Morgan Silver Dollars: Key Dates Every Collector Should Know

The Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history. Minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921, it’s beloved by both novice and advanced collectors for its beauty, silver content, and historical significance.

For those using coin collection systems, coin collection software, or coin inventory management tools like MyCoinWorX, understanding the key dates of Morgan Dollars is crucial. These rare issues often hold significantly higher values and deserve special attention in your inventory records.

Why Morgan Dollars Are Collector Favorites

• Rich History – Struck during the American Old West and the Industrial Revolution.
• High Silver Content – Each contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver.
• Variety of Mintmarks – Struck at Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, Carson City, and Denver mints.
• Grading Impact – On the Sheldon Scale, higher-grade Morgans can multiply in value exponentially.

What Are Key Dates?

In numismatics, key dates refer to coins within a series that are harder to find due to low mintage, heavy circulation, or historical meltings. These coins are the “must-haves” for a complete collection and often represent the most significant investments in a set.

For collectors using coin inventory management software, marking key date coins ensures you can:

• Track their current market value.
• Organize your collection by rarity.
• Maintain proper insurance documentation.

Morgan Dollar Key Dates and Rarities

Here are some of the most sought-after Morgan Dollar key dates:

1879-CC

• Carson City mintmark ("CC").
• Low mintage and high collector demand.

1889-CC

• Considered one of the rarest Morgans in any grade.
• Often the centerpiece of a Morgan Dollar collection.

1893-S

• The ultimate key date for the series.
• Extremely low mintage (just 100,000 coins).

1895 (Proof Only)

• No business strikes known.
• Approximately 880 proofs minted.

1903-O

• Once thought to be rare until a hoard was released in the 1960s, but high-grade examples remain valuable.

Grading and the Sheldon Scale

Morgan Dollar values are highly grade-dependent. A VG-8 1893-S might sell for thousands, while a MS-65 example could be worth hundreds of thousands. Using a grading standard like the Sheldon Scale within your coin collection software ensures consistent recordkeeping and accurate valuation.

Tracking Morgan Dollars in Your Coin Collection System

If you’re building a complete Morgan Dollar set, your coin collection system should let you:

• Record date, mintmark, and grade for each coin.
• Flag key dates for quick reference.
• Attach certification numbers and photos for verification.
• Generate reports to track collection completeness and market value changes.

MyCoinWorx makes it easy to log your Morgans, monitor values, and ensure you never miss out on an upgrade opportunity.

Final Thoughts

Morgan Dollars are more than just silver—they’re tangible pieces of American history. Whether you own one or a complete set, understanding the key dates and keeping them accurately recorded in your coin inventory management software is essential for protecting and growing your collection.

‍