1879 was the second year that the Morgan silver dollars were minted. These coins have value as both numismatic coins and as silver bullion. Keep reading to learn more about these coins.
Specifications
Type: Morgan Silver Dollar
Year: 1879
Face Value: $1.00
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Silver Weight: .77344 oz.
Total Weight: 26.73 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $22.96
The US minted the 1879 silver dollar with no mint mark and also the 1879 CC silver dollar, 1879 O silver dollar, and 1879 S silver dollar. The mint mark, when present, can be found on the reverse side of the coin below the wreath.
The 1879 CC silver dollar has two different variations. There is the clear CC mint mark variation, and there is the CC over CC variation. The CC over CC variation is also known as the capped die variety. A rusty die struck the coin which resulted in a mint mark that is more obscure.
There are also a few variations for the 1879 S silver dollar. There is the variation with the second reverse, which has a parallel top arrow feather and a concave breast. Next there is the variation with the third reverse, which has a slanted top arrow feather is slanted and a convex breast.
| Series | Location | Quantity Minted |
|---|---|---|
| 1879 | Philadelphia | 14,806,000 |
| 1879 CC | Carson City | 756,000 |
| 1879 O | New Orleans | 2,887,000 |
| 1879 S | San Francisco | 9,110,000 |
Value
This coin in circulated condition is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $22.96. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $29.68 per ounce.
The 1879 silver dollar with no mint mark is worth around $48 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $50. In uncirculated condition the price is around $85 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $550.
The 1879 CC silver dollar with the CC over CC is worth around $650 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $1,850. In uncirculated condition the price is around $5,500 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $50,000.
The 1879 silver dollar with the clear CC is worth around $650 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $2,350. In uncirculated condition the price is around $6,500 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $25,000.
The 1879 O silver dollar is worth around $48 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $60. In uncirculated condition the price is around $130 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $2,500.
The 1879 S silver dollar with the second reverse is worth around $125 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $180. In uncirculated condition the price is around $800 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $7,500.
The 1879 S silver dollar with the third reverse is worth around $48 in very fine condition. In extremely fine condition the value is around $50. In uncirculated condition the price is around $90 for coins with an MS 60 grade. Uncirculated coins with a grade of MS 65 can sell for around $235.
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Proof Coins
Proof coins with no mint mark are available and they are each valued at around $2,000 in PR 63 condition. There were 1,100 proof coins minted.
Grading System
Very fine- About two thirds of Liberty's hair lines from above her forehead her ear are visible.
Extremely fine- Liberty's hair lines and ear look strong.
MS 60 Uncirculated condition- There are no signs of wear. The coin has luster, but there may be a few stains, abrasions, or surface marks.
MS 65 Uncirculated condition- There is strong luster and eye appeal. A few light contact marks are present but they are barely noticeable.
PR 63 proof- This coin has reflective surfaces and only a few blemishes away from the major focal points. There are no major flaws.
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