Among the most beloved coins in American numismatic history, Morgan dollars and Peace dollars hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and the holdings of investors alike. Both are large, heavy silver coins with striking designs, and both are commonly found in collections across Upstate South Carolina. At American Gold Buyers, located at 1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607, we buy and sell both types regularly. Whether you are looking to sell coins you have inherited or are seeking to add to your own collection, understanding what distinguishes these two iconic series will serve you well.
The Morgan Dollar
The Morgan dollar was minted from 1878 to 1904, then again briefly in 1921. It was designed by U.S. Mint engraver George T. Morgan, whose “M” initial appears below the eagle’s tail feathers on the reverse. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, modeled in part after Anna Willess Williams, a Philadelphia schoolteacher.
Morgan dollars were struck at several mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Carson City (CC), and Denver (D). The mint mark appears on the reverse, above the “DO” in DOLLAR. Carson City coins from this era are especially popular with collectors because of the romanticism associated with the Nevada silver-mining era.
Each Morgan dollar contains 0.7734 troy ounces of pure silver (.900 fine), giving every coin a meaningful base metal value regardless of its numismatic worth.
The Peace Dollar
The Peace dollar was struck from 1921 to 1928 and again from 1934 to 1935. It was commissioned to celebrate the end of World War I and was designed by sculptor Anthony de Francisci. The obverse depicts a radiant Lady Liberty, modeled after the sculptor’s wife, Teresa. The reverse features a perched eagle with the word “PEACE” below — a departure from the aggressive eagle poses of earlier coinage.
Peace dollars carry the same .900 fine silver composition and 0.7734 troy ounce silver weight as Morgans. They were minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The 1921 Peace dollar, struck in high relief in only its first year, commands a premium over common-date examples.
Key Dates Worth Knowing
Morgan Dollar Key Dates
- 1893-S: One of the rarest and most valuable Morgan dollars
- 1895 Philadelphia: Known only in proof; business strikes were never officially released
- 1889-CC and 1893-CC: Scarce Carson City issues with strong collector demand
- 1901 Philadelphia: Low survivor population in higher grades
Peace Dollar Key Dates
- 1921: First-year high-relief coin; always in demand
- 1928 Philadelphia: Low mintage of only 360,649 coins
- 1934-S and 1935-S: Scarcer San Francisco issues
What Affects Value
For common-date examples in circulated condition, both Morgan and Peace dollars are typically valued close to their silver melt value, which fluctuates daily with the spot price of silver. The real premiums emerge with key dates, scarce mint marks, and coins in high uncirculated grades. A Morgan dollar graded MS-65 by PCGS or NGC can be worth multiples of an identical coin in MS-60. Cleaning — even gentle polishing — significantly reduces a coin’s value in the eyes of collectors and graders, so always present coins as-is.
We Buy and Sell Morgan and Peace Dollars in Greenville
Customers from Greer, Simpsonville, Mauldin, and across the Greenville area regularly bring Morgan and Peace dollars to our shop for evaluation. We purchase individual coins and entire collections. We also carry raw and graded examples for sale, accepting cash, credit, or crypto from buyers.
If you have a Morgan or Peace dollar — or a whole collection of them — and want to know what it is worth, stop by American Gold Buyers at 1178 Woodruff Road, Greenville, SC 29607. You can also reach us at (864) 631-1000. We are happy to take a look and walk you through what your coins may be worth.
