1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar Value Guide

The 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar is a significant numismatic piece marking the first year of silver dollar production at the New Orleans Mint following the Reconstruction era. Designed by George T. Morgan, these coins represent a pivotal moment in American history and the expansion of the West.

What affects the value of 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar?

• The presence of a clear, undamaged 'O' mint mark from the New Orleans facility.
• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining on Liberty's hair and the eagle's breast feathers.
• The amount of surface wear, with uncirculated examples fetching significantly higher prices than the $35-$45 base range.
• Original luster and the absence of harsh cleaning or deep scratches on the silver surfaces.

How to Identify 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar?

• Locate the 'O' mint mark on the reverse side, positioned just above the 'DO' in DOLLAR.
• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin its distinct weight and metallic ring.
• Examine the profile of Liberty on the obverse, ensuring the 1879 date is crisp and correctly aligned.
• Check for the designer's initial 'M' at the base of Liberty's neck and on the reverse's left loop of the ribbon.

History of 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar

Designed by George T. Morgan, this series was minted between 1878 and 1904, and again in 1921. The 'O' mint mark on this 1879 specimen indicates it was produced at the New Orleans Mint, which had just reopened for silver dollar production following the Reconstruction era. These coins were fundamental to the expansion of the American West and are among the most collected silver coins in the world.