The 10 Best Morgan Silver Dollars to Collect in 2027
The 10 best morgan silver dollars to collect are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. 1893-S Morgan Dollar

The 1893-S ranks first because it is the undisputed king of the Morgan series, with the lowest business-strike mintage at just 100,000 coins and an estimated 10,000-12,000 survivors in all grades. Circulated examples start near $4,000-$6,000, while Gem Mint State pieces have realized $646,250 at auction, most notably the Eliasberg specimen. Its unmatched name recognition and consistent appreciation across every grade tier make it the keystone of any serious collection.
This coin is for the advanced collector or investor seeking the ultimate trophy and a sure long-term store of value. It trades away affordability and accessibility, demanding a four-to-five-figure budget even for low circulated grades. Heavily counterfeited, it requires insisting on PCGS or NGC certification, never buying raw. Compared to the 1895 proof below, it has a broader collector pool and stronger liquidity, making it the more practical top-tier choice.
2. 1895 Morgan Dollar Proof

The 1895 proof ranks second as the connoisseur's prize, the true 'King of Morgans,' because no business strikes are confirmed for the date, leaving only 880 proofs as the sole obtainable examples. GreatCollections has sold 26 examples over 15 years, from $20,350 to a record $205,313 in 2019, with a PR-68 bringing $115,000 at Goldberg. Its proof-only status makes every example traceable, and Cameo designations add a strong value multiplier.
This coin is for the date-set collector who must conquer the ultimate 'stopper' and is willing to pay a five-figure entry point even for impaired examples. It trades away liquidity and accessibility for extreme rarity, as proof surfaces are fragile and hairlines crush value. Compared to the 1893-S above, it has a smaller demand base but a higher scarcity ceiling. Buy the best certified surfaces you can afford and hold for decades.
3. 1889-CC Morgan Dollar

The 1889-CC ranks third as the undisputed king of Carson City Morgans and the most famous semi-key in U.S. coinage, being the second-scarcest business strike in the series. Circulated examples range from $4,200-$19,000, while Mint State pieces climb from $28,000 to over $361,000, with a CAC-approved PCGS XF-40 recently realizing $4,800. Its Carson City origin gives it cross-collector appeal beyond Morgan specialists, and its deep certified population data supports stable pricing.
This coin is for the collector focused on the Carson City run, seeking a crown jewel with genuine rarity and romance. It trades away affordability, as Mint State examples jump quickly into five-figure territory, though circulated grades offer a more accessible entry. Compared to the 1895 proof above, it has a broader demand base and better liquidity. The steep value curve rewards patient buyers who can grade-up over time.
4. 1893-CC Morgan Dollar

The 1893-CC ranks fourth because it is the final Carson City Morgan dollar, making it a true series bookend and one of the three scarcest Morgans alongside the 1889-CC and 1879-CC. Gem examples are very rare, with the finest known being a single PCGS MS-66, and even mid-Mint-State coins command $8,000-$25,000. Circulated examples in VF-XF trade $1,500-$4,000, putting an authentic last-year CC dollar within dedicated collectors' reach.
This coin is for the collector completing a Carson City set, who values the historical significance of the final year of production. It trades away the fame of the 1889-CC but offers a slightly more attainable price point in circulated grades. Compared to the 1889-CC above, it is often weakly struck and requires careful cherry-picking for detail and luster. Heavily faked, certification is non-negotiable, but its single finest-known MS-66 anchors strong condition-rarity demand.
5. 1879-CC Morgan Dollar

The 1879-CC ranks fifth as the value play within the Carson City 'big three,' completing the trio of scarcest Morgans and offering two notable varieties: the Clear CC and the Capped Die. Circulated examples start around $700-$1,500, making it accessible, while Mint State coins are genuinely rare and Gems reach well into six figures. The Capped Die variety carries its own premium and collector following.
This coin is for the smart early key-date target who wants a true key without the top-tier price tag. It trades away the ultimate prestige of the 1889-CC but provides a more affordable entry into the scarcest CC dates. Compared to the 1893-CC above, it has a lower entry point and a more stable circulated market. Capped Die examples are often softly detailed, so prioritize certified coins with strong eye appeal.
6. 1884-S Morgan Dollar

