The Morgan Silver Dollar is more than just a coin; it is a symbol of American history, a collector’s dream, and a piece of numismatic heritage that continues to fascinate people more than a century after its minting began.
Struck from 1878 to 1904, and again in 1921, this coin was at the heart of the United States’ economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its popularity among collectors today stems not only from its historical significance but also from the craftsmanship and intricacy of its design.
However, the Morgan Silver Dollar is more than just a beautiful piece of American history. The weight of this coin, along with its silver content, plays a crucial role in its current value and collector interest. Understanding the weight of the Morgan Silver Dollar provides valuable insights into its creation, market trends, and enduring appeal.
In this article, we’ll explore how much the Morgan Silver Dollar weighs, why its weight matters, and how it compares to other coins in terms of both value and design.
What Is the Weight of a Morgan Silver Dollar?
When collectors and historians refer to the weight of a Morgan Silver Dollar, they’re talking about a coin that has a very precise measurement, which is crucial in understanding its historical value.
Standard Weight
The standard weight of a Morgan Silver Dollar is 26.73 grams, or 0.859 troy ounces. This weight is significant because it reflects the silver content and the specifications set by the U.S. Mint during the coin’s production years. Unlike the avoirdupois ounce used for everyday items, a troy ounce, which is specifically used for precious metals, weighs about 31.103 grams. The use of troy ounces in the context of precious metals helps ensure accuracy when measuring the weight of gold, silver, and other valuable metals.
Composition
The Morgan Silver Dollar is made from 90% silver and 10% copper. This alloy, known as “coin silver,” was commonly used in American coinage from the late 19th century. The silver content, which makes up 24.03 grams of the total weight, is a crucial factor in determining the coin’s value, both historically and today. The copper content is present mainly to provide durability, as pure silver is too soft for daily circulation.
The choice to use 90% silver was a standard practice for many U.S. coins minted during the 19th and 20th centuries, and it helped to ensure the coin’s weight and value were consistent with the metal content. This silver-copper combination also contributed to the distinctive appearance and feel of the Morgan Silver Dollar, which continues to captivate collectors and investors.
Dimensions
The Morgan Silver Dollar is a relatively large coin, with a diameter of 38.1 mm (1.5 inches) and a thickness of 2.4 mm (0.09 inches). These dimensions give the coin a solid, heavy feel that adds to its appeal. The size of the coin was designed to be easy to handle, while still containing enough precious metal to make it valuable as currency during its time.
Why Does the Weight Matter?
The weight of the Morgan Silver Dollar is important for several reasons beyond just the coin’s appearance. It’s tied to the history, authenticity, and value of the coin in various ways.
Historical Context
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the U.S. Mint was tasked with producing coins that were both practical for circulation and representative of the nation’s wealth and identity. The Morgan Silver Dollar was struck during a time when the U.S. was moving towards a bimetallic standard, with both silver and gold backing the country’s currency. The weight of the coin was essential to ensuring it met the necessary standards for both circulation and value.
At the time, the weight of a coin could directly impact its purchasing power. A coin that weighed more, with a higher silver content, could be used to trade for more goods. The Morgan Silver Dollar was thus both a symbol of America’s industrial growth and its role in the global silver market.
Collectibility
For collectors, the weight of the Morgan Silver Dollar serves as an indicator of authenticity. Over the years, numerous counterfeit coins have been produced, and the weight of a coin is one of the easiest ways to verify whether it is genuine. If a coin’s weight deviates from the standard of 26.73 grams, it could be a sign that it is either a replica or has been altered.
Moreover, the condition of the coin can also influence its weight. Coins that have been heavily worn over time may have lost some of their silver content due to circulation wear, leading to slight weight loss. This, in turn, can affect its value on the market, as collectors typically prefer coins in good condition with minimal wear.
Silver Content and Its Influence on Value
The weight of the Morgan Silver Dollar directly influences its silver content, which, in turn, affects the coin’s current market value. In the modern market, silver prices fluctuate regularly, and these fluctuations have a direct impact on the coin’s melt value. The melt value of a Morgan Silver Dollar is based on its silver content, and this is something collectors often consider when determining the price of a coin. For example, if the price of silver rises, the melt value of the Morgan Silver Dollar increases as well.
In addition to the melt value, collectors also factor in the coin’s numismatic value, which can often exceed its silver value, especially if the coin is rare or in pristine condition.
What Is the Value of a Morgan Silver Dollar Today?
