The 1880 Silver Dollar Value Guide

A single 1880-CC 8/High 7 Morgan dollar sold for $84,000 at Heritage Auctions — yet most circulated 1880 silver dollars trade for under $60. Knowing which variety you hold is everything.

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$84,000 Top auction record (1880-CC 8/High 7, MS67+)
27.4M Total 1880 Morgan dollars minted across all mints
5 Key VAM varieties to identify before you sell
145yrs Of collector demand for this iconic Morgan dollar date
90% Silver26.73g · 0.7734 toz
4 MintsP · CC · O · S
CC: 591,000Scarcest issue
PCGS + NGCCertified VAM attribution

🔎 Is Your 1880 Morgan Dollar the Valuable 1880-CC 8/High 7?

The 1880-CC 8/High 7 (Top 100 Morgan VAM) is the single most sought-after regular-strike variety from this date. Use the checker below to see if your coin matches the key diagnostic features.

1880 Morgan silver dollar obverse and reverse showing Liberty head and eagle design Comparison of common 1880 Morgan dollar date versus 1880-CC 8/High 7 overdate showing remnant 7 within the second 8

Common 1880-CC (Normal Date)

  • Clean, closed second "8" with no extra marks
  • No visible underlying numeral inside the "8"
  • Reverse shows standard convex eagle breast
  • CC mint mark below wreath, normal placement

★ 1880-CC 8/High 7 (Top 100 VAM)

  • Horizontal crossbar of underlying "7" visible in upper loop of second "8"
  • "7" remnant positioned HIGH within the numeral — near the top
  • May show Reverse of 1878: flat/concave eagle breast, parallel arrow feather
  • CC mint mark present — no mint mark rules it out instantly

Four-Point Diagnostic Checklist

Describe Your 1880 Morgan Dollar for a Detailed Assessment

Tell us what you see on your coin — mint mark, condition, any unusual markings — and our analyzer will give you a personalized read.

Mention these things if you can

  • Mint mark (CC, O, S, or none)
  • Overall surface condition (worn/shiny)
  • Any markings inside the "8" numerals
  • Eagle's breast shape (flat or rounded)
  • Luster type (dull / cartwheel / mirror-like)

Also helpful

  • Any dark toning or rainbow colors
  • Obvious scratches or cleaning marks
  • Grading slab (PCGS or NGC number)
  • Where you acquired the coin
  • Whether the date shows doubling

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Free 1880 Silver Dollar Value Calculator

Follow the three steps below to get an estimated value range for your coin. Your results are based on recent PCGS auction data and market pricing.

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Step 1: Select Your Mint Mark

Found on the reverse below the wreath. No letter = Philadelphia.

Step 2: Select Coin Condition

Worn = heavy use. Circulated = moderate use. Uncirculated = minimal/no wear. Gem = brilliant, near-perfect.

Step 3: Do Any of These Apply to Your Coin?

Check all varieties that match your coin (use a 5–10× loupe to confirm).

Not sure about your coin's mint mark or condition yet? There's a 1880 Silver Dollar Coin Value Checker online tool that lets you upload photos to get an AI-based identification before using the calculator above.

📋 Quick Navigation — 1880 Morgan Dollar Complete Guide

🧮 Value Calculator 📝 Describe Your Coin 🔎 CC 8/High 7 Check 📊 Value Chart ⚠️ Errors Guide 🏛️ Mintage Data 🔬 How to Grade 💰 Where to Sell

The Valuable 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar Errors & Varieties (Complete Guide)

The 1880 Morgan dollar is one of the richest dates in the entire series for die variety collecting. Multiple mints reused 1879-dated dies, creating a family of overdate varieties catalogued in the VAMWorld and PCGS Top 100 and Hot 50 lists. Here are the five most collectible varieties, ranked by desirability and value.

1880-CC 8/High 7 (VAM-4 / VAM-5)

Most Famous $275 – $84,000+
1880-CC 8/High 7 Morgan dollar date area showing remnant 7 crossbar high within the second 8

The 1880-CC 8/High 7 is unquestionably the premier variety of this date. It occurred because the Carson City Mint reused 1879-dated dies to strike 1880 coins, overpunching a new "8" over the old "7" in the second digit position. The "High 7" designation refers to the horizontal crossbar of the underlying numeral appearing near the top of the new "8," distinguishing it from the Low 7 variety where the remnant sits lower.

