1887 6 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth and Current Market Value Guide

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The 1887/6 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $65 in worn condition to over $25,000 for high-grade specimens. This fascinating “overdate” variety is a prize for collectors, representing a moment in history where the Philadelphia Mint essentially recycled old tools to save time and money.

Understanding the 1887/6 Morgan Dollar Overdate Variety

Finding an old silver dollar in a drawer or a box of family keepsakes is always a thrill. If you happen to be holding an 1887 Morgan Dollar, you might be looking at a rare “overdate.” This specific coin occurred because the U.S. Mint workers stamped an 1887 date over an existing 1886 die. If you look closely at the last digit of the date under a magnifying glass, you can often see the faint outline of a “6” hiding underneath the “7.”

Because these coins are considered a significant variety, they are much more valuable than a standard 1887 silver dollar. If you aren’t sure whether your coin has this specific marking, using a top coin identifier app can help you see the fine details required to confirm the variety. Often, the CoinKnow app is the go-to tool for hobbyists to get a quick visual confirmation before heading to a professional dealer.

These coins were all minted at the Philadelphia Mint, meaning they do not have a mint mark on the reverse. If you see a “CC” or an “O” on the back above the “DOLLAR” text, it is not this specific 1887/6 variety, as those were produced with different dies. The primary value lies in the error itself, which makes it a “must-have” for serious Morgan Silver Dollar enthusiasts.

How Grading Affects Your 1887 Over 6 Silver Dollar Value

The condition, or “grade,” of your coin is the biggest factor in determining its final price. Most coins found in circulated condition will have smoothing on Lady Liberty’s hair or the eagle’s breast feathers. However, even a heavily worn 1887/6 Morgan Dollar remains valuable because it is a recognized variety. Collectors are always looking for the sharpest details of the underlying “6” to prove the coin’s authenticity.

To get an idea of what your specimen might bring at auction, you can check recent 1887/6 Morgan Dollar price records. Prices jump significantly once the coin reaches “Mint State” (MS), meaning it never entered public circulation and still retains its original luster. If your coin looks shiny and scratch-free, it could be worth thousands.

Many people use CoinKnow to scan their coins and get an instant estimation of the grade. While only a professional service like PCGS or NGC can give an official grade, having a ballpark idea is essential before you negotiate a sale. Remember, the difference between an MS63 and an MS65 grade can represent a price gap of several thousand dollars.

Current Market Price Chart for 1887/6 Morgan Dollars

The market for rare silver dollars is currently very strong. Investors often look for these varieties as a hedge against inflation. Below is a breakdown of the typical market values you can expect based on the condition of the coin. Keep in mind that professional certification (grading) is usually required to hit the higher price points listed here.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Very Good (VG-8)	$65 – $80
Fine to Very Fine (F-VF)	$95 – $150
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$210 – $275
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$450 – $600
Mint State (MS-60 to MS-62)	$1,200 – $2,500
Choice Mint State (MS-65+)	$12,000 – $25,000+

Key Features to Identify the Genuine 1887/6 Variety

Not every 1887 dollar is an overdate, so you need to know exactly what to look for. The “6” is most visible inside the lower loop of the “7” and sometimes extending slightly from the top left corner of the “7.” This is not a “double die” in the traditional sense, but a manual re-punching of the date onto the die.

If you provide photos to a community or use a tool like CoinKnow, you can compare your coin’s date to known genuine examples. Another helpful resource for identifying specific mint errors is this detailed 1887 Morgan Silver Dollar value overview which highlights the differences between common 1887 coins and these rare varieties.

Note that some coins may have “die polish” marks or scratches that look like numbers. A true 1887/6 will match specific die characteristics known to numismatists. If you see a clear “6” shape inside the “7,” you should keep that coin in a protective plastic flip or capsule immediately to prevent any further wear or fingerprints from damaging the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 1887/6 Morgan Dollar made of real silver?

A: Yes, like all Morgan Silver Dollars minted between 1878 and 1921, it is composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. This means the coin has “melt value” even if it is in poor condition, though the collector value of the 1887/6 variety far exceeds the price of the raw silver.

Q: Where can I sell my 1887 over 6 silver dollar?

A: For high-value coins like this, it is best to sell through a reputable auction house or a certified coin dealer. Because the price can reach thousands of dollars, having the coin authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling is highly recommended to ensure you get the maximum value.

Q: How can I tell the difference between the overdate and a normal 1887?

A: You will need a 10x jeweler’s loupe or a high-quality macro lens on your smartphone. Look at the “7” in the date. If you see a rounded shape or a “tail” inside the bottom loop of the 7, it is likely the overdate. Standard 1887 dollars will have a clean, sharp 7 with no extra metal inside the loops.

Q: Does cleaning the coin increase its value?

A: No! You should never clean a rare coin. Cleaning creates micro-scratches on the surface that professional graders can easily spot. A cleaned 1887/6 Morgan Dollar can lose up to 50% or more of its potential market value compared to an uncleaned coin with original patina.