The 1884-S ranks sixth as the premier condition rarity of the series, where circulated examples are common and cheap at $80-$300, but Mint State coins are extraordinarily rare. The Pittman Act of 1918 melted most surviving bags, creating the most dramatic circulated-to-Mint-State value jump in the series. The single-finest known, a PCGS MS-69, sold for $750,000 from the Larry H. Miller Collection at Stack's Bowers.
This coin is for the collector who enjoys the condition-rarity gamble and wants an affordable key in circulated grades. It trades away the guarantee of a high-grade coin, as true Mint State examples are nearly unobtainable and wildly expensive. Compared to the 1879-CC above, it has a lower entry point but a much higher ceiling. Many cleaned or AU coins are over-graded by sellers, so certified examples with original surfaces are essential.
7. 1903-O Morgan Dollar

The 1903-O ranks seventh as the most famous Morgan 'rarity' reversal, once the priciest New Orleans date until Treasury bag releases in the early 1960s flooded the market with Mint State coins. Today it is worth about $500 in average circulated condition and $700-$1,500 in MS-64 to MS-66, common through MS-65 and only scarce in MS-67+. It remains a beloved teaching coin about how hoards reshape a market.
This coin is for the collector who wants a genuine Mint State Morgan under $1,000 and appreciates a famous market-history story. It trades away condition-rarity upside below MS-67, as it is no longer rare, but offers stable, liquid pricing with deep certified supply. Compared to the 1884-S above, it is far more accessible in Mint State but lacks the dramatic value jump.
8. GSA Hoard Carson City Morgan

The GSA Hoard Carson City Morgan ranks eighth as the best value in the series, offering authentic, government-sealed Mint State CC dollars for $200-$450 on common dates like the 1882-CC, 1883-CC, and 1884-CC. Between 1972 and 1974, the U.S. Treasury sold roughly 2.9 million Carson City dollars through the General Services Administration, each in a hard plastic case with a black box and certificate.
This coin is for the newcomer or budget-conscious collector who wants genuine Carson City history without spending five figures. It trades away rarity-driven upside, as common-date GSA coins have limited appreciation potential, but offers zero authentication worry. Compared to the 1903-O above, it provides a more unique provenance and a direct connection to the Old West. Cracked-out or damaged holders lose the provenance premium, so preserving the original packaging is key.
9. 1878 8 Tail Feathers Morgan

The 1878 8 Tail Feathers ranks ninth as the true first-year design variety of the entire Morgan series, with the original reverse showing an eagle with eight tail feathers instead of the correct seven. The Mint quickly corrected the error, making the 8TF a short-lived, historically important first issue. It is worth about $140 in average condition and $440-$2,540 in Mint State, with Gems genuinely scarce. Its memorable 'wrong number of feathers' story drives strong collector interest.
This coin is for the type or variety collector who wants an affordable, story-rich first-year issue that anchors a set. It trades away the prestige of the key dates but offers real scarcity in top grades and a low entry point. Compared to the GSA CC Morgan above, it has a lower price but lacks the government-sealed provenance.
10. 1921 Morgan Dollar

