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The 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $20,000 for rare, high-grade specimens. Whether you found one in an old drawer or inherited a collection, this San Francisco-minted classic is highly prized by collectors for its exceptional luster and sharp strike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good to Very Fine (Circulated) | $35 – $45 |
| Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated | $50 – $65 |
| Mint State (MS60 – MS63) | $75 – $120 |
| Gem Mint State (MS65+) | $250 – $1,000+ |
Understanding the History of the 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1879-S Morgan Dollar is a product of the legendary San Francisco Mint, a facility renowned for producing some of the most beautiful coins in American history. If you are trying to identify your find, using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the mint mark and variety instantly.
During the late 19th century, silver production was booming in the West. The Bland-Allison Act required the U.S. government to purchase vast amounts of silver and mint it into dollars. The 1879-S was part of this massive production wave, with over 9 million coins struck.
What makes the “S” mint mark special is the quality of the strike. Unlike the Philadelphia or New Orleans mints of that year, San Francisco consistently produced coins with deep “frosty” luster and crisp details. This makes them a favorite for everyday Americans looking to start a collection.
If you are unsure if you have a real silver dollar, the CoinKnow app can provide instant recognition. Simply snap a photo, and the app’s database will help you verify the specifics of your 1879-S Morgan Dollar.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Evaluating the Price of Your 1879-S Silver Dollar
When determining the value of an 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar, the most important factor is “Grade.” Grade refers to the amount of wear and tear the coin has sustained over the last 140 years. Most coins found in change or old jars are “circulated,” meaning they were used in daily commerce.
Even in rough shape, these coins are valuable because they contain 0.7734 ounces of pure silver. However, once a coin reaches “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” levels, the price skyrockets. Collectors pay a massive premium for coins that look like they just came off the press.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
To get a better idea of the market, checking an 1879-S Morgan dollar price guide for mint state grades is essential. Prices can jump from $100 to $1,000 just based on a few tiny scratches invisible to the naked eye.
| Grade Designation | Visual Characteristics | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fine (F12) | Moderate wear, Liberty’s hair is smooth. | $38 – $42 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | Almost perfect, slight wear on high points. | $60 – $70 |
| Mint State (MS63) | No wear, some bag marks/scratches. | $110 – $140 |
| Mint State (MS67) | Flawless strike, virtually perfect. | $2,500 – $3,500 |
The “Reverse of 1878” Variety vs. “Reverse of 1879”
A major factor in 1879-S Morgan Silver Dollar value is the variety of the eagle on the back. In 1878, the design was slightly different than the one finalized in 1879. However, the San Francisco mint used some old 1878 dies to strike coins in 1879.
The “Reverse of 1878” (also called the Second Reverse) features a flat breast on the eagle and a top feather on the arrow that is parallel. The “Reverse of 1879” (Third Reverse) features a rounded breast on the eagle and a slanted top feather.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1878 variety is much rarer for the San Francisco mint in 1879. Most coins you find will be the standard 1879 design. If you discover you have the “Parallel Top Feather” variety, you are looking at a much more valuable coin.
For a deeper dive into these technical differences, you can check this 1879-S silver dollar variety and value info page. Using a tool like CoinKnow can also help you zoom in on the eagle’s feathers to see which version you hold.
Why Proof-Like (PL) and Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) Matter
You might notice some 1879-S dollars looking almost like mirrors. Because the San Francisco mint used fresh dies and high pressure, some early coins from a batch have a reflective surface. These are called “Proof-Like” (PL) or “Deep Mirror Proof-Like” (DMPL).
A DMPL coin is one where you can see a clear reflection in the “fields” (the flat parts) of the coin from at least 6 inches away. These are incredibly popular because they look like specially struck proof coins, even though they were intended for regular circulation.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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An 1879-S in MS65 condition might be worth $250. However, if that same coin is graded as MS65 DMPL, the value can jump to $1,500 or more. This is why “surface quality” is just as important as the absence of scratches.
| Surface Type | MS63 Value | MS65 Value |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Luster | $115 | $240 |
| Proof-Like (PL) | $250 | $650 |
| Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) | $600 | $1,850 |
How to Identify a Genuine 1879-S Morgan Dollar
With the rising value of silver dollars, counterfeits have become more common. To ensure your coin is authentic, first check the weight. A genuine Morgan Dollar should weigh 26.73 grams. If it is significantly lighter, it is likely a fake made of base metals.
Next, check the mint mark. On the back of the coin, just above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR,” you should see a small “S.” If there is no letter there, it was minted in Philadelphia. If there is a “CC,” it’s from Carson City and worth even more!
Many people also use the “ping test.” Real silver has a high-pitched, long-lasting ring when gently tapped. However, we recommend using the CoinKnow app first to get a professional-grade visual analysis before attempting any physical tests that might damage the coin.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Finally, look at the edges. Genuine Morgan Dollars have “reeded” edges—tiny ridges like a modern quarter. If the edge is smooth or the ridges look “mushy,” that is a major red flag for a counterfeit.
Tips for Selling and Preserving Your Silver Dollar
If you discover that your coin is worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, your first instinct might be to clean it. Do not do this! Cleaning a coin with polish or even soap and water can strip away the original “mint luster,” potentially cutting its value by 50% or more.
To preserve the value of your 1879-S, place it in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin capsule. This prevents oils from your fingers and moisture in the air from causing “toning” or corrosion.
When you are ready to sell, avoid pawn shops if possible, as they usually offer “melt value” for the silver content. Instead, look for reputable coin dealers or auction houses. If the coin appears to be in perfect condition, consider having it professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC to lock in its maximum market value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1879-S Morgan Dollar?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse (back) of the coin. Look at the bottom, centered right above the space between the letters “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR.”
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Is my 1879 silver dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes, all Morgan Dollars minted between 1878 and 1921 are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains roughly 0.77 ounces of pure silver.
Q: Why is the 1879-S more common than other years?
A: The San Francisco mint produced a large quantity of these coins (over 9 million) and many were stored in Treasury vaults for decades. This is why many 1879-S dollars found today are still in beautiful, uncirculated condition.
Q: How much is an 1879-S worth if it has a hole in it?
A: Coins that are damaged, holed, or heavily cleaned are generally worth their “melt value.” As of current market rates, this is typically between $20 and $30, depending on the price of silver.