Silver dollars, especially Morgan and Peace dollars, have become some of the most sought-after coins for collectors. While not the priciest coins in the world, some of these rare pieces command hundreds of thousands to even millions of dollars at auctions. U.S. mints began creating silver dollars in 1794, featuring 90% silver, and since then, certain years and designs have skyrocketed in value.
If you’re lucky enough to find one of these rare coins in pristine condition, it could be life-changing. Here are some of the most valuable silver dollars to keep an eye out for:
- 1839 Gobrecht Silver Dollar Jud-88 Restrike
- Auction Price: $199,750
- This unique Gobrecht silver dollar from 1839 is known for having stars on both sides. Only three exist, but just two are privately owned, making it an incredibly rare find.
- 1845 Seated Liberty Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $207,000
- Graded as PR-67, this coin was once part of the Jay Pittman Collection. It’s considered one of the finest examples of the Seated Liberty design from the 1840s.
- 1798 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (13 Stars)
- Auction Price: $230,000
- Known for its “Small Eagle” design and only 13 stars on the obverse, this 1798 silver dollar stands out. Rated AU58, it was sold for a significant sum in 2007.
- 1922 Peace Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $325,000
- As an experimental coin by George Morgan, this Peace dollar is exceptionally rare. A sandblast-finished version sold in 2014, further enhancing its collector appeal.
- 1799 Draped Bust Silver Dollar (No Berries)
- Auction Price: $379,500
- Known as the “No Berries” dollar due to the lack of berries in the eagle’s talon, this coin’s design flaw only increases its rarity and value.
- 1797 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $381,875
- This is the only mint state example of the 1797 Draped Bust variety, graded at MS-64. Its near-perfect condition makes it one of the most valuable 1797 silver dollars.
- 1801 Draped Bust Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $399,500
- Known for its “brilliant proof” quality, this Draped Bust dollar once sold for only $100 but later auctioned for nearly $400,000 in 2017.
- 1896-O Morgan Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $528,000
- A top-quality example of the Morgan silver dollar series, this MS-66 graded coin came from the famous Larry H. Miller Collection.
- 1895-O Morgan Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $575,000
- One of only 10 examples known to be in MS-65 or higher grade, the 1895-O is a rare coin for serious collectors.
- 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar
- Auction Price: $10,016,875
- Known as the “holy grail” of silver dollars, this coin is believed to be the first U.S. silver dollar ever minted. It set a record when sold for over $10 million in 2013.
Conclusion
Silver dollars, with their rich history and varying designs, hold significant value for collectors and investors alike. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, identifying and preserving these coins can bring both historical pride and potential financial rewards. Some silver dollars are so rare that even finding one in lesser conditions can still yield substantial returns. Keep an eye out for these treasured pieces—they might just be worth a fortune!