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The 1885 Morgan Silver Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $35,000 for rare mint-state specimens. This iconic “Cartwheel” dollar represents a golden age of American coinage, and finding one in your attic or inherited collection could mean you are holding a significant piece of history.
| Condition | 1885 (Philadelphia) | 1885-O (New Orleans) | 1885-S (San Francisco) | 1885-CC (Carson City) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good / Fine | $35 – $45 | $35 – $45 | $65 – $100 | $550 – $650 |
| Very Fine / Extremely Fine | $50 – $60 | $50 – $60 | $150 – $250 | $700 – $800 |
| Uncirculated (MS60+) | $75+ | $75+ | $600+ | $900+ |
How to Quickly Identify Your 1885 Morgan Silver Dollar
Identifying your coin is the first step toward figuring out its market price. The 1885 Morgan dollar features Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic eagle on the reverse. If you aren’t sure if your coin is authentic or what grade it might be, using a top coin identifier app can save you hours of research by using image recognition.
To determine the value, you must first look for the mint mark. Turn the coin over to the “tails” side. Just above the letters “DO” in “DOLLAR” and below the wreath surrounding the eagle, you might see a small letter. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. An “O” stands for New Orleans, an “S” for San Francisco, and the highly coveted “CC” stands for Carson City.
Because these coins are 90% silver, they always have a “melt value,” but their numismatic (collector) value is usually much higher. By using CoinKnow, you can track the current silver spot price alongside the historical auction data for your specific coin year and mint.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The Massive Value of the 1885-CC Morgan Dollar
The 1885-CC is the “Holy Grail” for many 1885 collectors because the Carson City mint produced a very low quantity of these coins. Only 228,000 were struck, which is a tiny fraction compared to the millions made in New Orleans. This scarcity means that even a heavily circulated 1885-CC can be worth hundreds of dollars.
Unlike other coins that were heavily used in daily commerce, many 1885-CC dollars remained in Treasury bags for decades. They were later sold to the public in the 1970s GSA Hoard sales. If yours is in its original plastic GSA holder, it carries an even higher premium.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1885 silver dollar value for Carson City strikes depends heavily on lack of scratches (bag marks) on Liberty’s cheek. Because collectors crave the “CC” mint mark, these coins tend to hold their value exceptionally well during economic downturns, making them a favorite for investors and hobbyists alike.
1885-S and New Orleans Mint Variations
The 1885-S, minted in San Francisco, is another “semi-key” date that commands a higher price than the Philly or New Orleans versions. While 1.4 million were struck, survival rates in high grades are surprisingly low. If your 1885-S looks shiny and like it has never been used, you could be looking at a four-figure payday.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
In contrast, the 1885-O from New Orleans is incredibly common. Over 9 million were produced. However, the New Orleans mint was known for “soft strikes,” meaning the details on the eagle’s breast feathers might look flat even if the coin isn’t worn.
High-quality New Orleans coins with deep reflective surfaces are known as “Proof-Like” or “Deep Mirror Proof-Like” (DMPL). If you suspect your coin has a mirror-like finish, CoinKnow can help you compare it against certified DMPL examples to ensure you don’t sell it for a standard price.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| None (Philadelphia) | 17,787,000 | Common |
| O (New Orleans) | 9,110,000 | Very Common |
| S (San Francisco) | 1,497,000 | Scarce |
| CC (Carson City) | 228,000 | Rare |
Condition and Grading: The Difference Between $50 and $5,000
Condition is everything in coin collecting. Professional graders use a scale from 1 to 70. For most non-collectors, the most important distinction is whether a coin is “Circulated” or “Uncirculated.” A circulated coin will have visible wear on Lady Liberty’s hair above the ear and on the eagle’s breast feathers.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Check the current value for 1885 Morgan dollar MS grades to see how quickly the price jumps. For example, an 1885-P in MS63 might be worth $100, while the same coin in MS67 could fetch over $5,000 at auction.
Never clean your silver dollars! Many people think “shining up” an old coin makes it more valuable, but cleaning actually damages the surface of the metal and can reduce its value by 50% or more. Collectors prefer “original skin,” even if the coin has darkened or developed “toning” (rainbow colors caused by oxidation).
Rare 1885 Morgan Dollar VAM Varieties
If you have a magnifying glass, you might want to look for “VAMs.” Named after researchers Van Allen and Mallis, VAM varieties are specific die errors or changes that make certain 1885 dollars unique. For the 1885-O specifically, there are several doubled die varieties where the “O” mint mark or parts of the date appear doubled.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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Another famous variety is the 1885-S “Small S” vs “Large S.” While these aren’t as famous as the 1885-CC, they are highly sought after by specialists. Using the CoinKnow database, you can look up high-resolution photos of these specific errors to see if your coin matches the rare patterns.
| Error/Variety Type | Key Features | Estimated Premium |
|---|---|---|
| VAM-1C (Pitted Die) | Small dots or “pits” on Liberty’s face. | 20% – 50% |
| 1885-O Doubled Date | Visible doubling on the ‘188’ digits. | $50 – $200 extra |
| 1885-CC GSA Hoard | Original black plastic case and certificate. | $100 – $300 extra |
Final Tips for Selling or Preserving Your Coin
If you’ve determined that your 1885 Morgan Dollar is a high-value item, especially if it’s an “S” or “CC” mint mark, your next step should be professional certification. Companies like PCGS or NGC will authenticate and grade your coin, placing it in a protective slab. This makes it much easier to sell at a fair price because the buyer doesn’t have to guess the grade.
Store your coins in a cool, dry place. Humidity can lead to unsightly spotting. Acid-free flips or tubes are the best way to keep them safe from scratches. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, keeping an eye on market trends is vital, as the 1885 Morgan dollar value fluctuates based on the collector market and the price of silver.
FAQ
Q: Is an 1885 Morgan Dollar pure silver?
A: No, it is 90% silver and 10% copper. This was the standard for all U.S. silver dollars of that era. It contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: How can I tell if my 1885 dollar is a fake?
A: Real Morgan dollars are not magnetic. If a magnet sticks to your coin, it is a fake. Additionally, a real 1885 dollar should weigh approximately 26.73 grams. Counterfeits are often lighter or heavier.
Q: Where is the best place to sell my 1885 Morgan Silver Dollar?
A: For common dates (P and O), a local coin shop is convenient. For rare dates like the 1885-CC or high-grade 1885-S, specialized auction houses or reputable online dealers usually provide the best return.
Q: Does the “O” on my 1885 coin mean it is rare?
A: Actually, the “O” mint mark from New Orleans is quite common for the year 1885. While it is a beautiful piece of history, millions were made, and it is usually valued similarly to the Philadelphia version unless it is in perfect condition.