genuine examples of the famous 1804 dollar are thought to exist. All existing 1804's were actually made after 1834 (in 0.900 silver) and have slightly variant weights. Counterfeits exist.
Silver Dollar Value
'Gobrecht' Silver Dollar (1836-1839)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Gobrecht' Silver Dollar | 1836-1839 | 27 grams (original) or 26.7 grams (restrike) | 39mm | 0.892 or 0.900 silver | 0.7743 or 0.7726 oz t |
Note - Very rare, only around 2,100 made altogether of this type. Worth far more to collectors for its rarity than for its silver!
'Seated Liberty' Silver Dollar (1840-1873)
Silver Dollar Values Chart
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Seated Liberty' Silver Dollar | 1840-1873 | 26.73 grams | 38.1mm (1.5 inch) | 0.900 silver | 0.77345 oz t |
Silver 'Trade' Dollar (1873-1885)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
Silver 'Trade' Dollar | 1873-1885 | 27.216 grams (420 grains) | 38.1mm (1.5 inch) | 0.900 silver | 0.7875 oz t |
'Morgan' Silver Dollar (1878-1921)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
Morgan Silver Dollar | 1878-1921 | 26.73 grams | 38.1mm (1.5 inch) | 0.900 silver | 0.77345 oz t |
'Peace' Silver Dollar (1921-1935, 1964)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Peace' Silver Dollar | 1921-1935 | 26.73 grams | 38.1mm (1.5 inch) | 0.900 silver | 0.77345 oz t |
Note - in 1964, 316,076 additional peace dollars were minted but are believed to have all been melted down.
'Eisenhower' Silver Dollar (1971-1978)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Eisenhower' Silver Dollar ('circulation' type) | 1971-1978 | 22.7 grams | 38.5mm (1.5 inch) | No Silver Content! (cladding 75% copper / 25% nickel, core 100% copper) | 0 |
'Eisenhower' Silver Dollar ('proof' type) | 1971-1974, 1976 | 24.6 grams | 38.5mm (1.5 inch) | 0.400 silver (cladding 80% silver, core 21% Silver) | 0.3164 oz t |
'Susan B Anthony' Dollar (1979-1999)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Susan B Anthony' Dollar | 1979-1999 | 8.1 grams | 26.5mm | No Silver Content! (cladding 75% copper / 25% nickel, core 100% copper) | 0 |
Note - much smaller than the silver dollars; slightly larger than a quarter.
1987 'Constitution' Silver Dollar, example of
'Commemorative' Silver Dollars, numerous designs (1982-present)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Commemorative' Silver Dollar, numerous designs | 1982-present | 26.73 grams | 38.1mm (1.5 inch) | 0.900 silver | 0.77345 oz t |
Note - there are over 40 different designs of 'Commemorative' Silver Dollar. These are often identified by their unique designs, date (1983-present), silvery color, 'standard' silver dollar size; often but not always with 'double date' commemorating significant dates in US history. Words 'One Dollar' appear somewhere on the design. If it is dated 1983-present, is silver-colored, does not say '1OZ FINE SILVER' on the design, says 'One Dollar' somewhereon the design, it is one of the 'Commemorative' Silver Dollars.
'American Silver Eagle' bullion coin (1986-present)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
American 'Silver Eagle' (bullion coin w/ face value of one dollar) | 1986-present | 31.1034 grams (1 troy ounce) | 40.6mm | 0.999 silver | 1.0 oz t |
Note - the 'Silver Eagle' is immediately recognizable as it states '1OZ FINE SILVER' on the reverse, other designs do not. This coin is slightly larger than the other silver dollars and is specifically a bullion coin - although proof versions and even good condition uncirculatedcoins are often worth more to collectors than their silver content.
2007 Jefferson Dollar, example of
'Presidential' Dollars (2007-present)
Coin Type: | Date: | Coin Weight: | Diameter: | Purity: | Silver Amount (Troy Ounces): |
'Presidential' Dollars (2007-present) | 2007-present, four presidents per year | 8.1 grams | 26.5mm | No Silver Content! - copper colored | 0 |
Note - much smaller than the silver dollars; slightly larger than a quarter.
How Much Silver Is In A Silver Dollar? - Further Notes
1: A coin that is in good condition will often be worth more than its silver content - especially if old or from an uncommon date, in which case the value can be many times that of a common or worn coin. A good way to see what the market will bear is to check out the current prices on ebay (you can do a 'completed listing' search to ascertain what items actually sell for as opposed to what people would like to sell them for!) If you are a skilled ebay seller with a good feedback score, ebay may be the best place to sell the coins - but it is important to know what they are worth.
2: The copper, nickel or other metals used to 'make up' the rest of the weight of coins also have some small value, however this is not very great and typically negligible unless you are dealing with a large number of coins. (For example, the 10% copper in an old silver dollar, in Nov. 2011, is worth around 2 cents).
3: (Important) - note that there are several modern dollar coins that have no silver content! These include the 'Presidential Dollars' (2007-present) that are 88.5% copperand look copper colored, the 'Native American' dollars (2000-present, 77% copper). These contain no silver!
4: Due to slow wear, old coins that have been in circulation for many years will often weigh very slightly lighter than their original weight when minted. It is a small amount but adds up if you are dealing with a large quantity of coins: The best way to calculate the amount of silver in a hoard of 90% silver coinsis to weigh them and then multiply the figure by 0.9, doing any necessary conversions to arrive at a figure in Troy Ounces.
5: There are many US 'commemorative' silver dollar designs. The Silver Eagle is easily distinguished from the 'regular' silver dollar as the Eagle says '1OZ FINE SILVER - ONE DOLLAR' on the reverse. Most of the commemorative designs often have two dates - the date being commemorated and the date the coin was minted. The words 'one dollar' will typically appear but '1oz fine silver' will not. The silver eagle, a bullion coin, is slightly larger and heavier: 40.6mm (1.598 in) in diameter and 2.98mm (0.1193 inches) thick. The commemorative silver dollars are 38.1mm (1.500 inches) in diameter and weigh 26.73 grams. The Presidential, Susan B. Anthony and other 'mini' dollars are noticeably smaller, as well as having a copper hue.
6: Image Use - Unaltered images of US coins of are considered public domain in the USA as they are a work of the US Government. Silver dollar coin images were thus taken from wikipedia (where their public domain status is verified) or from coincommunity.com.Quoting Wikipedia ( http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1804_Silver_Dollar_-_Class_I_-_Watters-Childs_Specimen.jpg ) :
'... note that in the United States, reproductions of two-dimensional artwork which is in the public domain because of age do not generate a new copyright — for example, a straight-on photograph of the Mona Lisa would not be considered copyrighted (see Bridgeman v. Corel). Scans of images alone do not generate new copyrights — they merely inherit the copyright status of the image they are reproducing.' Since this is simply a straight-on photo or scan, with no creative aspect involved, it should not be subject to copyright as per this precedent.'
Silver Dollar Values By Year
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