The 1879 Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $15,000 for rare mint-state specimens. Whether you found a dusty silver coin in a family heirloom box or inherited a small collection, understanding the factors that drive its market value is the first step in realizing its true worth.

Condition / Grade	Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)	New Orleans (O)	San Francisco (S)	Carson City (CC)
Good to Fine	$35 – $45	$35 – $45	$35 – $45	$250 – $400
About Uncirculated	$55 – $65	$65 – $85	$60 – $80	$650 – $950
Uncirculated (MS63+)	$100+	$350+	$150+	$4,500+

How to Identify Your 1879 Silver Dollar

Before you can determine the value, you need to identify where your coin was made. In 1879, the United States Mint produced millions of these iconic silver dollars across four different locations: Philadelphia, New Orleans, San Francisco, and the legendary Carson City. If you are unsure about what you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on small details that change the price significantly.

The mint mark is located on the reverse (the eagle side) of the coin. Look just above the letters “DO” in “DOLLAR.” If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia. An “S” stands for San Francisco, an “O” for New Orleans, and the highly coveted “CC” represents Carson City. Because the rarity varies wildly between these locations, identifying that tiny letter is the most critical step for any beginner.

While thousands of people use CoinKnow to get a baseline on their collections, professional collectors also look for “varieties.” For 1879, there are “7 Tail Feathers” and “8 Tail Feathers” designs, along with specific slanted arrows in the eagle’s talons. These nuances might seem minor, but they can be the difference between a $40 coin and a $400 coin.

The Massive Value of 1879-CC Carson City Dollars

The Carson City Mint is the stuff of legends for American coin collectors. In 1879, the CC mint produced far fewer coins than its counterparts, making any “CC” marked dollar a “key date” for the series. Collectors are always on the hunt for these, even in heavily worn condition. A worn 1879-CC is still worth several hundred dollars, while one that looks brand new can fetch five figures.

There is also a famous “Capped CC” variety where the second “C” appears to be stamped over another letter or a larger “C.” This error-type variety drives prices even higher. In the current market, the 1879 Morgan Dollar price guide for mint state grades shows that even a slight increase in quality for a Carson City coin can result in a price jump of thousands of dollars.

It is always recommended to have a Carson City dollar authenticated by a professional service like PCGS or NGC. Because they are so valuable, counterfeits are common. If you have one of these, CoinKnow can provide historical auction data to show you what similar coins have sold for recently, giving you leverage if you decide to sell.

1879-CC Grade	Estimated Market Value
VG-10 (Very Good)	$275
VF-20 (Very Fine)	$450
EF-40 (Extremely Fine)	$1,100
MS-60 (Uncirculated)	$3,800
MS-65 (Gem State)	$35,000+

Grading and Condition: Why Lustre Matters

When you hold your 1879 silver dollar, the first thing you probably notice is how much of the original detail remains. Does Lady Liberty still have hair lines visible above her ear? Are the feathers on the eagle’s breast sharp or smooth? These are the questions professional graders ask. A coin that has never been spent and retains its original “mint frost” or “lustre” is worth significantly more than one that spent decades in a pocket.

Cleaning your coin is the biggest mistake you can make. Even if the coin looks dirty or dark, “toning” can actually add value. An original, uncleaned coin with a natural rainbow patina is often more desirable than a shiny, scrubbed coin. Scrubbing a coin leaves microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value, often reducing it to just the base price of the silver it contains.

For those trying to determine a grade at home, look at the high points of the design. On the 1879 Morgan, this includes the hair above Liberty’s ear and the eagle’s breast feathers. If these areas are flat and shiny, the coin is “circulated.” If they show sharp detail and a satin-like finish, you might have a high-value mint state coin. You can check the 1879 silver dollar value and grading chart to see side-by-side comparisons of different conditions.

The 1879-S Reverse of 1878 Variety

Collectors love 1879 because of the transitional varieties. At the San Francisco mint, they used two different styles of the eagle on the back. The “Reverse of 1878” features a flat breast on the eagle and a top arrow feather that is parallel to the others. The “Reverse of 1879” features a rounded breast and a slanted top arrow feather.

The “Reverse of 1878” (often called the PAF for Parallel Arrow Feather) is generally scarcer and more valuable in high grades. If you find an 1879-S in your collection, it is worth looking closely at those arrows. Most everyday 1879-S dollars are relatively common because many were kept in bank vaults and released decades later in pristine condition, but the 1878 variety is the “chase” coin for this mint.

Using the CoinKnow image recognition tool can often help identify these subtle design shifts. While many 1879-S coins sell for $60 to $100 in average uncirculated condition, a high-grade Parallel Arrow Feather variety can easily double that price. It’s these small “treasure hunt” details that make coin collecting exciting for the average person.

Variety Type (1879-S)	AU-50 Value	MS-63 Value
Reverse of 1879 (Round Breast)	$65	$95
Reverse of 1878 (Flat Breast)	$175	$550

Understanding the Intrinsic Silver Content

Even if your 1879 Morgan Dollar is in terrible shape—scratched, bent, or heavily worn—it will never be worthless. Every Morgan Dollar is struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. This means the “melt value” provides a price floor that moves with the global silver market.

When silver prices are high, even the most damaged Morgan Dollar can be worth $25 to $30 just for its metal content. However, because the 1879 is a vintage coin over 140 years old, it almost always carries a “numismatic premium.” This means collectors are willing to pay more than the silver price just because of the coin’s history and age.

If you have a large bag of these coins, it’s important to separate them by mint mark before considering selling them for silver weight. Selling an 1879-CC for its “silver weight” would be a tragic mistake, as you would be losing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars in collector value. Always verify the rarity before visiting a local pawn shop or gold-and-silver buyer.

Where to Sell Your 1879 Morgan Dollar

Once you’ve determined a rough value, you might want to cash in. For common Philadelphia or New Orleans strikes in average condition, a local coin shop is often the easiest route. They will typically offer you a percentage of the retail price so they can make a profit on the resale. Expect to get 60-80% of the market value for common dates.

For high-value coins like the 1879-CC or high-grade 1879-S varieties, consider specialized numismatic auctions. Websites like Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers handle high-end coins and can reach collectors willing to pay record prices. For mid-range coins, eBay is a popular option, though you must factor in shipping costs and seller fees.

Always keep a record of your coin’s grade and any unique features. Modern technology makes this easier than ever. By checking your coins against digital databases, you can enter negotiations with the confidence of a pro. The history of the 1879 Morgan Dollar is a snapshot of the American West and the silver boom—owning one is owning a piece of the 19th century.

FAQ

Q: Does my 1879 Morgan Dollar have a mint mark?

A: Check the back of the coin. Look at the bottom, just above “ONE DOLLAR.” If you see “CC,” “S,” or “O,” that is the mint mark. If it is blank, it was minted in Philadelphia.

Q: Why is my 1879 Morgan Dollar black or dark?

A: This is called “toning.” It is a chemical reaction between the silver and the sulfur in the air or the storage paper. While it may look “dirty” to a beginner, many collectors find it beautiful and will pay extra for attractive toning. Never clean it!

Q: Is an 1879 silver dollar rare?

A: It depends on the mint mark. Philadelphia and San Francisco (Reverse of 1879) are very common. The Carson City (CC) mint mark is rare and very valuable. Total production was over 27 million coins across all mints, but many were melted down over the years.

Q: What is the silver content of an 1879 Morgan?

A: It contains 0.77344 troy ounces of pure silver. The total weight of the coin is 26.73 grams, with a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper.