Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
The 1889 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $35,000 for rare mint-state varieties. These iconic silver coins are a favorite among American families, often found tucked away in old jars or inherited collections as a symbol of the Wild West era.
| Condition | 1889 (Philadelphia) | 1889-O (New Orleans) | 1889-S (San Francisco) | 1889-CC (Carson City) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 | $35 | $55 | $750 |
| Fine (F-12) | $42 | $42 | $75 | $1,600 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $70 | $350 | $450 | $12,500 |
Identifying Your 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar
If you’ve recently discovered an old silver coin in your closet, you might be holding a piece of American history. The 1889 Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and contains 90% silver and 10% copper. Because of their high silver content, these coins are always worth at least their weight in silver, but their collectors’ value is often much higher.
To start your journey as an amateur numismatist, you should first identify where the coin was minted. Look at the back of the coin, just above the “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR.” If you see a small letter, that is the mint mark. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. For a fast and accurate identification, the top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between these mint marks and even spot subtle errors.
Using a tool like CoinKnow can take the guesswork out of the equation. By simply snapping a photo, you can see if you have a common Philadelphia strike or a legendary Carson City rarity. This is the first step every everyday American should take before heading to a coin shop.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Understanding the 1889 Philadelphia No Mint Mark Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced over 21 million Morgan Dollars in 1889, making it the most common variety you will likely find today. Because so many were produced, these coins are considered “common dates.” Most circulated examples—those that were spent in saloons or general stores—will sell for a modest premium over their silver melt value.
However, the value jumps significantly when you look at coins in “Mint State” (MS). These are coins that never entered circulation and still have their original shiny luster. When checking 1889 silver dollar prices in uncirculated grades, you will notice that an MS-65 grade coin can fetch $300 or more, while a common “average” circulated coin stays around $40.
If your coin looks brand new, it is worth having it looked at by a professional. Small scratches, known as “bag marks,” occur when coins rattle against each other in canvas bags. The fewer the marks, the higher the price.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
| Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Very Good (VG-8) | $38.00 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $48.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $95.00 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $325.00 |
The Rare 1889-CC Morgan Dollar: The Holy Grail
The “CC” mint mark stands for Carson City, Nevada. In 1889, the Carson City Mint only produced 350,000 Morgan Dollars, which is a tiny amount compared to the millions made elsewhere. This makes the 1889-CC one of the most sought-after coins in the entire Morgan series. If you find one of these, you are looking at a very significant payday.
Even in very poor, “About Good” condition, an 1889-CC can sell for nearly $600. If the coin is in beautiful condition, the price can skyrocket into the tens of thousands. In fact, an MS-68 version of this coin once sold for over $800,000! Because this coin is so valuable, there are many counterfeits on the market.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Before getting too excited, use the CoinKnow app to compare your coin’s features against authentic high-resolution images. Authenticating a “CC” mark is vital because scammers often solder a fake “CC” onto a common Philadelphia coin. Real Carson City silver dollars have specific “die markers” that experts look for to prove they are genuine.
The 1889-O and 1889-S Mint Marks
The New Orleans Mint (O) and San Francisco Mint (S) also produced these silver dollars in 1889. The 1889-O is quite common in circulated grades, but it becomes surprisingly rare in high Mint State grades. New Orleans strikes from this year are often “weakly struck,” meaning the details like the eagle’s feathers or the hair above Lady Liberty’s ear might look flat even if the coin isn’t worn.
The 1889-S is a different story. With only 700,000 minted, it is much scarcer than the Philadelphia or New Orleans versions. It is generally more valuable across all grades. For anyone doing research, finding current 1889 silver dollar appraisal data is essential because the market for San Francisco mint marks fluctuates frequently based on collector demand.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Keep an eye out for “Proof-Like” (PL) or “Deep Mirror Proof-Like” (DMPL) designations. These are business-strike coins that were struck so cleanly that the fields (the flat parts) look like mirrors. These special finishes can double or triple the value of an 1889-O or 1889-S coin.
| Mint Mark | Mintage | Value (VF-20) | Value (MS-63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1889 (P) | 21,726,000 | $45 | $95 |
| 1889-O | 11,875,000 | $45 | $650 |
| 1889-S | 700,000 | $110 | $950 |
Grading and Condition: Why It Matters
Condition is everything in coin collecting. A single scratch or a bit of wear on Liberty’s cheek can be the difference between a $100 coin and a $1,000 coin. Coin collectors use a 70-point scale called the Sheldon Scale. Most coins you find in your home will fall between “Good” (4) and “About Uncirculated” (50 to 58).
When grading your 1889 Morgan Dollar, look at the highest points of the design. On the front (obverse), look at the hair lines above the ear and the cotton blossoms in the crown. If these areas are smooth, the coin is circulated. On the back (reverse), look at the eagle’s breast feathers. If the feathers are crisp and distinct, you have a high-grade coin.
Using the CoinKnow app can help you estimate the grade of your coin by comparing it to professionally graded examples. Remember, you should never clean your coins! Even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy the “numismatic value.” A dirty, original coin is always worth more than a shiny, scrubbed one.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
How to Safely Store and Sell Your 1889 Silver Dollar
Once you’ve determined that your 1889 Morgan Dollar is valuable, you need to protect it. Silver reacts with sulfur and moisture in the air, which causes “toning” or tarnish. While some collectors love rainbow-colored toning, most prefer original white luster. Store your coins in PVC-free flips or plastic capsules to prevent environmental damage.
If you decide to sell, don’t just walk into the first pawn shop you see. Pawn shops typically pay only the silver melt value, which might be $25-$30, even if the coin is worth $100 to a collector. Instead, look for reputable local coin dealers or consider sending high-value coins like the 1889-CC to grading services like PCGS or NGC.
Online auctions are also a popular way to sell, but be prepared for fees. Knowing the exact market value beforehand by checking current auction records will ensure you don’t leave money on the table. Your 1889 silver dollar is a piece of history—treat it with the respect it deserves!
FAQ
Q: Is every 1889 silver dollar made of real silver?
A: Yes, all genuine 1889 Morgan Dollars are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. They contain approximately 0.7734 ounces of pure silver. If your coin is magnetic, it is definitely a fake, as silver is not magnetic.
Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1889 Morgan Dollar?
A: The mint mark is located on the reverse side (the tail side) of the coin. Look just below the wreath that surrounds the eagle, right above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.” You will see an ‘O’, ‘S’, ‘CC’, or nothing at all (Philadelphia).
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: Should I clean my 1889 silver dollar to make it look new?
A: Absolutely not! Cleaning a vintage coin is the quickest way to lower its value. Collectors prefer “original skin,” which is the natural patina formed over 130 years. Even mild soap can strip away the coin’s luster and reduce its value by 50% or more.
Q: How can I tell if my 1889-CC Morgan Dollar is real?
A: Authenticating an 1889-CC is difficult because so many fakes exist. Look for the “C”s in the mint mark; they should be clear and well-defined. Many experts also look for a tiny “die chip” inside the letter ‘C’ as a sign of authenticity. When in doubt, use a professional grading service.
Q: Why is my 1889-O coin worth less than others in the same grade?
A: The New Orleans Mint was notorious for producing coins with “weak strikes.” This means the details aren’t as sharp as those from Philadelphia or San Francisco. Because they look “mushy” even when brand new, they are generally less desirable to high-end collectors unless they are exceptionally sharp.