The 1887/6-O Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $45 in worn condition to over $50,000 in high-grade mint state. This fascinating “overdate” coin from the New Orleans Mint is a favorite among collectors because it tells a story of late 19th-century frugality and production errors.

Condition	Estimated Value
Good (G4) to Very Good (VG8)	$45 – $60
Fine (F12) to Very Fine (VF20)	$70 – $110
Extremely Fine (EF40) to About Uncirculated (AU50)	$150 – $450
Mint State (MS60 – MS63)	$600 – $3,500
High Grade Mint State (MS65+)	$25,000+

What Exactly is the 1887/6-O Morgan Silver Dollar?

The 1887/6-O Morgan Dollar is a significant “overdate” variety. In 1887, the New Orleans Mint (denoted by the “O” mint mark) was busy striking millions of silver dollars. To save money and resources, mint officials decided to reuse coin dies from the previous year, 1886. Instead of making entirely new dies, they simply punched a “7” over the existing “6.”

This resulted in a visible leftover piece of the number 6 showing underneath the 7. If you have an old silver dollar, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on these tiny details that the naked eye might miss. Finding this specific variety can mean the difference between a common silver coin and a rare treasure.

For the everyday person, identifying this coin requires a magnifying glass. You are looking for a small loop or “under-digit” peeking out from the bottom left of the 7 in the date. This variety is officially listed in the VAM (Van Allen-Mallis) catalog, often referred to as VAM-3. Using tools like CoinKnow can help you compare your coin against high-resolution photos of confirmed overdates.

Because this is a variety and not a separate mintage, it is mixed in with the general 1887-O production. While over 11 million 1887-O dollars were minted, only a small fraction are the 1887/6 overdate. This scarcity is exactly what drives the market value higher than a standard 1887-O.

Key Features and Identification Marks

Identifying the 1887/6-O Morgan Dollar variety requires focusing on three specific areas of the coin. First, look at the date at the bottom of the “heads” side. The second “7” in 1887 will have a small, curved line inside the lower loop. This is the top of the “6” that wasn’t fully erased. It looks like a small hook or a “mustache” coming off the diagonal bar of the 7.

Second, you must verify the mint mark. On the reverse side (the eagle side), just above the letters “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR,” you should see a small “O.” This indicates it was struck in New Orleans. If there is no mint mark, it was made in Philadelphia, and while 1887/6 Philadelphia versions exist, they have different values.

Lastly, the overall condition of the coin is vital. Because silver is a soft metal, these coins wore down quickly in circulation. Many 1887/6-O coins found in old piggy banks are heavily worn. If you want to see detailed price breakdowns for different grades, check the 1887/6-O Morgan Dollar MS price charts to see how much of a premium uncirculated examples command.

Market Value and Pricing Factors

The value of an 1887/6-O Morgan Silver Dollar is determined by its “grade” (the level of wear) and its eye appeal. Even in heavily worn condition, collectors are willing to pay a premium because of the interesting history of the overdate. A standard 1887-O in Very Good condition might sell for $35, but the 1887/6-O version can easily fetch $60 or more.

The jump in price becomes massive when you reach “Mint State” (MS) grades. These are coins that never actually spent time in people’s pockets. They still have their original “luster,” which is the frosty sheen created by the minting process. For a detailed guide on uncirculated values, you can research the 1887 Morgan dollar value trends to see how prices have shifted over the last decade.

Grade	Standard 1887-O Value	1887/6-O Overdate Value
Fine 12	$38	$75
EF 40	$45	$165
MS 63	$800	$3,400
MS 65	$16,500	$55,000+

Why the New Orleans Mint Matters

The New Orleans Mint (1838–1909) is famous for producing coins with “weak strikes.” This means that the details on the eagle’s breast feathers or Liberty’s hair might look flat, even if the coin isn’t worn. This happens because the machinery wasn’t always adjusted correctly. Because of this, finding an 1887/6-O with a “sharp strike” is incredibly rare and adds thousands to the price.

Collectors often look for the “VAM-3” designation on the holder of a professionally graded coin. This confirms that experts have verified the overdate. If you are unsure if your coin is a weak strike or just worn down, apps like CoinKnow can provide AI-driven analysis to give you a ballpark estimate before you spend money on professional grading fees.

It is worth noting that the New Orleans Mint was prone to these types of errors. The 1887/6-O is just one of many varieties produced there, but it remains one of the most popular because the overdate is so prominent. If you find one in a collection, handle it only by the edges to prevent skin oils from damaging the surface.

How to Sell Your Rare 1887/6-O Dollar

If you’ve confirmed you have this rare overdate, the next step is knowing how to sell it. For coins worth less than $200 (worn condition), local coin shops or reputable online marketplaces are your best bet. However, if your coin looks shiny and uncirculated, you should consider getting it “certified” by a company like PCGS or NGC.

Certification involves sending the coin to experts who verify its authenticity and give it a numerical grade from 1 to 70. A certified 1887/6-O in MS63 grade is much easier to sell for $3,000 than an “unprocessed” coin, because the buyer has a guarantee of quality. Many high-end collectors only buy coins in these plastic “slabs.”

Before selling, use CoinKnow to track recent auction results. Prices for rare silver dollars can fluctuate based on the price of silver and the demand from major collectors. Knowing the current “market ask” ensures you won’t get low-balled by a dealer.

Sales Channel	Pros	Cons
Local Coin Shop	Instant Cash	Lower payout (60-70% of value)
eBay/Online	High visibility	Fees and shipping risks
Major Auction Houses	Best for high-value coins	Long wait times for payment

Final Thoughts on the 1887/6-O Morgan

The 1887/6-O Morgan Silver Dollar is a perfect example of why coin collecting is so exciting for everyday Americans. A coin that looks like a normal silver dollar at first glance can actually be a rare historical artifact worth thousands of dollars. Whether you inherited a collection or found a single coin in an old desk, taking the time to check for the overdate is always worth the effort.

Remember to look for the “6” inside the “7” and the “O” mint mark on the back. Even if your coin is damaged or worn, its silver content alone makes it worth about $25-$30, but the overdate variety ensures it will always have a special place in the numismatic market.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell the difference between a standard 1887-O and an 1887/6-O?

A: You need a magnifying glass. Look at the last ‘7’ in the date. In the overdate variety, you will see a small, curved remnant of the top loop of a ‘6’ sitting inside the upper-left part of the 7’s crossbar and a small nub inside the bottom of the 7.

Q: Should I clean my 1887/6-O Morgan Dollar to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean old coins. Cleaning a coin with polish or chemicals leaves microscopic scratches that collectors can easily spot. A cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its collector value instantly. Collectors prefer “original skin” or natural toning.

Q: Is the 1887/6 “P” (Philadelphia) worth more than the “O” (New Orleans)?

A: Generally, the 1887/6-O (New Orleans) is considered more desirable in higher grades, but the Philadelphia version is also a recognized variety. The “O” mint mark often commands a higher premium in uncirculated condition because the New Orleans strike quality was usually lower, making high-quality survivors very rare.

Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1887 Morgan Dollar?

A: Flip the coin to the “tails” side. Look at the very bottom, just above the “DO” in “DOLLAR.” If there is an “O,” it’s New Orleans. If there is an “S,” it’s San Francisco. If there is no letter at all, it was minted in Philadelphia.