A Morgan Dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver. Minted from 1878 to 1921 in 90% silver, it is the most collected US silver coin and a staple of the stacker community. Its melt value updates in real time based on the current silver spot price.
Melt value only. Collector premiums and dealer spreads not included. Based on 0.7734 troy oz silver per coin.
Coin Specifications
Morgan Dollar Silver Value Specs
Composition
90% silver, 10% copper
Gross Weight
26.73g
Silver Content
0.7734 troy oz
Face Value
$1.00
Mint Years
1878-1904, 1921
Mint Marks
Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), Denver (D)
Diameter
38.1mm
Designer
George T. Morgan
Background
Why Stackers Track This Coin
The Morgan Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan and first struck in 1878, just two years after the Centennial of American independence. It was minted continuously through 1904, then again in 1921 before being replaced by the Peace Dollar. Named after its designer, the Morgan Dollar is the most widely collected US coin series in history. For stackers, it sits at the intersection of bullion and numismatics — every Morgan contains 0.7734 oz of silver, but common dates in circulated condition also carry a collector premium that makes them worth more than melt. The coin's iconic design, featuring Lady Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse, has made it a symbol of the American silver stacking community.
Compare
Morgan Dollar Silver Value vs Similar Coins
Morgan Dollars contain more silver per coin than any other common junk silver denomination. At 0.7734 oz per coin, a Morgan has more than twice the silver of a 90% half dollar.
Coin
Composition
Silver (oz)
Melt Value
Notes
Morgan Dollar Silver Valuethis coin
90% silver, 10% copper
0.7734 oz
—
—
Peace Dollar (1921-1935)
90%
0.7734 oz
—
Same silver content, different design era
Walking Liberty Half (1916-1947)
90%
0.3575 oz
—
Half the silver of a Morgan Dollar
90% Silver Quarter (pre-1965)
90%
0.17875 oz
—
About 1/4 the silver of a Morgan
American Silver Eagle (1986+)
99.9%
1 oz
—
More silver, higher premium, modern bullion
Common Questions
Morgan Dollar Silver Value FAQ
How much silver is in a Morgan Dollar?
A Morgan Dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver. It is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper with a gross weight of 26.73 grams. This is slightly more silver than $1 face value of smaller 90% coins — four quarters contain 0.715 oz while a single Morgan contains 0.7734 oz. Always price Morgan Dollars individually, not by face value.
Are Morgan Dollars worth more than melt value?
Yes, almost always. Even common date Morgan Dollars in average circulated condition typically sell for 20-50% above melt value due to strong collector demand. Key dates and better grades can be worth many times melt. Always check the date and mint mark before selling a Morgan for melt — you may be leaving significant money on the table.
What years were Morgan Dollars minted?
Morgan Dollars were minted from 1878 through 1904, then again in 1921. The series was replaced by the Peace Dollar in 1921. Five mints produced Morgan Dollars: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D). Carson City Morgans are particularly sought after by collectors.
What is the difference between a Morgan Dollar and a Peace Dollar?
Both contain identical silver content at 0.7734 troy oz and are struck in 90% silver. The Morgan Dollar (1878-1921) features a portrait of Liberty wearing a crown on the obverse. The Peace Dollar (1921-1935) features a different Liberty design created to commemorate peace after World War I. Morgan Dollars generally carry higher collector premiums than Peace Dollars.
How much is a Morgan Dollar worth today?
A Morgan Dollar's value has two components: melt value and collector premium. The melt value changes with silver spot price — at $80 silver a Morgan contains approximately $61.87 in silver. Common date circulated Morgans typically sell for $70-90 at current prices, a 15-45% premium over melt. Key dates and high grades can be worth hundreds or thousands. Use the calculator above for current melt value.
If you're tracking multiple coins, MyOunces automatically calculates your total melt value across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with live spot prices.