To identify this variety, examine the second "8" in the date under at least 10× magnification. The horizontal bar of the old "7" will be visible crossing through the upper loop. Many examples also feature the Reverse of 1878 — identifiable by a flat or concave eagle breast and a parallel (not slanted) top arrow feather — further boosting collector interest.

This coin commands exceptional premiums because it sits on the PCGS Top 100 Morgan VAM list, the hobby's most widely followed variety checklist. Dealers and auction houses specifically promote it. The auction record of $84,000 was achieved by an MS67+ example at Heritage Auctions in September 2019, making it one of the highest prices ever paid for an 1880-date Morgan dollar in regular strike.

How to spot it

Examine the upper loop of the second "8" with a 10× loupe. The horizontal bar of the underlying "7" sits high — near the top of the numeral. Pair with a flat eagle breast on the reverse to confirm Reverse of 1878.

Mint mark

CC (Carson City) only — visible on the reverse below the wreath ribbon. No other mint struck this specific High 7 variety.

Notable

Listed as PCGS Top 100 Morgan VAM. An MS67+ sold for $84,000 at Heritage Auctions, September 2019. VAM-5 (High 7) is separately catalogued from VAM-4 on PCGS CoinFacts; both carry Top 100 status.

1880/79 Overdate (80 Over 79)

Rarest High Grade $50 – $15,000+
1880/79 overdate Morgan dollar date showing remnants of 79 die within the 1880 date numerals

The 1880/79 overdate is the most broadly distributed major variety of this date, appearing across the Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Carson City mints. It occurred when the U.S. Mint punched new 1880 date logotypes over existing 1879 working dies rather than creating fresh ones — a common 19th-century economy practice. The result is a date showing two years simultaneously.

Identification requires close attention to two numerals. Parts of the top of the underlying "7" are visible on the upper-left portion of the second "8," and the vertical bar of the "7" can be seen on the right side. Separately, a remnant of the "9" appears in the middle and bottom portion of the "0." Both diagnostics should be visible under 10× magnification on a well-preserved example.

Gem uncirculated specimens of the 1880/79 are genuinely scarce. The PCGS population for MS65 and above is thin across all mints, which explains the strong auction premiums for high-grade certified examples. Greysheet data shows gem examples trading in the $10,000–$15,000 range, placing this variety firmly in the "rare" tier for serious collectors.

How to spot it

Look at the second "8" for a partial "7" remnant on the upper-left, and inside the "0" for the curve of a "9." Both features are visible under a 10× loupe; a 5× glass may reveal the "0" detail on high-grade pieces.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mark), Carson City (CC), and New Orleans (O) — all three mints struck the 80/79 overdate. Values vary significantly by mint.

Notable

Greysheet lists the 1880/79 at $50–$15,000 across grades. The VAM-23 (Top 100) sub-variety commands a further premium. PCGS confirms this as a major variety in its CoinFacts catalog alongside the standard Philadelphia issue.

1880 Checkmark VAM-11 (Hot 50)

Most Popular Beginner VAM $60 – $700+
1880 Checkmark VAM-11 Morgan dollar showing checkmark-shaped raised area on the upper-left of the second 8 in the date

The 1880 VAM-11 Checkmark is one of the most popular entry-level Morgan dollar varieties, appearing on the PCGS Hot 50 list and widely recommended to collectors just beginning their VAM journey. It belongs to a family of "checkmark" varieties where the remnant of an overdate's "7" was partially polished away during die preparation, leaving only a distinctive checkmark-shaped raised area of metal.

The checkmark is located on the upper-left portion of the second "8" in the date. Under 5× to 10× magnification, collectors see a small curved hook or checkmark shape. This feature is consistent and repeatable across all VAM-11 strikes, making attribution straightforward once you know what to look for. The Philadelphia Mint struck this variety, so no CC or other mint marks will be present.

