The 1879-O Morgan Dollar is worth anywhere from $35 in worn condition to over $1,200 in high-grade mint state. Finding one of these heavy silver coins in an old collection is an exciting discovery for any American, as it represents a unique piece of post-Civil War history minted in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
Historical Context and Rarity of the New Orleans Mint
The 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar holds a special place in numismatic history because it was struck during the second year of the Morgan series. This particular coin was minted at the New Orleans Mint, denoted by the small “O” mint mark located on the reverse side, just above the letters “DO” in DOLLAR. The New Orleans facility had recently reopened for silver production after the Reconstruction era, making these early coins highly collectible for those interested in Southern heritage. If you are unsure if your coin has this specific mark, using a free coin identifier app can help you confirm the minting location within seconds.
The production total for this year in New Orleans was roughly 2.8 million coins. While this sounds like a large number, many of these coins were melted down under the Pittman Act of 1918 or suffered from heavy circulation. When you search for the CoinHix app to catalog your finds, you will notice that the survival rate of these coins in high grades is significantly lower than their mintage would suggest.
Determining the Grade and Condition of Your Coin
To understand the true market worth, you must look at the physical condition of the silver dollar. Professional collectors use a 70-point scale, but for everyday Americans, it helps to think in terms of “Good,” “Fine,” “Extremely Fine,” and “Uncirculated.” A “Good” condition coin will show heavy wear on Lady Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s breast feathers, usually fetching just above its silver melt value.
On the other end of the spectrum, an “Uncirculated” or “Mint State” coin looks like it just left the mint, with a frosty luster and no visible wear on the high points. You can find more detailed breakdowns of the 1879-O Morgan Dollar value in MS60 to MS65 grades by checking live auction databases. High-grade specimens are rare because the New Orleans Mint was notorious for producing coins with “weak strikes,” meaning the details weren’t always sharp even when the coin was brand new.
1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar Price Chart
The value of your 1879-O Morgan Dollar depends heavily on the “grade.” The following table provides a realistic estimate of what you can expect to receive when selling to a dealer or at auction.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $35 – $40 |
| Very Fine (VF-20) | $45 – $55 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-45) | $65 – $85 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50) | $110 – $140 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60) | $350 – $450 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) | $750 – $1,100 |
| Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) | $15,000+ (Rare) |
Factors Influencing the 1879-O Silver Dollar Price
Aside from the grade, several other factors can influence the price. One major factor is the current price of silver bullion. Since these coins are 90% silver, they have an intrinsic “floor price” based on their metal content. However, for an 1879-O, the numismatic (collector) value almost always far exceeds the silver value.
Another factor is the “eye appeal.” Some coins may have developed a beautiful rainbow-colored patina over the last century, known as toning. Collectors often pay a premium for naturally toned coins. Conversely, if a coin has been harshly cleaned with chemicals or abrasive cloths, its value can drop by 50% or more. Never clean your old coins! If you are ever in doubt, the CoinHix app allows you to take a photo and receive a quick assessment. You can also research the current retail 1879 silver dollar price trends to see how the market is moving this month.
Identifying Varieties and Mint Errors
While most 1879-O dollars are standard, there are some varieties that collectors actively seek out. These are often categorized as VAM varieties (named after researchers Van Allen and Mallis). Some of these coins feature “doubled dies,” where the lettering or the date appears to have a slight shadow or ghost image.
Because the New Orleans Mint was still perfecting its process in 1879, you might also find “clashed dies,” where the image of the eagle is faintly visible on the obverse behind Lady Liberty’s head. Identifying these nuances requires a magnifying glass or a high-resolution scan. The average person might miss these tiny details, but capturing a clear photo and checking it against the CoinHix database can reveal if you have a common dollar or a rare variety worth thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the mint mark on an 1879-O Morgan Dollar?
A: You can find the “O” mint mark on the reverse (back) of the coin. Look at the bottom, just above the space between the letters “D” and “O” in the word “DOLLAR.”
Q: Is every 1879 dollar worth the same amount?
A: No. Coins minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark) or San Francisco (S) have different rarity levels. The 1879-CC (Carson City) is by far the most valuable of that year, but the 1879-O is still very desirable.
Q: Should I get my 1879-O Morgan Silver Dollar professionally graded?
A: If you believe your coin is in “Uncirculated” condition (showing no wear on the eagle’s breast or Liberty’s hair), it is worth getting it graded by a service like PCGS or NGC. If it is heavily worn, the cost of grading might exceed the coin’s value.
