Morgan Silver Dollar

United States · 1880

A classic US Morgan silver dollar showing a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1880
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

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 September 13, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A classic US Morgan silver dollar showing a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty on the obverse and an heraldic eagle on the reverse.

Historical significance

Minted under the Bland-Allison Act of 1878, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase massive amounts of silver and coin it into dollars to satisfy western mining interests and inflate the money supply.

Obverse (front)

Features the left-facing profile of Lady Liberty modeled by Anna Willess Williams, wearing a Phrygian cap with cotton and wheat in her hair, surrounded by thirteen stars, the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and the year 1880.

Reverse (back)

Features a heraldic American eagle with outstretched wings clutching arrows and an olive branch, encircled by a wreath, with the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the denomination 'ONE DOLLAR'.

Estimated value

$30-$50 in circulated condition, $60-$150+ in uncirculated condition depending on mint mark and exact grade.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of desirable mint marks (e.g., CC), and absence of cleaning or heavy surface damage.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) based on light wear or contact marks on high points.

Mintage & rarity

Philadelphia mintage for 1880 was 12,600,000, making it relatively common, though certain branch mint varieties (like 1880-CC) are much scarcer.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight (should be 26.73g), diameter (38.1mm), perform a ping test, and verify with a magnet (silver is non-magnetic). Beware of modern counterfeit fakes made of base metals.

Notable varieties & errors

1880/7 overdate, 1880-CC mint mark variations (like CC over CC).

Similar coins

Peace Dollar, Seated Liberty Dollar

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only using cotton gloves. Never clean or wash the coin as cleaning drastically reduces numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place within inert holders like 2x2 flips, slabs, or airtight capsules.