1896 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Guide

The 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar is a quintessential piece of American numismatic history, authorized by the Bland-Allison Act to stabilize the silver market. Designed by George T. Morgan, this 90% silver coin is highly prized by collectors for its iconic depiction of Lady Liberty and its connection to the late 19th-century U.S. economy.

What Is 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?

The typical price range for 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar is $30 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of an 'S' mint mark significantly increases value compared to the common Philadelphia mintage.
• Overall strike quality and the absence of 'bag marks' or surface abrasions from storage.
• The level of original mint luster remaining on the coin's surfaces.
• Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC, especially for high-state uncirculated examples.

How to Identify 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar?

• Verify the composition is 90% silver and 10% copper with a diameter of 38.1mm.
• Check for the 'O' mint mark (New Orleans) or 'S' (San Francisco) above the 'DO' in DOLLAR; no mark indicates Philadelphia.
• Examine the obverse for George T. Morgan's 'M' initial at the truncation of Liberty's neck.
• Look for the crispness of the feathers on the eagle's breast on the reverse to determine wear levels.

History of 1896 Morgan Silver Dollar

The Morgan Dollar, named after its designer George T. Morgan, was minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. It was authorized by the Bland-Allison Act of 1878 and was created to help stabilize the silver market. These coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and beautiful design. The 1896 mintage is a common date, but still a beloved piece of American numismatic history.