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1881 Silver Dollar Origin
The 1881 silver dollar originated under the Morgan silver dollar collection.
In the United States the Morgan silver dollar is the most collected and studied silver coins by numismatist (coin collectors) and hobbyist alike. The Morgan silver dollar was named after George T. Morgan; a well know U.S. mint engraver. Morgan’s most popular coin designs include the Morgan Dollar and the Columbia Exposition; they were issued between 1878 and 1904, 19211.
The 1881 silver dollar was born in the Morgan Dollar coin designs.
1881 Silver Dollar Markings
The design of the Morgan silver dollar incorporates a profile picture of Liberty on the obverse (front) and
reverse side of the 1881 silver dollar, also known as the eagle side, you will find several marking on the coin – CC, S, O, D.
The number 1881 represents the year in which the silver dollar was created while the letter markings, found above the word “Dollar” represent the minting location.
CC – signifies minting in Carson City, Nevada
S – signifies minting in San Francisco
O – signifies minting in New Orleans
D – signifies mining in Denver
No mint mark signifies minting in Philadelphia
Composition of the 1881 Silver Dollar
Made of primarily of silver (90%) and copper (10%), the 1881 silver dollar was produced during a period when the United States Treasury Department mandated the purchase of large quantities of silver strictly for the production and circulation of silver dollars.
Value
When determining the value of a coin it largely depends on the condition, mint mark, and circulation of the coin. On average you can expect the 1881 silver dollar with an O, S, or no mint mark to have a value less than the CC mint mark.
Value range for O, S, or no mint mark:
Mid teen dollars for a very worn condition to high $20s for little worn and mid $30s to $20,000 for uncirculated coins.
Value range for CC mint mark:
Mid $200s for a very worn condition to low $400s for little worn and mid $500s to $34,000s for uncirculated coins. CC markings are rare coins and therefore tend to carry a greater value.