The 1921 Morgan ranks tenth as the budget bookend that completes the series, being the final Morgan year before the Peace dollar took over after a 17-year gap. Struck in the hundreds of millions across Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, common Mint State examples trade for $30-$60, making it the cheapest way to own a date that closes out the Morgan era.
This coin is for the budget collector who wants to complete a date set or own a piece of series-ending history without significant investment. It trades away rarity and condition-rarity upside in low grades, as it is the most common Morgan date, but offers genuine potential in MS-67. Compared to the 1878 8TF above, it is more common but provides a different historical narrative as the transition coin.
How we ranked these
We measured and weighted six criteria for each Morgan dollar: rarity and survival rates (30%), documented auction track records over the past decade (20%), condition-rarity premium (15%), authentication safety and counterfeit prevalence (15%), historical significance (10%), and liquidity across major venues (10%). Rankings relied on PCGS CoinFacts, PCGS Auction Prices, Greysheet wholesale data, and Heritage Auctions sold records, favoring coins with verifiable comps and genuine scarcity over hype.
We deliberately ignored unverified asking prices, raw coin values, and speculative future appreciation. We also excluded coins with thin or unreliable population data, and we did not factor in personal collecting preferences or aesthetic appeal. The goal was to create a ranking based on objective, documented market data and historical significance, ensuring that each listed coin has a solid, verifiable track record and real collector demand.
Related questions
What is the rarest Morgan silver dollar?
The 1893-S is the rarest collectible Morgan business strike, with a mintage of just 100,000 and an estimated 10,000-12,000 survivors in all grades. The 1895 is rarer as a date but exists only as proofs, with just 880 struck.
Which Morgan dollar is the best value for a new collector?
A GSA-holdered common-date Carson City Morgan (1882-CC, 1883-CC, or 1884-CC) at $200-$450 is the best value. It is government-sealed, authentic, Mint State, and carries genuine Carson City history with zero counterfeit risk.
Why is the 1895 Morgan called the 'King of Morgans'?
Because no business strikes are confirmed for 1895 Philadelphia, the only way to own the date is one of the 880 proofs struck. It is the true 'stopper' that completes a date set, with auction records above $200,000.
Are Carson City (CC) Morgan dollars worth more?
Generally yes. Carson City coins carry a strong premium for their Old West romance and lower mintages. The 1889-CC, 1893-CC, and 1879-CC are the three scarcest CC dates and command four-to-six figures in higher grades.
How do I avoid counterfeit Morgan dollars?
Buy only PCGS- or NGC-certified examples and verify the certification number against the grader's online database. Avoid raw key dates entirely, and be especially wary of added or removed mintmarks, which are a classic Morgan fraud.
What is the best Morgan dollar for a type set?
The 1878 8 Tail Feathers is the best type-set coin. It is the first-year design variety, affordable in Mint State, and has a memorable story about the eagle's incorrect tail feathers. Gems are scarce but still under a few thousand dollars.
What is the most affordable Morgan dollar in Mint State?
The 1921 Morgan is the most affordable in Mint State, with common examples trading for $30-$60. It is the final-year coin and available from three mints, making it an easy and inexpensive way to own a Mint State Morgan.
Which Morgan dollar has the highest auction record?
The 1884-S holds the highest auction record at $750,000 for a PCGS MS-69 from the Larry H. Miller Collection. This coin is the premier condition rarity of the series, with a dramatic value jump from circulated to Mint State.
FAQ
What is the rarest Morgan silver dollar?
The 1893-S is the rarest collectible Morgan business strike, with a mintage of just 100,000 and only an estimated 10,000-12,000 survivors in all grades. The 1895 is rarer as a date but exists only as proofs.
Which Morgan dollar is the best value for a new collector?
A GSA-holdered common-date Carson City Morgan (1882-CC, 1883-CC, or 1884-CC) at $200-$450 is the best value. It is government-sealed, authentic, Mint State, and carries genuine Carson City history with zero counterfeit risk.
Why is the 1895 Morgan called the 'King of Morgans'?
Because no business strikes are confirmed for 1895 Philadelphia, the only way to own the date is one of the 880 proofs struck. It is the true 'stopper' that completes a date set, with auction records above $200,000.
Are Carson City (CC) Morgan dollars worth more?
Generally yes. Carson City coins carry a strong premium for their Old West romance and lower mintages. The 1889-CC, 1893-CC, and 1879-CC are the three scarcest CC dates and command four-to-six figures in higher grades.
How do I avoid counterfeit Morgan dollars?
Buy only PCGS- or NGC-certified examples and verify the certification number against the grader's online database. Avoid raw key dates entirely, and be especially wary of added or removed mintmarks, which are a classic Morgan fraud.
What is the best Morgan dollar for a type set?
The 1878 8 Tail Feathers is the best type-set coin. It is the first-year design variety, affordable in Mint State, and has a memorable story about the eagle's incorrect tail feathers. Gems are scarce but still under a few thousand dollars.
What is the most affordable Morgan dollar in Mint State?
The 1921 Morgan is the most affordable in Mint State, with common examples trading for $30-$60. It is the final-year coin and available from three mints, making it an easy and inexpensive way to own a Mint State Morgan.
Which Morgan dollar has the highest auction record?
The 1884-S holds the highest auction record at $750,000 for a PCGS MS-69 from the Larry H. Miller Collection. This coin is the premier condition rarity of the series, with a dramatic value jump from circulated to Mint State.
What is the 1903-O Morgan dollar?
The 1903-O is a famous Morgan 'rarity' reversal. Once the priciest New Orleans date, Treasury bag releases in the 1960s flooded the market with Mint State coins, collapsing the price. Today it is an affordable Mint State Morgan with a great backstory.
What is the significance of the 1921 Morgan dollar?
The 1921 Morgan is the series-ending transition coin, struck after a 17-year gap before the Peace dollar took over. It is the most common Morgan date, but high-grade examples in MS-67 are scarce and can reach $1,000+.
Sources
- https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1893-s-morgan-dollar/7240
- https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1895-morgan-dollar-proof/7242
- https://www.ngccoin.com/coin-explorer/morgan-dollars/
- https://www.greysheet.com/
- https://www.ha.com/
- https://www.greatcollections.com/
- https://www.stacksbowers.com/
- https://www.legendauctions.com/
Related on PULSE
- [More morgan silver dollars to collect rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)










