1901 Morgan Silver Dollar Value Guide

The 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar is a cornerstone of American numismatics, featuring George T. Morgan's iconic Lady Liberty and eagle designs. These coins are highly collectible due to the massive melt-downs authorized by the Pittman Act, which significantly reduced the surviving population of these 90% silver specimens.

What Is 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar Worth?

The typical price range for 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar is $50 - $70 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific mint mark (Philadelphia, New Orleans, or San Francisco) significantly impacts rarity and market price.
• Overall strike quality and the level of wear on high points like Liberty's hair and the eagle's breast feathers.
• The presence of original mint luster versus signs of harsh cleaning or environmental damage.
• Professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC, which can validate the coin's condition and authenticity.

How to Identify 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar?

• Verify the 90% silver and 10% copper composition, which gives the coin a distinct weight and metallic ring.
• Check for the 'O' or 'S' mint marks above the 'DO' in 'DOLLAR' on the reverse, or no mark for the Philadelphia mint.
• Examine the designer's initial 'M' located at the base of Liberty's neck and on the left loop of the ribbon on the reverse.
• Ensure the date '1901' is clearly struck with the correct serif typography used by the U.S. Treasury.

History of 1901 Morgan Silver Dollar

The Morgan Silver Dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921. It was named after its designer, George T. Morgan, an English engraver. The coin was a product of the Bland-Allison Act, which required the U.S. Treasury to purchase a certain amount of silver each month and coin it into dollars. Many of these coins were melted down during World War I due to the Pittman Act, making surviving specimens valuable to collectors.