Obverse

Reverse

One Dollar ($1)

Morgan Silver Dollar

United States of America · 1885

A large silver coin featuring a profile of Liberty and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1885
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper (0.77344 oz pure silver)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 1, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A large silver coin featuring a profile of Liberty and a heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Morgan Dollar is one of the most famous American coins, named after its designer George T. Morgan. It was minted largely due to the Bland-Allison Act and represents the height of silver mining in the American West.

Obverse (front)

Lady Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap with the word 'LIBERTY' in her hairband, surrounded by 13 stars and the date 1885. Motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above.

Reverse (back)

An eagle with wings spread, clutching an olive branch and arrows. Surrounded by a wreath and the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR'. Motto 'In God We Trust' above eagle.

Estimated value

$30-$45 in Very Good to Fine condition; $55-$75 in About Uncirculated; $90+ in Mint State grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), mint mark (CC or S are generally more valuable), and eye appeal.

Grade assessment

Good to Very Good (heavily worn, Liberty's hair and the eagle's breast feathers are smooth).

Mintage & rarity

Common; total mintage of 17,787,000 for the Philadelphia issue.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight (26.73g), diameter, and magnetism (it should not be magnetic). Look for sharp details in the denticles and lettering.

Notable varieties & errors

1885-O and 1885-S are the primary mint mark varieties; various VAM (die variety) types exist.

Similar coins

Peace Silver Dollar (often confused by non-collectors, but Peace Dollars have a more modern design and different eagle)

Care & preservation

Store in PVC-free flips or capsules. Do not clean or polish, as this significantly reduces numismatic value. Handle only by the edges.

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