Its Hot 50 status and beginner-friendly identification make this variety highly liquid in the secondary market. Circulated examples trade for $60–$120, while gem MS65 pieces bring $400–$700 based on CoinValueApp market data. A PCGS MS66+ CAC example realized $5,875 at Legend Auctions, demonstrating that superb-quality specimens can command outsized premiums beyond the normal grade premium.

How to spot it

Under 5× magnification, look for a small checkmark or hook shape on the upper-left side of the second "8." The mark is raised (not incuse) and is consistently positioned — it will not appear on a normal-date coin.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mint mark) — this VAM-11 Checkmark variety is a Philadelphia issue only. A CC or O mint mark indicates a different variety family.

Notable

Listed as PCGS Hot 50 Morgan VAM, a widely collected secondary list. A PCGS MS66+ CAC realized $5,875 at Legend Auctions. MS66 examples are among the five finest attributed specimens at PCGS per CoinValueApp research.

1880/7 Crossbar VAM-7 (Top 100)

Most Valuable Philadelphia $90 – $3,600+
1880/7 Crossbar VAM-7 Morgan dollar showing distinct horizontal crossbar at top of the second 8 in the date

The 1880/7 Crossbar (VAM-7) is a Philadelphia Mint Top 100 Morgan VAM that stands apart from other overdate varieties by the clarity of its diagnostic feature. Rather than a faint remnant of the underlying "7," this variety shows a full, distinct horizontal crossbar sitting across the very top portion of the second "8." The crossbar is the horizontal stroke of the "7" that was incompletely covered when the new die was made.

To identify VAM-7, focus a 10× loupe on the upper section of the second "8." The crossbar will appear as a raised horizontal line cutting across the topmost part of the numeral. A small remnant of the underlying "9" is also visible inside the "0" of the date on the upper-right side. Together, these two features provide definitive attribution for the variety.

Ted Clark is credited with discovering this variety in 1968, giving it historical significance in Morgan dollar numismatics. The PCGS Greysheet prices this variety at $90–$3,600 across circulated to gem grades. Circulated examples start around $100–$200, MS63 coins bring $300–$550, and gem MS65 examples reach $800–$1,400 according to CoinValueApp data, making it the most valuable regular Philadelphia issue from this date.

How to spot it

Under 10× magnification, examine the very top of the second "8." A clear horizontal crossbar — the remnant of the "7" — will cross the numeral near its apex. Also check inside the "0" for a partial "9" curve on the upper-right interior.

Mint mark

Philadelphia (no mint mark) — VAM-7 Crossbar is exclusively a Philadelphia variety. The Carson City Crossbar Overdate is a separate, distinct variety catalogued differently.

Notable

Listed on the PCGS Top 100 Morgan VAM list. Discovery credited to Ted Clark, 1968. A Prooflike MS66 CAC example sold for $9,400. An AU50 example sold at Heritage Auctions for $152.75 — even circulated examples trade above spot.

1880-S Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL)

Best Kept Secret $390 – $30,000+
1880-S Morgan silver dollar Deep Mirror Proof-Like (DMPL) showing frosted Liberty device against mirror-polished fields

The 1880-S DMPL (Deep Mirror Proof-Like) is the hidden gem of this date — a variety that many casual holders don't recognize as special because it requires the right lighting to reveal its true character. San Francisco struck an unusually high proportion of DMPL examples in 1880, the result of freshly polished dies producing mirror-like fields with frosty, cameo-contrast devices on the coins.

A true DMPL shows fields that reflect like a mirror — you can see your reflection in the flat areas of the coin — while the raised design elements (Liberty's portrait, the eagle) appear frosty white by comparison. This cameo-like contrast is what drives the massive premium. Under a single light source in a darkened room, tilting the coin should reveal that characteristic "black mirror" look in the fields.

The 1880-S DMPL population at PCGS stretches into the hundreds for lower grades but thins rapidly above MS64, making MS65+ examples genuinely scarce. The PCGS Greysheet lists DMPL examples at $390 to over $30,000 for top grades. The auction record for the 1880 Philadelphia DMPL stands at $31,200 for an MS66DMPL sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2021, per PCGS CoinFacts data.

