March 23, 2026
Most Valuable Silver Dollars: Complete Price Guide for Every Type
A Guide to Every US Silver Dollar Type
Silver dollars are the most iconic coins in American numismatics. From the first Flowing Hair dollar struck in 1794 to the last Peace dollars of 1935, these large silver coins tell the story of the nation. Every silver dollar contains approximately 0.77 troy ounces of silver, giving even common dates a base precious metal value. But many dates are worth far more than silver content alone.
Five main types of silver dollars were produced: Flowing Hair (1794–1795), Draped Bust (1795–1804), Seated Liberty (1840–1873), Trade Dollar (1873–1885), Morgan (1878–1921), and Peace (1921–1935). Each series has its own key dates and rarities.
The Most Valuable Silver Dollars by Type
Flowing Hair Silver Dollar (1794–1795)
The first silver dollar produced by the US Mint is one of the most historically important coins in existence. A 1794 Flowing Hair dollar graded SP-66 sold for $10,016,875 in 2013, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at the time. It is believed to be among the very first silver dollars struck. Even well-worn examples of the 1794 bring $50,000 to $100,000. The 1795 is more available but still valuable at $2,000 to $5,000 in VF condition.
Draped Bust Silver Dollar (1795–1804)
The 1804 Draped Bust dollar is known as the “King of American Coins.” Only 15 specimens are known (struck in the 1830s as presentation pieces, not in 1804). Class I originals sell for $2,000,000 to $7,000,000. Common dates like the 1798 sell for $1,000 to $3,000 in VF. The small eagle reverse variety (1795–1798) is scarcer than the heraldic eagle reverse.
Seated Liberty Silver Dollar (1840–1873)
The Seated Liberty series contains several rarities. The 1870-S is one of the most valuable with only about 12 known — an AU example sold for $1,092,000 in 2003. The 1851 and 1852 had original mintages of only 1,300 and 1,100 respectively, and sell for $10,000 to $30,000. Common dates like the 1860-O sell for $300 to $500 in VF.
Trade Dollar (1873–1885)
Trade dollars were created specifically for commerce with Asia and are slightly heavier than standard silver dollars. The 1884 and 1885 Trade dollars are proof-only issues with only 10 and 5 known respectively — they sell for $300,000 to $1,000,000. Common dates (1873–1878) in VF sell for $150 to $250. Chopmarked examples (with Asian merchant stamps) are a collecting specialty of their own.
Morgan Silver Dollar (1878–1921)
The most widely collected silver dollar series. Key dates include:
- 1893-S: The “King of Morgans” with only 100,000 minted. VG: $5,000–$7,500. MS-65: $500,000+
- 1895 Proof: No business strikes known. Only 880 proofs minted. PR-63: $40,000–$60,000
- 1889-CC: Carson City rarity. VF: $1,500–$2,500. MS-63: $50,000+
- 1884-CC: Popular GSA coin. MS-63: $250–$350
- Common dates (1881-S, 1921): MS-63: $45–$80
All Morgan dollars contain 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, giving them a base melt value that currently ranges from $20 to $25 depending on silver spot price.
Peace Dollar (1921–1935)
Designed to commemorate the end of World War I, Peace dollars are the last regular-issue US silver dollar. Key dates include:
- 1921 High Relief: The first year with a distinctive high relief design. MS-63: $200–$350
- 1928: The lowest-mintage Philadelphia issue at 360,649. VF: $250–$400. MS-65: $10,000+
- 1934-S: Low mintage of 1,011,000. VF: $100–$200. MS-65: $20,000+
- Common dates (1922, 1923, 1925): VF: $25–$35. MS-63: $40–$60
Silver Dollar Price Reference Table
| Coin | Year | VF/EF | MS-63 to MS-65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1794 Flowing Hair | 1794 | $50,000–$100,000 | $500,000+ |
| 1804 Draped Bust | 1804 | N/A | $2,000,000–$7,000,000 |
| 1870-S Seated Liberty | 1870 | $500,000+ | $1,000,000+ |
| 1885 Trade Dollar | 1885 | N/A (Proof only) | $300,000–$1,000,000 |
| 1893-S Morgan | 1893 | $5,000–$7,500 | $100,000–$500,000+ |
| 1895 Morgan (Proof) | 1895 | N/A (Proof only) | $40,000–$60,000 |
| 1889-CC Morgan | 1889 | $1,500–$2,500 | $50,000+ |
| 1928 Peace | 1928 | $250–$400 | $2,000–$10,000+ |
| Common Morgan (1881-S) | 1881 | $30–$40 | $45–$200 |
| Common Peace (1922) | 1922 | $25–$35 | $40–$60 |
How to Evaluate Your Silver Dollars
- Identify the type first. Determine which series your silver dollar belongs to — this immediately narrows the value range.
- Check the date and mint mark. On Morgan and Peace dollars, the mint mark is on the reverse. Carson City (CC) mint marks command the highest premiums.
- Assess condition honestly. The difference between VF and MS-63 can be 10x or more in value. Look for wear on the high points: Liberty’s hair, eagle’s breast feathers.
- Check for cleaning. Cleaned silver dollars are worth 50% to 75% less than original, uncleaned examples. Look for unnatural brightness, hairline scratches, or a “washed out” appearance.
- Weigh the coin. A genuine silver dollar weighs 26.73 grams. Significantly lighter or heavier coins may be counterfeit.
- Consider professional grading. For any silver dollar you believe is worth $200 or more, the $30 to $50 PCGS or NGC grading fee is a worthwhile investment.
Want to know what your silver dollars are worth? Upload a photo to our free AI coin valuation tool and get an instant estimate based on date, mint mark, and condition.
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