While the weight of the Morgan Silver Dollar is a critical factor in its value, there are other considerations that come into play when determining the price of this iconic coin.
Melt Value
The melt value of a Morgan Silver Dollar is directly tied to the price of silver on the open market. As of early 2025, with silver prices hovering around $25 per ounce, the melt value of a Morgan Silver Dollar can range from $18 to $23, depending on fluctuations in the silver market. This makes the coin a valuable asset for investors looking to acquire silver at a relatively low price, though its numismatic value may still be much higher for certain rare editions.
Market Price
Beyond the melt value, the market price of a Morgan Silver Dollar can vary greatly depending on factors like its rarity, condition, and historical significance. For example, a common 1921 Morgan Dollar might be worth only slightly more than its melt value, while a rare 1893-S Morgan Dollar can fetch millions of dollars at auction due to its extreme rarity. Coins with mint marks from the Carson City Mint (CC) or those in pristine “mint state” condition are among the most valuable.
Numismatic Value
Numismatic value takes into account more than just the metal content. Factors such as rarity, demand, and condition significantly increase a Morgan Silver Dollar’s worth. For example, if the coin has been preserved in mint condition, it can be worth far more than the value of the silver it contains. Coins with historical significance or those minted in low quantities are particularly sought after by collectors, further boosting their value.
Comparison with Other Silver Coins
It’s helpful to compare the Morgan Silver Dollar with other silver coins to understand its place in the world of numismatics.
Peace Dollar
The Peace Dollar, minted in the early 20th century as a successor to the Morgan Dollar, is nearly identical in weight, with a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper. However, the Peace Dollar differs in design, featuring a more modern, artistic rendering of Lady Liberty. Despite these differences, both coins share similar weights and are often compared in collector circles.
American Silver Eagle
The American Silver Eagle, a modern bullion coin, differs in both weight and silver content. While it is similar in size to the Morgan Silver Dollar, it weighs exactly 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams) and is made of 99.9% pure silver. This makes it different from the Morgan Silver Dollar, both in terms of weight and purity, though both coins hold significant value among collectors.
Silver Bullion Coins
Other countries also mint silver coins that are popular with collectors. For example, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf weighs 1 troy ounce of pure silver. While these coins are lighter than the Morgan Silver Dollar, they are often highly sought after for their purity and weight, similar to the American Silver Eagle.
Conclusion: Weighing More Than Just Silver
The Morgan Silver Dollar is far more than just a coin made of silver. Its weight, at 26.73 grams, serves as a window into its rich history and value. From its creation in the late 19th century to its lasting appeal among collectors today, the Morgan Silver Dollar continues to captivate those who appreciate its intricate design, historical significance, and, of course, its weight.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just learning about the world of numismatics, understanding the weight and composition of the Morgan Silver Dollar is essential in appreciating its role in history and its continued appeal in the present day.
Fun Facts About the Morgan Silver Dollar
>>”Cartwheel” Effect: The Morgan Silver Dollar is often called the “Cartwheel” because of the unique way it spins. The coin’s size and design create a mesmerizing spinning effect, making it a favorite among collectors and coin enthusiasts.
>>The Designer: The Morgan Silver Dollar was designed by George T. Morgan, a British engraver who worked for the U.S. Mint. His design of Lady Liberty on the obverse of the coin has become one of the most iconic images in American coinage.
>>Mint Marks: The Morgan Silver Dollar was struck at various U.S. Mint facilities, and each one used a different mint mark. Some of the most valuable coins have the “CC” mint mark (Carson City), known for its rarity. Other mint marks include “S” for San Francisco, “O” for New Orleans, and no mint mark for coins minted in Philadelphia.
>>Last Minting: While the regular production of the Morgan Silver Dollar ended in 1921, the U.S. Mint revived it in recent years, producing special editions to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its last minting. These modern editions have stirred interest among both collectors and investors.
>>Symbol of the Old West: The Morgan Silver Dollar is often associated with the Old West and the days of silver mining, as it was a major form of currency used in the American frontier.
>>Popular Among Collectors: Due to its historical significance and unique design, the Morgan Silver Dollar remains one of the most highly sought-after coins among collectors today.
>>Lady Liberty’s Look: The design of Lady Liberty on the obverse was modeled after a real woman, Anna Willess Williams, who was a schoolteacher in Philadelphia.
>>Unique Reverse Design: The reverse side of the coin features an eagle with its wings spread wide, holding an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other. The eagle’s posture was meant to symbolize both peace and readiness for war.