How to spot it

Hold the coin under a single overhead light and tilt it. Mirror fields will show your reflection with a dark-glass quality. The raised devices should appear frosty white against those dark mirror fields — called "cameo contrast." A 5× loupe confirms surface quality.

Mint mark

S (San Francisco) — noted for producing the highest-quality DMPL coins of this date. Philadelphia DMPL issues also exist and command strong premiums.

Notable

PCGS prices list $390–$30,000+ across grades. The 1880 Philadelphia DMPL auction record is $31,200 for MS66DMPL at Heritage Auctions, January 2021 (PCGS CoinFacts). DMPL designation requires PCGS or NGC certification to command full market premium.

Found one of these varieties on your coin? Run it through the calculator to get a specific value estimate — just select your mint, condition, and any matching variety.

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1880 Silver Dollar Value Chart at a Glance

The chart below covers all five key varieties across all condition tiers. For deeper context on how to distinguish these grades on your own coin, refer to this illustrated 1880 silver dollar identification guide and breakdown. Signature variety rows are highlighted.

Variety / Issue Worn (G–F) Circulated (VF–AU) Uncirculated (MS60–63) Gem (MS65+)
1880-P (Normal Date) $35 – $45 $40 – $55 $65 – $90 $375 – $1,500
1880-O (Normal Date) $35 – $45 $40 – $60 $65 – $100 $400 – $2,000
1880-S (Normal Date) $35 – $50 $45 – $65 $70 – $110 $375 – $2,500
1880-CC (Normal Date) $130 – $195 $195 – $350 $500 – $1,500 $5,000 – $21,500+
1880/79 Overdate (any mint) $50 – $100 $100 – $250 $400 – $1,500 $3,000 – $15,000+
Checkmark VAM-11 (P) $60 – $120 $120 – $200 $150 – $400 $400 – $700+
Crossbar VAM-7 (P, Top 100) $90 – $200 $200 – $400 $300 – $700 $800 – $3,600+
★ 1880-CC 8/High 7 (Top 100) $275 – $500 $500 – $1,500 $2,000 – $10,000 $19,000 – $84,000+
1880-S DMPL $390 – $600 $600 – $1,200 $875 – $3,000 $7,500 – $30,000+

★ = Signature variety (1880-CC 8/High 7). Orange rows = Carson City coins. Values are ranges based on PCGS auction data and Greysheet market pricing; individual coins may vary.

📱 CoinKnow makes it easy to cross-check these values on the go — scan your coin and instantly compare it against current market prices for any 1880 Morgan dollar variety — CoinKnow, a coin identifier and value app.

1880 Morgan Dollar Mintage & Survival Data

Group photograph of 1880 Morgan silver dollars showing all four mint marks — Philadelphia, Carson City, New Orleans, and San Francisco
Mint Mint Mark Business Strike Mintage Survival Notes
Philadelphia None (P) 12,600,000 Most common in circulated grades; gem MS65+ examples are scarcer than mintage suggests due to bag damage
New Orleans O 5,305,000 Typically well-struck but often shows heavy bag marks and muddy luster; gem examples genuinely scarce
San Francisco S 8,900,000 Generally best-struck of all 1880 issues; known for producing high-quality DMPL examples
Carson City CC 591,000 Scarcest by far — fewer than 600,000 struck; strong demand from CC mint specialists and VAM collectors
Total (all mints) ~27,396,000 Philadelphia also struck Proof coins for collectors (mintage not included above)
Composition & Specifications: 90% silver, 10% copper · Weight: 26.73 grams · Diameter: 38.10 mm · Edge: Reeded · Designer: George T. Morgan · Pure silver content: approximately 0.7734 troy ounces per coin

How to Grade Your 1880 Morgan Dollar

Grading determines whether your coin is worth $40 or $40,000. The large, high-relief Morgan dollar design makes wear visible at the earliest stages — here's what to look for at each tier.

