E Pluribus Unum Coin
During the late 1800s, silver dollars were a popular form of currency in the United States. The 1879 Silver Dollar was one of the coins produced during this time. We’ll learn about the various mints of the 1879 Morgan Dollars and what influences their values in today’s market.
History of the 1879 Silver Dollar
The 1879 Silver dollar was created by George T. Morgan. Morgan was the engraver who became famous for designing many popular coins, including the Morgan dollars. The 1879 silver dollar was a result of the Bland-Allison Act.
In the late 1850s, the first major silver discovery in the US, the Comstock Lode, nearly ended the California Gold Rush. This put a lot of pressure on the prices of silver throughout the world.
The Bland-Allison Act was passed in 1878. The act required the Treasury Department to buy large quantities of silver and turn them into coins. To enhance the economy, the treasury chose to make silver dollars.
When George Morgan first came to the United States from England, he was immediately hired as an assistant engraver in 1876. He became very successful at designing coins and designed the 1879 Silver Dollars, among others.
Mintmarks of the 1879 Silver Dollar
The date, along with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are separated by the 13 stars. The backside of the coin has an eagle with its wings raised. The eagle sits on a scroll, while the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” rest above the eagle. Arrows and an olive branch are opposite the scroll. Inscribed around her are the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” meaning “From many one” in latin, and the initials of the company beneath her “SMI”. On the reverse of the silver round is the American Bald Eagle clutching in its talons the olive branch & a bunch of arrows.
The silver dollar that was minted in 1879 consists of 5 mints with 6 variations. Each mint represents a different city. The initials are located below the bow on the backside of the coin or under the tail of the bald eagle right.
The mintmarks are one of the small details that help decide the value of the 1879 Morgan silver dollar. Let’s see what the mintmarks mean.
If it has no mint mark, it was minted at the Philadelphia mint.
The letters “CC” means the coin was struck at the Carson Mint. The potential value may be more with this finding.
If you find an “S” on your coin, it means it was minted at the San Francisco mint.
An “O” indicates it was struck in New Orleans.
A “D” mark means it was minted in Colorado.
Values of the 1879 Silver Dollar
Many factors affect the value of the 1879 Silver Dollar today. The condition of the coin, the face value, its rarity, and popularity all influence its value. The minimum going rate seems to be $18 and higher.
Let’s look at the 1879-S coin. Unless you have this San Francisco minted coin in brilliant, uncirculated condition, the value may be $40 or less. A higher grade condition mint state might get you $65. You would want it graded A rare to get top dollar.
The 1879-S has a flat-breasted reverse like the early 1878 varieties. This Reverse of 1878 variety is rare. If it is in uncirculated condition, it is considered very rare, in Proof-like condition. There were 9,110,000 strikes of the 1879-S Silver dollar.
Next, let’s learn about the 1879-O silver dollar. The New Orleans minted coin has similar value details of the San Francisco coin. An 1879-O silver dollar with rich detail will usually sell for more.
There were fewer circulation strikes, at 2,887,000. If you feel you have a high grade of this coin, it is best to get it graded by NGC or PCGS before selling it.
1881 E Pluribus Unum Coin
We’ve saved the best for last. If you are a collector, the 1879-CC silver dollar is the most sought after. With good reason too.
Less than 2% of all Morgan dollars came from the famed “CC” mint. If you are lucky enough to have an 1879 silver dollar from the Carson City mint, get it graded, no matter what condition it’s in. Its low mintage, as well as its connection to the west, seem to have boosted these in value.
If it’s in mint condition, it can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Some have sold from $3,500 to $20,000 and ever higher.
There were 756,000 circulation strikes for the 1879 “CC” Silver Dollar. The “CC” is minted under the bow on the reverse side. The mint mark may be heavily rusted – these are known as the “Capped Die” variety.
On these coins, the mint mark appears to be a larger “CC” over a smaller “CC”. These are still popular with collectors.
1879 Schoolgirl Silver Dollar
E Pluribus Unum Coin 2000
The 1879 Schoolgirl Silver Dollar is another of George Morgan’s designs. The reeded-edge dollar has Lady Liberty facing left and her hair tied with a ribbon. “LIBERTY” is inscribed in the hair band.
Lady Liberty wears a string of pearls. The date, along with the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” are separated by the 13 stars.
The backside of the coin has an eagle with its wings raised. The eagle sits on a scroll, while the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” rest above the eagle. Arrows and an olive branch are opposite the scroll.
Now you know what some of your coins may be worth. On any coin, you want to look for signs of wear. You want crisp details on Silver Dollars. You may see a rainbow effect that is known as toning and it does not affect the value.
Condition of your coins is always a factor. Naturally, the better the condition of your coins, the more they are generally worth. Remember old coins do not always spell value as there are a number of factors you need to take into account.
We’ve discussed a few, but to recap, the general appeal of the coin and whether it’s something people are looking for affects the value. There are many old coins that don’t sell for more than $20.
E Pluribus Unum Coin 1881
The Silver dollar market is a strong one. The number of coins minted and how many have survived circulation affect the value as does the quality and condition of the coin.