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SingingNun · Jun 19, 2008, 11:52 PM

I am interested in knowing the value of an 1880 silver dollar, that I have. It's more of a sentimental reason. My great-grandmother had it as part of her coin collection. It is the oldest piece with the next one being a 1905 nickel. I inherited these after she passed away at the age of 94. I was lucky enough to have her until I was 17 years old.

The coin was used as tender, so it is not in mint condition. The back of the coin is fair, everything is still raised, detail is not worn off except in the very top parts of the wings where one can see that some of lines have been worn off. The eagle is standing ontop of a branch, with arrows in his claw. Between his wings is "In God We Trust". Around the outside of the eagle is a wreath (that ends at the top of his wings). Around the outside it says "United States of America *One Dollar*"

The front is unfortunately more worn, with some of the detail rubbed off slightly from the Lady Liberty's face. Her head band reads "Liberty" and around the edge is " *******E Plurbius Unum ****** 1880" One side has six stars, the other seven.

I don't know if money had a mint mark during this time, but this piece has none.

Thank you.

Clough · Jun 20, 2008, 04:35 AM

Flying Blue Eagle is the person on this site that has the current documentation about the monetary values of such coins. I am sure that he will eventually be along to address your post.

The important thing concerning the possible monetary value of it is what it might be graded at concerning its condition. So, consulting the sites on the following search would be helpful Grading Coins - Google Search

Concerning the possible monetary value then, as I have said, Flying Blue Eagle has the current documentation on such things.

SingingNun · Jun 20, 2008, 08:00 AM

Thanks Clough.

I would say that the back is Very Fine, and the front with Lady Liberty is between Very Fine and Fine. Everything is clear and raised, there is just some wear around her face and hair and the smaller details are gone. At least its not basal.

Clough · Jun 21, 2008, 01:48 AM

Thanks for the information!

I'm sure that Flying Blue Eagle will be around eventually! It just might take awhile. So, we both must exercise patience...

Flying Blue Eagle · Jun 22, 2008, 01:09 AM

Singingnun - I am the Flying Blue Eagle, And I will give you what I can ,About your coin.
What I need is for you to get a strong magnafing glass and look on thr reverse, (BACK SIDE) below the wreath is where you will find the MINT mark,see if you can see one. In 1880 - there was 14 different coins made that year, Here is a sample - { 80-over 79) 8 over high 7 -- 8 over low 7 -- 0 over 9 ] this is only a few of them. :: The condition of the coin for that year is noted as CONDITION ( VF-20- MEANS _VERY FINE FOR VF-20 This is what is required
Two thirds of hair lines ,from top of forehead to ear visible. Ear well defined . Feathers on eagles breast worn.
Here's a little history of the morgan silver dollar .::: It was minted from 1878 through 1921 The silver dollar was uthorized by the act of February 28, 1878 , known as the Bland - allison act.::: It was designed by George T. Morgan.
The coin will run between ( $17.00 and as high as $150.00
Have a good day and GOD BLESS ::: F.B.E.

SingingNun · Jun 22, 2008, 01:09 PM

Flying Blue Eagle

Thank you so much for your response and also for the history of this coin. This was my great-grandmother's favorite of her small collection. I'll see if I can find a mint mark on it. I have a high-powered desk magnifier that I use for my computer work - all those tiny numbers and colors on the boards can be hard to see with the naked eye.