1880 Morgan dollar grading strip showing four condition tiers from worn (Good) through gem Mint State side by side
Worn — Good to Fine (G–F)

Heavy Circulation Wear

Liberty's hair strands above the ear and cheekbone are worn smooth and flat. The eagle's breast feathers are barely visible. The date and lettering remain clear. Rim may show slight blending into the field.

$35 – $55 (P) · $130+ (CC)
Circulated — VF to AU (20–58)

Moderate to Light Wear

At VF, most hair strands above Liberty's ear are visible but high points are flat. At AU, only the highest points show slight rubbing — the cheekbone and tops of the curls. Some luster may remain in protected areas.

$40 – $65 (P) · $195+ (CC)
Uncirculated — MS60–63

No Wear, Bag Marks Present

No wear on any high point, but contact marks and bag marks from storage are present. Fields may be hazed or show small nicks. Luster is intact but interrupted by these blemishes. MS61–62 coins often look less attractive than a nice AU-58.

$65 – $110 (P) · $500+ (CC)
Gem — MS65 and Above

Exceptional Surface Quality

Only a few scattered, minor contact marks in secondary areas. The primary focal points — Liberty's cheek, the field before her face, the eagle's breast — must be essentially blemish-free. Full original luster flows in an unbroken cartwheel pattern. MS67+ examples are extremely rare.

$375+ (P) · $5,000+ (CC)
🔬 Pro Tip on Prooflike & DMPL Designations: The San Francisco Mint was especially prolific in producing proof-like (PL) and deep mirror proof-like (DMPL) examples in 1880. DMPL coins are graded the same way as regular strikes — no wear = Mint State — but the mirror fields are an additional premium-generating attribute. PCGS and NGC add the PL or DMPL designation to the numeric grade (e.g., MS63 DMPL) and this designation alone can multiply the coin's value by 5× to 10× over a standard example at the same numeric grade.

🔎 CoinKnow helps you match your coin's surface details against certified reference images from graded examples — a fast way to narrow down your 1880 Morgan dollar's grade tier before consulting a dealer — CoinKnow, a coin identifier and value app.

Where to Sell Your Valuable 1880 Morgan Dollar

The right venue depends on your coin's grade and whether it carries a premium VAM designation. Here's where to get the best result for each type of coin.

🏛️ Heritage Auctions

The top choice for certified, high-grade 1880 Morgan dollars — especially CC mint mark and Top 100 VAM specimens. Heritage's dedicated Morgan dollar specialist auctions attract the deepest pool of motivated buyers. Expect fees of 15–20% on the buyer side. Reserve a minimum of 6–8 weeks for consignment processing.

🛒 eBay

Excellent liquidity for mid-grade and common circulated 1880 Morgan dollars. To gauge your selling price, first look at recently sold listings and completed 1880 Morgan dollar prices to understand what buyers have actually paid — not just asking prices. PCGS- or NGC-certified coins sell at a meaningful premium over raw coins on eBay.

🏪 Local Coin Shop

Best for quick cash without shipping risk. Local dealers typically offer 60–75% of wholesale value for common dates, but may pay closer to retail for desirable CC examples if they have a waiting customer. Call ahead to confirm interest in Morgan dollars before visiting — specialization matters.

💬 Reddit r/CoinSales

A solid peer-to-peer option for lower-value circulated examples. No seller fees, but transactions require established feedback. The Morgan dollar community is large and active on Reddit. Post clear photos under raking light and always state whether the coin is raw or certified. Recommended for coins valued under $500.

💡 Get It Graded First — For Any Coin Worth $200+

PCGS and NGC certification fees typically run $30–$50 for standard service. For any 1880 Morgan dollar that might be a CC mint mark, a Top 100 VAM, or a DMPL example, professional grading almost always pays for itself by adding 20–200% to the sale price. It also provides buyers with confidence, resulting in faster sales and fewer price negotiations. Submit through an authorized PCGS/NGC dealer or directly through their websites.

Frequently Asked Questions — 1880 Morgan Silver Dollar

How much is an 1880 silver dollar worth?
A circulated 1880 Philadelphia Morgan dollar is worth approximately $35–$55. Uncirculated examples range from about $65 to $375 or more in gem condition. Carson City (CC) issues command the strongest premiums — worn examples start around $130 and gem MS65 pieces can exceed $10,000. Top VAM varieties like the 1880-CC 8/High 7 have sold for as much as $84,000 at major auction houses.
What is the most valuable 1880 Morgan dollar variety?
The 1880-CC 8/High 7 (Top 100 Morgan VAM) is among the most valuable regular-strike 1880 Morgan dollars, with one MS67+ example selling for $84,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2019. The 1880-CC with Reverse of 1878 and overdate features is another top contender. Proof 1880 dollars hold a separate record of $204,000 for a PR69CAM sold at Heritage Auctions in January 2024.
What does 'CC' mean on an 1880 silver dollar?
'CC' stands for Carson City, Nevada — home of the historic Carson City Mint. The 1880-CC had a mintage of just 591,000 coins, the lowest of all 1880 Morgan dollar issues. This relative scarcity, combined with the unique overdate and reverse varieties specific to the CC mint, makes 1880-CC coins among the most sought-after Morgan dollars from this year. The CC mint mark appears on the reverse below the wreath.
What is the 1880/79 overdate Morgan dollar?
The 1880/79 overdate occurred when the U.S. Mint punched new 1880 date digits over existing 1879 dies. Remnants of the '7' are visible within the upper portion of the second '8', and traces of the '9' appear inside the '0'. This variety exists across multiple mint marks. In circulated condition it trades for a modest premium; high-grade examples can bring $10,000–$15,000 or more. It is confirmed by PCGS and NGC as a major variety.
How do I find the mint mark on my 1880 silver dollar?
On the 1880 Morgan dollar, the mint mark is located on the reverse side of the coin, just below the ribbon bow at the bottom of the eagle's wreath. Philadelphia-minted coins have no mint mark. Carson City coins bear 'CC', New Orleans coins show 'O', and San Francisco coins display 'S'. Use a 5×–10× loupe to read the mint mark clearly, especially on worn examples where the letters may be faint.
What is the 1880-CC Reverse of 1878 variety?
Many 1880-CC Morgan dollars were struck using reverse dies carried over from 1878. The 1878 reverse features an eagle with a flat or concave breast, a parallel top arrow feather, and eight tail feathers in the original design. The 1879-onward reverse changed to a convex breast and slanted top arrow feather. When the older reverse was used on 1880-CC coins, an overdate often accompanied it, creating multiple collectible sub-varieties documented in the PCGS and CONECA VAM listings.
What is the 1880 Checkmark VAM-11 variety?
The 1880 VAM-11 Checkmark is a popular Hot 50 Morgan VAM. It shows a small checkmark-shaped area of raised metal on the upper-left portion of the second '8' in the date — a remnant of the underlying '7' from an overdate die. The checkmark shape is distinctive under 5× magnification. Circulated examples sell for $60–$120, while gem MS65 pieces can reach $400–$700 based on recent market data.
How many 1880 silver dollars were made?
The four U.S. mints produced a combined total of approximately 27,396,000 Morgan dollars in 1880. Philadelphia struck 12,600,000; San Francisco struck 8,900,000; New Orleans struck 5,305,000; and Carson City struck 591,000. The Carson City issue is the scarcest by a wide margin. Additionally, the Philadelphia Mint struck a limited number of proof examples for collectors, separate from the business-strike totals.
Is my 1880 silver dollar real silver?
Yes. All 1880 Morgan dollars are struck in 90% silver and 10% copper. Each coin weighs 26.73 grams and contains approximately 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver. At any given silver spot price, your coin has intrinsic 'melt value' based on that silver content. With silver trading above $25 per troy ounce historically, even worn 1880 Morgan dollars are worth several times face value for their metal content alone.
Should I clean my 1880 silver dollar before selling?
Never clean your 1880 Morgan dollar. Cleaning destroys the coin's original mint luster and surface texture, permanently reducing its numismatic value — often by 50–80%. Even gentle polishing removes microscopic metal and leaves visible hairlines under magnification. Grading services like PCGS and NGC will note cleaned coins as 'details' grades, severely limiting their resale premium. Sell the coin as-found, and let a professional numismatist assess its true grade.

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